Herman’s advice for students was simple: “Get involved. Get involved in anything and everything,” Herman said. “Be in student government, be in organizations, be present and be alive.” | Pablo Milanese / The Cougar.
A packed crowd gathered to listen to head football coach Tom Herman speak about “Lessons in Leadership” at the third installment of the C.T. Bauer College of Business’ Inspiring Minds series Wednesday at Stubblefield Auditorium.
The series, which started last year, brings successful individuals from various fields to campus to engage and motivate the Cougar community.
“The Inspiring Minds series connects academia with industry and the broader Houston community by highlighting leaders who have unique and empowering stories to share,” Bauer Program Manager for Student Engagement Sarayu Sundar said.
Previously, Inspiring Minds has hosted two Bauer alumni, David Williams and Aylwin Lewis. Williams is the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America and Lewis is the Potbelly Sandwich Works chairman, president and CEO.
“Tom Herman has had many unique experiences that transcend any particular field or industry and make him relatable and engaging to a broad audience,” Sundar said.
After Williams and Lewis talked at Inspiring Minds, the Dean’s office decided to venture outside the business world and selected Herman.
“There has been no one who has done more to push the needle of leadership at UH than Herman,“ Bauer Dean Latha Ramchand said. “From winning a Peach Bowl Championship to energizing students and the Houston community with the H-Town Takeover, Herman has helped UH earn the respect it deserves.”
During the event, Herman was charismatic and thoughtful as Ramchand asked him questions about his philosophies on leadership.
“In order to be successful, to win at an elite level, you’ve got to have that competitive fire that drives you, you’ve got to be a great teammate and function for the greater good,” Herman said. “Whatever you’re willing to pay and sacrifice is what you’re going to achieve.”
Herman drew laughter from the audience as he described the humble start of his career as a coach.
“I knew I wanted to be a Division I coach, so I started sending shoes to college coaches with a note that read ‘Just trying to get my foot in the door,'” Herman said. “I got my start as a graduate assistant at Texas Lutheran University and after a few stops, spent a three-year sentence at Iowa State University.”
Ramchand asked Herman to share his advice with students.
“Get involved. Get involved in anything and everything,” Herman said. “Be in student government, be in organizations, be present and be alive.”
After the interview, Ramchand presented Herman with a golden whistle to use in the upcoming season.
Management information systems junior Arfeen Razakazi said he found Herman’s advice insightful and walked away impressed.
“He inspired me to work hard every day, not to give up and keep on pushing no matter what,” Razakazi said.
