Looking to sharpen your leadership skills in a practical, hands-on way?
The Doerr Institute’s Catalyst Leadership Workshops are designed for both first-time participants and experienced leaders, helping you focus on a single leadership skill while learning alongside your peers.
These free, two-session workshops are easy to fit into your schedule and give you tools you can apply immediately.
What is Catalyst?
Catalyst workshops help you grow your leadership expertise in specific areas through focused, interactive sessions. You’ll practice evidence-based leadership frameworks, receive peer support, and engage in realistic scenarios.
- Focused workshops on a single leadership skill
- Two sessions per semester: 2 hours each, 2 weeks apart
- Skill assessment to identify strengths and growth areas
- Practice frameworks and hands-on scenarios in an interactive environment
- Peer support to share ideas and get feedback
New to Doerr?
Activation is the perfect place to start.
You’ll gain fresh insight into who you are as a leader, define the impact you want to make at Rice, and create a big-picture vision for your growth. This program is only offered once during your time at Rice (with the exception of Student Ambassadors), making it a unique opportunity to invest in yourself early.
Returning to Doerr?
If you’ve already taken other Doerr programs, Activation helps you evaluate where you are now and chart your next steps. It’s especially powerful if you’re currently in a leadership role—you’ll bring real experiences and challenges into your coaching sessions and walk away with strategies you can put into action immediately.
Spring 2026 Workshops
- Conflict Isn't a Dirty Word
- Creating Psychological Safety
- Leverage Your Influence
- Listen. What is really being said?
- Team Foundations
All workshops are in-person.
Spring 2026 Registration is Open!
Spots fill quickly—secure your place now to get first access to the Spring 2026 programs.
Deadline: January 30th
Questions? Contact leadership@rice.edu