Strengthening Leadership Muscles
By Matt Morgan
Using a “high-intensity interval training” approach, Hooria Jazaieri of the business school will teach tangible leadership exercises to admitted students during her Preview Week mock class on April 6.
Many young people believe they can lead only once they reach a certain level in an organization. That in order to be a leader, first, you have to be the boss.
Assistant Professor Hooria Jazaieri says this is a common mistake in young people and, frankly, a missed opportunity. Anybody can be a leader, Jazaieri says—even a high school student. They just need to know how to do it.
In her Preview Week mock class, “How You Can Become an Exemplary Leader Today” the assistant professor from the Leavey School of Business puts her theory into practice. More than just an orientation session, Jazaieri will help admitted students from the Class of 2026 recognize ways that they can build their leadership skills right now, as high school seniors.
The event will be hosted virtually on Bronco Exchange on April 6 and is part of Preview Week festivities, which culminate with the in-person Preview Day on April 9.
“Instead of waiting on the sidelines for our number to be called, leadership is about having the courage to step into the game and do our small part to improve the world,” Jazaieri says.
The mock class will only be 30 minutes, but Jazaieri hopes to give students lessons they can take with them. Comparing the session to high-intensity interval training people do in the gym, Jazaieri will give students tangible ideas and exercises for improving themselves as leaders.
“Leadership is a skill, not a trait,” Jazaieri says. “Through our actions, we can strengthen our leadership muscles.”
Admitted students are encouraged to sign up for virtual events throughout Preview Week and to register for the in-person event on April 9. Other virtual events include:
- Ciocca Center Overview and Live Student Pitches, April 5 at 3 p.m.
- Intro to Engineering, April 7 at 4 p.m. (led by Shoba Krishnan)
- Engineers Without Borders Presentation & Student Panel Q&A, April 7 at 6 p.m.
- Gender and the Law in the U.S., April 8 at 4 p.m. (led by Sharmila Lodhia)
To register for Santa Clara’s in-person event, visit the Preview Day website.