Momentum is often described as something leaders hope for — a lucky break, a hot streak or the right timing. But at Rice University’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders, it’s something leaders can build on purpose.
This spring, Doerr Institute director Bernie Banks will show students and professionals exactly how.
As part of the Director’s Cut Catalyst series, Banks will lead Momentum, an in-person module that breaks down one of leadership’s most misunderstood forces and offers a practical framework for turning small wins into sustained progress. Drawing on research and real-world lessons from sports, business, politics and the military, Banks argues that effective leaders don’t wait for momentum to appear. They engineer it.
Banks is also co-author of “The New Science of Momentum: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark,” and the session distills the book’s research into tools participants can use immediately with their teams, organizations and projects.
“Momentum is not a motivation issue,” Banks said. “Generating sustainable positive momentum results from taking tangible actions. Leaders are accountable for routinely creating positive momentum for the things they are intent on influencing.”
In the two-session workshop, participants will learn how to identify and create early wins that spark forward movement, apply a proven model to sustain energy and performance and strategically reignite progress when motivation or results begin to stall.
Rather than focusing on abstract theory, the Catalyst series format emphasizes hands-on application. Attendees leave with clear strategies for fueling team energy, spreading confidence and preventing plateaus before they take hold.
The module’s schedule includes two evening sessions — March 31 and April 14 from 6-8 p.m. — held in person to maximize discussion and collaboration.
Registration is now open, and spots are expected to fill quickly. The deadline to register is March 27.
For those looking to transform early gains into lasting success, the message of the module is direct: Build the spark, fuel the fire and create momentum that lasts.
Questions about the program can be directed to leadership@rice.edu. To register, visit doerr.rice.edu/momentum.