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

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ryan P. Brown, the Managing Director for Measurement at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, to explore why measuring leader development programs is essential for meaningful impact. Dr. Brown shares the Doerr Institute’s unique approach to assessment, offering tips on how to apply these techniques to gauge the success of your own programs.

In this episode we dive into:

• Why measurement matters in leader development and how it drives genuine growth.
• How the Doerr Institute measures impact and adapts based on the data.
• Steps to take if a program isn’t working—and how to turn this discovery into a positive pivot.
• Using measurement to amplify your program’s effectiveness and deepen its influence.
• “Data Parties” as celebrations of your team’s courage to analyze and improve your initiatives.

Whether you’re an educator, program coordinator, or leader, this episode is packed with practical advice on making your programs more effective and creating a culture of continuous improvement. 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!

• 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 welcome Leadership Coach Elizabeth De La Pena Veeser, who shares her insights on understanding and navigating conflict in our personal and professional lives. Elizabeth discusses the nature of conflict, exploring what it really is and why it often gets a bad rap. She provides valuable strategies for approaching conflict constructively, emphasizing how we can transform challenging interactions into opportunities for growth and positive change.

Whether you’re dealing with everyday disagreements or seeking to enhance your conflict resolution skills, this episode is packed with practical tips and perspectives to help you engage in more positive and productive interactions. Tune in to learn how to embrace conflict as a pathway to deeper understanding and stronger relationships!

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’re joined by Doerr Institute Coach Stephanie Taylor to explore the powerful skill of resilience. Stephanie breaks down what resilience truly is—and what it isn’t. She shares practical strategies for building resilience in your everyday life and explains how anyone can develop it, no matter where you’re starting.

But it’s not all sunshine and perseverance—Stephanie also dives into the lesser-known “dark side” of resilience and how pushing too hard can sometimes backfire.

If you’re looking to strengthen your mental toughness and navigate life’s challenges with more ease, this episode is for you!

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 Andrew, President of Lovett College, to dive into what’s on the horizon for this year at Rice University. Andrew shares exciting upcoming events and opportunities, plus how students can get involved in campus life. He also gives us an inside look into what it’s like to be a student leader at Rice—offering tips on balancing leadership responsibilities with academics and personal life. Whether you're a new student or a seasoned Owl, Andrew’s insights will help you navigate campus and make the most of your time at Rice.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, involvement, and thriving at Rice!

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, Rice University O-Week Coordinator Arryana gives us an exclusive look into the planning and execution of Rice University's O-Week. She explains the vital role O-Week Coordinators play, how she stepped into this leadership position, and what it takes to make O-Week a success.

Arryana also shares valuable advice for new students on how to get involved and make the most of their time at Rice.

This episode is a MUST for new students at Rice who want to get involved and for all aspiring O-Week Coordinators!

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