Leading Owls Podcast
The Leading Owls podcast, brought to you by Rice University's Doerr Institute for New Leaders, showcases Rice student, faculty and staff leaders along with leader development professionals and coaches. Each week, we bring you inspiring stories and practical tips from successful student leaders across the Rice campus. Learn about student leadership at Rice University, get tips from current leaders that will help you on your journey, and discover how you can make a real impact on your campus and community. You will hear from presidents, club leaders, social entrepreneurs, and other changemakers on what it takes to be a student leader. Don't miss out on unlocking your full potential as a student leader. Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast today for your weekly dose of motivation and leadership insights. New episodes drop every Tuesday!
Episodes
49 episodes
How to Get Involved at Rice as a New Student | Ellie’s Advice
On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we’re joined by Ellie, a first-year student at Rice University who wasted no time diving into leadership, entrepreneurship, and campus life.Ellie shares how her passion for leade...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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24:27
Leading From Day One: A First Year’s Journey at Rice
On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Maria, a first-year student at Rice University and New Student Representative (NSR) for Lovett College in the Student Association. Maria shares what motivated her to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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17:48
From Historic Youth Advocate to Emerging Rice Leader: Saran Shares Her Story PART II
In Part 2 of this powerful episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we continue our discussion with Saran, a first-year student at Rice whose leadership journey began long before she arrived on campus. At just 16, Saran became the first Mongolian A...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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19:34
From Historic Youth Advocate to Emerging Rice Leader: Saran Shares Her Story PART I
In Part 1 of this powerful episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Saran, a first-year student at Rice whose leadership journey began long before she arrived on campus. At just 16, Saran became the first Mongolian...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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21:32
Building Better Leaders: Behind the Scenes with the Doerr Institute
On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we’re joined by Gary Garrett, Program Manager at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University.Gary has been part of the Doerr team since its early days, helping shape and de...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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20:02
“I Wanted to Give Back What O-Week Gave Me”: Eman on Leadership at Rice
On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Eman, a 2025 O-Week Coordinator for Baker College, who has worn many hats as a student leader at Rice. From being an O-Week Advisor, PAA, and Room Assignment Coordinator to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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15:15
The New Science of Momentum: Sparking Motivation and Momentum Through Leadership with Dr. Bernie Banks
On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Bernie Banks, Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, and co-author of the new book The New Science of Moment...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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26:57
From New Student to O-Week Leader: Aislinn on Getting Involved at Rice
On this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Aislinn, a standout student leader and one of this year’s O-Week Coordinators for Wiess College. From her first year on New Student Council to joining 11 IM sports teams (yes—eleven!), ...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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14:46
Behind the Scenes of O-Week at Jones College at Rice University
In this episode of Leading Owls, we go behind the scenes with Rachel, one of the 2025 O-Week Coordinators for Jones College, whose leadership is shaped by creativity and a deep love for all things Rice. From her time as a Floor Rep and...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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22:33
Empowering New Owls: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at O-Week Planning
In this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Princess, the 2025 O-Week Coordinator for Brown College at Rice University. From her journey as a freshman rep to leading one of the most exciting and pivotal weeks of the year, Princes...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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22:43
Planning O-Week and Building Belonging at Sid Rich College and Rice
In this episode of Leading Owls, we’re joined by Audrey, one of Sid Richardson College’s 2025 O-Week Coordinators and a student leader whose fingerprints are all over campus life at Rice. From serving as Sid Rich Secretary, Vice Presid...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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14:07
O-Week with Intention: An International Student’s Perspective
In this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Arturo, one of the 2025 O-Week Coordinators, whose leadership is fueled by curiosity, cultural insight, and a passion for building community. As an international student deeply involved...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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18:56
Leading with Heart: Yazmine’s Journey from First-Year Rep to O-Week Coordinator
On this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Yazmine, a powerhouse student leader at McMurtry College and one of this year’s O-Week Coordinators. From her first steps as a First-Year Representative to serving as External Vice Pres...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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18:41
Behind the Magic of Rice University O-Week with Nimah
🎙️ Welcome back to the Leading Owls Podcast! Today, we’re sitting down with an incredible student leader, Nimah, the 2025 Hanszen O-Week Coordinator and incoming Executive Vice President of Rice Program Council. Nimah is involved in so m...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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25:45
Tradition Meets Vision: Kaitlyn on Leading at Duncan and Beyond
In this episode of Leading Owls, we’re joined by Kaitlyn, a standout student leader from Duncan College who wears many hats on campus—including 2025 O-Week Coordinator, Doerr Institute Student Ambassador, Culture & Inclusion Commit...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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17:26
From O-Week to Prime Minister: Behind the Scenes of a McMurtry Leader
Today, we’re diving into the world of student leadership with Carlos, a standout leader at McMurtry College. Carlos has taken on major leadership roles, serving as the 2025 McMurtry O-Week Coordinator, McMurtry Prime Minister, Socials and Cultu...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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13:29
Growing as a Leader at Rice University: Inside the Doerr Institute for New Leaders
Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Taylor, Associate Director of Leader Development at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders. Stephanie plays a key role in shaping the leader development experience at Rice University—overseeing the hiring and train...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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12:36
What It Takes to Lead a College at Rice University: Lynn-Chi’s Story
Today, we’re sitting down with Lynn-Chi, President of Baker College, to get an inside look at what it takes to lead one of Rice’s residential colleges. From stepping into leadership for the first time to managing campus-wide initiatives, Lynn-C...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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23:22
The Sound of Leadership: How Doctor of Musical Arts Student Molly Incorporates Leadership into her Graduate Journey
Welcome back to the Leading Owls Podcast, where we spotlight the stories of student leaders making an impact at Rice University!Today, we’re joined by Molly, a Doctor of Musical Arts student at the Shepherd School of Music, where she pla...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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17:31
Leading with Impact: Hong Lin on Leadership, Creativity & Leaving a Legacy at Rice
Today, we have a truly inspiring guest—Hong Lin, a student leader whose involvement at Rice spans across Brown College, student government, campus organizations, creative projects, and more. From serving as Associates Coordinator at Brown Colle...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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18:54
Creating Change on Campus: Lindsey’s Leadership Experience
On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we’re joined by Lindsey, a dedicated student leader whose impact at Rice speaks for itself. From serving as Will Rice College Senator to leading as Director of the Students with Disabilities Commissi...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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10:24
The Science of Resilience with Rice University's Dr. Danielle King
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 WorKin...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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24:44
From Owl Access to Beer Bike: How America Keeps Rice Traditions Strong
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 lead...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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17:38
From Student-Athlete to Transformational Leader: Tim Harrison and EPOG Academy
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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33:01
Behind the Scenes of Leadership at Rice: Jennie’s Journey
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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18:34