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

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.
June 12, 2023

2022-23 Saunders Faculty and Staff Go Above and Beyond

Saunders College of Business recognizes the accomplishments of its outstanding employees throughout the 2022-23 academic year.
February 21, 2023

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.

January 10, 2025

McGowan and House featured on WXXI’s Connections
October 21, 2022

McGowan leads dissertation discussion

More News