This spring, students across three Bauer Leaders Academy cohorts—the International Student cohort, the Danforth Scholars cohort, and the Taylor Stars cohort—gathered for a semester of coaching, workshops, and meaningful reflection centered around one theme: how to lead with purpose.
Though each cohort brought different lived experiences and perspectives, common threads emerged: leadership as influence, not position; action rooted in emotional intelligence; and the ability to adapt based on the needs of a team or situation.
“Leadership is service. A great leader replicates themselves in others.”
For international students, the program provided not only vocabulary and theory to better understand U.S. work culture, but a space to reflect on how their unique experiences inform their leadership styles. One student shared how the program gave them “a lot to think about” when it comes to evolving their leadership approach to make a greater impact.
The Danforth Scholars explored leadership through the lens of the common good, emphasizing strengths-based leadership and emotional intelligence. Many said the program helped them recognize that leadership happens in moments of listening, not just speaking. It reminded them that “leadership is action, not position.”
The Taylor Stars cohort highlighted the importance of leading by example, especially in peer-based settings. One participant shared, “Being a leader doesn’t mean telling others what to do—it means hearing others and fostering inclusivity.”
Workshops and coaching sessions across all cohorts were described as:
- Empowering
- Insightful
- Transformative
- “The best thing that happened to me. This felt like therapy.”
Students walked away with tools to lead more intentionally—whether in the classroom, on campus, or in future careers.
Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a mindset.