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!
Leading Owls Podcast
Inside Rice Leadership: New Chao College Leader Prasanna on O-Week & Student Life
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In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Prasanna, a first-year student at Rice University, incoming O-Week Coordinator for Chao College, and student leader deeply involved in campus life. Prasanna shares how curiosity—not a rigid plan—has guided his leadership journey, from stepping into roles like Parliamentarian and Floor Representative at Jones College to building community through small, meaningful events. He reflects on balancing structure with fun, leading without having all the answers, and the power of simply reaching out.
From navigating unexpected challenges to learning how to delegate, adapt, and lean on others, Prasanna offers honest insights into what it’s like to lead early on at Rice. He also shares advice for new students feeling overwhelmed: take it one step at a time, stay open to opportunities, and trust that growth will follow.
The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway
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