Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Danielle King, a leading voice in the field of resilience and an associate professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Rice University.

Dr. King is the Principal Investigator of the WorKing Resilience Research Laboratory, where she explores topics like employee resilience, thriving, and workplace dynamics. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in top academic journals and major outlets like Harvard Business Review. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the APA Achievement Award for Early Career Psychologists and an NSF Career Award, Dr. King is shaping the future of resilience research and practice.

In this episode, we’ll dive into her fascinating research journey and unpack the science of resilience—what it is, why it matters, and how we can all build it in our lives. From overcoming adversity to thriving in high-pressure environments, Dr. King’s insights are as practical as they are profound.

Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or leading teams through uncertainty, this conversation will leave you with strategies and inspiration to foster resilience in yourself and others.

Let’s get started!

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

Welcome back to the Leading Owls podcast, where we highlight the incredible student leaders at Rice University who are shaping our campus and communities.

Today, we’re thrilled to have America joining us—a true powerhouse of leadership and service at Rice. America wears many hats: she’s the Owl Access Student Director, helping to ensure access for all students, as the Beer Bike Campus Coordinator, she’s involved in one of Rice’s most beloved traditions. She’s also the Co-President of the Teacher Club, which supports future educators.

In this episode, we’ll dive into what drives America to stay so involved, her favorite moments as a leader on campus, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re a student leader yourself or simply looking for inspiration, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

Today, we’re honored to be joined by Tim Harrison, a Rice alumnus, founder of the Enjoyable Pain of Growth (EPOG) Academy, and a true example of transformational leadership.

Tim’s journey began as a student-athlete, arriving at Rice with dreams of an NBA career. When those aspirations didn’t materialize, he faced a turning point that set him on a path of personal growth and purpose. Through his studies in psychology and involvement with the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Tim discovered his passion for helping others realize their potential.

Since graduating in 2020, Tim has devoted his life to empowering young people. As the founder of EPOG Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to personal development and leadership coaching for high school students, Tim is creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive. His mission is to make personal development as integral to education as math or science, ensuring students build the resilience, self-awareness, and skills needed for a fulfilling life.

In this episode, we’ll explore Tim’s leadership journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and how his time at Rice influenced his vision. He’ll also share insights into the founding of EPOG Academy, the leadership principles that guide him, and advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

For more information on EPOG Academy, visit https://www.epogacademy.org/

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Jennie, a dynamic leader whose involvement on campus spans an impressive range of roles and organizations.

Jennie’s leadership journey at Rice includes serving as a 2025 Co-Student Director, a Vietnamese Student Association Co-Event Coordinator, and a FLI Ambassador—all while balancing past roles like O-Week Coordinator, Baker College Socials Chair, and Vice President of Rice SARCOMERE. She’s also a member of Rice KASAMA, where she expresses her creativity through hip-hop dance, and works as a student employee in the Department of Kinesiology.

In this episode, Jennie takes us through her leadership journey, from creating welcoming spaces for first-year students to embracing her identity as a first-generation, low-income student leader. She’ll share advice for new students, tips for staying organized amidst a busy schedule, and lessons she’s learned about teamwork, resilience, and growth.

Whether you’re looking to get involved on campus or curious about the behind-the-scenes of leadership at Rice, Jennie’s story is sure to inspire and empower. Let’s get started!

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. David C. Kirkpatrick, PhD, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Office of the President and Dr. Margaret F. Sloan, PhD, Director & Professor, School of Strategic Leadership Studies from James Madison University to discuss JMU’s remarkable journey toward achieving the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose.

They share the innovative strategy behind JMU’s leader development programs and offer insights into how these initiatives are shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Whether you’re curious about advancing leadership education or passionate about empowering future changemakers, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Don’t miss it!

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can grow, lead, and make this our best year yet.

Today, we’re honored to be joined by Bernard "Bernie" Banks, Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders and a renowned expert in leadership and organizational change. With a career spanning academia, the military, and global consulting, Bernie has a unique perspective on what it takes to lead with impact. From heading West Point’s Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership to guiding top organizations worldwide, his experience speaks volumes.

In this episode, Bernie dives into the power of accountability and how it can be a game-changer for your success in 2025. We’ll explore how holding yourself and others accountable builds trust, drives growth, and creates high-performing teams. Bernie also shares practical tips for fostering accountability in your personal life, professional work, and leadership journey.

If you’re ready to start the new year strong and take your leadership to the next level, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to make 2025 your year of impact.

Let’s get started!

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

In this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Abram, one of the Duncan College O-Week Coordinators and Chaus Managers to explore his leadership journey at Rice. From planning one of the most memorable weeks of the year to managing a beloved campus spot, he shares the challenges, wins, and lessons learned along the way.

Tune in for insider tips on what it takes to be an O-Week Coordinator, lead on campus, and make a lasting impact at Rice.

🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, teamwork, and community!

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The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

Welcome to our special series, Meet the Classified Campuses, where we spotlight some of the top higher education institutions leading the way in leader development. These remarkable schools have earned the prestigious Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, a recognition of their outstanding commitment to developing future leaders dedicated to serving the public good.

Each of these institutions has gone through a rigorous application process, demonstrating their deep dedication to leader development and public purpose. In this series, we’ll hear from the campuses that were awarded their classification this past summer, exploring their innovative programs and the impact they are having on students.

Today, we are thrilled to sit down with Dr. Matt Bowler, MBA Director, Watson Graduate School and Dr. Josh Taylor, Director, The Hargis Leadership Institute from Oklahoma State University. OSU is at the forefront of leadership education, with groundbreaking programs that are transforming the student experience. In this episode, they’ll share their journey to achieving the Carnegie Classification, the strategies behind their leader development programs, and how they are shaping the leaders of tomorrow through their signature Cowboy Code.

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log