Self Awareness and the Effective Leader

David Van Kleeck is a Professor in the Practice of Engineering Leadership at Rice University, where he has been a key member of the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL) since August 2014. With a distinguished 34-year career at Shell, he held various roles in process development, manufacturing technical service, and product support across multiple downstream refining and chemical sectors. His extensive experience also includes significant involvement in recruitment efforts at Shell, where he served as a campus interviewer for over fourteen years. In addition to his corporate career, Van Kleeck has a notable military background, retiring as a Brigadier General after 32 years of service in the Army Reserve.Dr. Van Kleeck earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rice University in 1981. His courses focus on personal leadership development, relationship management, and self-awareness for effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technical skills alongside leadership capabilities to foster high-performing teams. Through his work at RCEL, he aims to equip engineering students with the necessary skills to lead effectively in complex environments and drive innovation within their fields.