In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Pomerantz, PhD, who serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on the Doerr Institute for New Leaders’ Research Team. Aaron explores the true ROI of leader development and shares compelling insights on how investing in leadership impacts an organization’s retention, culture, and overall success. We also dive into the critical role of measurement in leader development—why it matters and how it ensures programs deliver meaningful outcomes.

Whether you’re a leader, coach, or organizational strategist, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss!

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!

• 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.
• Coming Soon! Download our Leader Development Log

In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Nico, a Rice Business senior who has taken on leadership roles across the Rice campus since he arrived here four years ago. As a Lead Ambassador at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, President of Rice Consulting, Head Peer Academic Advisor at Baker College, and Consulting Head of the Rice Business Society, Nico brings a unique perspective on leadership and balancing multiple responsibilities.

Tune in as Nico shares insights from his journey, including how he’s navigated these varied roles, his approach to effective consulting, and the lessons he’s learned as a mentor to his peers.

This episode is a must-listen for every Rice Business student! Nico shares his top tips on making the most of your time at Rice and the Business School. From balancing multiple responsibilities to building meaningful connections and maximizing the resources around you, Nico’s story offers invaluable advice for any student aiming to make a lasting impact.

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!

• 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.
• Coming Soon! Download our Leader Development Log

Ever wondered what it takes to make Rice University's Orientation Week, or O-Week, such an unforgettable experience? In this episode, we sit down with two amazing O-Week Coordinators: Tinde from Brown College and Alessa from Baker College. They give us an inside look at what it's like to lead this essential tradition, sharing their journey from applicants to leaders.

Tune in to hear Tinde and Alessa's favorite parts of O-Week, advice for first-year students on starting their Rice journey, and tips on how to get involved in leadership on campus.

They also break down the interview process for becoming an O-Week Coordinator and share what makes the role so rewarding. Whether you’re curious about student leadership or just love O-Week, this episode is for you!

Listen now to get inspired and learn how to make the most of Rice’s unique leadership opportunities.

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!

• 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.
• Coming Soon! Download our Leader Development Log