Molly McGowan Headshot

Molly McGowan

Co-Director Executive Education, Internal Engagement

Saunders Executive Education
Saunders College of Business
mmcgowan@saunders.rit.edu
585-475-6180
Office Location
LOW-2315

Molly McGowan

Co-Director Executive Education, Internal Engagement

Saunders Executive Education
Saunders College of Business

Education

MPA SUNY Brockport, Ph.D. Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University

Bio

Molly McGowan has spent the past 25 years studying, practicing, and teaching best practices in leadership.  She is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Management Department at the Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology specializing in leadership & team development, managerial skills, human resource management, personal leadership development, and business planning. Molly also currently serves as the Co-director for EMBA and Executive Education Programs at Saunders. She previously served as the founding Director of the Leadership Academy @ Saunders and is the founder of the Step Forward Leadership Program for high potential women leaders at RIT.  Molly has a strong passion and unique talent for coaching individuals to develop and achieve their leadership potential.  She has also coached numerous executive teams to develop strong, collaborative relationships and achieve organizational goals.

Molly earned her PhD in Organizational Psychology and her research is focused on soft skills and emotional intelligence for high performance in the workplace.  She is a DISC and Franklin Covey certified trainer and has developed award winning leadership programs for all levels of organizations – from frontline employees, to emerging leaders and middle managers, to high level executives.  She has delivered training and coaching for hundreds of individuals both domestically and internationally. 

Last, Molly has also been active in her community by previously serving on the Board of Trustees for Aquinas Institute, and as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop, as well as currently serving as an alumna of Leadership Rochester, and volunteering as the youth group leader at Community Christian Church.

mmcgowan@saunders.rit.edu
585-475-6180

Currently Teaching

MGMT-101
Business 1: Introduction to Business Communication, Planning & Analysis
3 Credits
This is the first of a two-course sequence, 4 credit year long experience, comprising the freshman-integrated experience. In Business 1, students will be introduced to the key functional areas of business, discuss current factors, events, and trends that impact business, build professional, personal leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, and evaluate business decisions, and the business plan process. By understanding the key functions of business and analyzing business decisions in Business 1, students will be able to then develop their own business ideas in Business 2.
MGMT-215
Organizational Behavior
3 Credits
As an introductory course in managing and leading organizations, this course provides an overview of human behavior in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level with an emphasis on enhancing organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, work teams, motivation, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and organizational change.
MGMT-800
Leadership Development I
1 Credits
This course builds on the assessment activities that are part of course MGMT-806. Each student participates in a 360-degree leadership assessment process. Based on this formal review, personal development plans are created and serve as dynamic documentation of individual professional progress. Students arrange individual counseling sessions with a leadership coach. Students then take action on the feedback received in order to develop self awareness.
MGMT-801
Leadership Development II
1 Credits
This course is a continuation of MGMT-800. Leadership Development II requires student to explore and expand their potential as leaders. Through self and peer assessment, one-on-one coaching, career counseling, and written assignments, students develop leadership goals and create a plan to realize those goals. Students arrange individual counseling sessions with a leadership coach.
MGMT-810
Leadership
2 Credits
This course focuses on the role of the general manager as a leader in an organization. The course addresses analytical and behavioral strategies and techniques for leadership by examining problem-solving models, personal values, and communications. The emphasis is on the interpersonal skills needs to express different leadership styles and behaviors. Cases, exercises, and class discussions will be used to examine and explore opportunities for managers to become more effective as leaders in modern organizations.

In the News

  • January 26, 2024

    college students seated at individual desks working on their laptops.

    Business college’s building upgrades bolster innovation

    Saunders College of Business students receive a unique education integrating business with technology and design thinking. The renovation of existing classrooms and the expansion of Max Lowenthal Hall to nearly double the business college’s size will help to drive creativity and innovation among the next generation of business leaders.

  • February 21, 2023

    view of a stage with panelists from the back of an auditorium.

    Saunders College women’s leadership events draw hundreds to RIT campus

    Saunders College of Business drew hundreds of attendees to the RIT campus Feb. 17 and 18 for the college’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Weekend, hosting the 13th annual Power Your Potential Women’s Conference and 3rd annual Women’s Leadership Summit on consecutive days for the first time ever.

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