How to be a Better
Student Leader
a pecha kucha presentation
Jason Shen
Stanford Class of 2008
Executive Director - Gumball Capital

Great leaders rally people to
a better future
Managers plan and coordinate
work to produce results

What Great
Student Leaders Do
1. Proactive & Passionate
2. Focus on Priorities
3. Listen & Learn
4. Delegate Responsibility
5. Set the Example
6. Develop Leaders
7. Enjoy the Process

Proactive & Passionate

‣ Leaders are energetic
‣ Leaders really care
‣ Leaders are action-oriented

Focus on Priorities

‣ Limited time + energy
‣ Focus on what is important!
‣ Set & work towards big goals

Listen & Learn

‣ Empathic listening
‣ Peers + past leaders
‣ Students in the group

Delegate Responsibility

‣ Burn out is bad
‣ People have different talents
‣ Getting buy-in is critical

Set the Example

‣ Leader shapes organization
‣ Your words & actions matter!
‣ Model the way

Develop Leaders

‣ Stretch assignments
‣ Mentoring
‣ Focus on strengths

Enjoy the Process

‣ Learn to laugh at mistakes
‣ Colleagues = Friends
‣ Lighten up and have fun!

Thanks
Jason Shen
jashen@stanford.edu
jasonshen.com