Dear Class (Global Leaders!),

I’m excited to welcome you to our course. I know that this will be a great time together. I’m checking in here in the introduction post to say hello and to encourage you all to do the same.

A little about me:

My wife (Dr. Ruby Gonzalez-Rios) and I are relocating to Barbados this Friday, August 27, for about one to 1 1/2 years. She will be starting medical school after serving as a scientist and researcher in cancer and infectious disease for over 20 years. I currently serve as a Senior Organization Development Consultant and Executive Coach at Harvard University and Founder of Peter Rios Consulting. My experiences span working with diverse organizations including businesses, religious institutions, government, higher education and non-profits in the areas of organizational diversity, equity and inclusion; leadership development and innovation.

I have been invited to speak and train leaders, nationally and internationally. In the United States Marines Corps I gained some global leadership experience while stationed in Okinawa Japan and South Korea. I have also taught as an adjunct professor in several institutions teaching undergraduate and graduate students in organizational leadership, religious and cultural studies, and business management. Additionally, I have had the privilege of serving as a vice president at two universities. Prior to academia, I was involved in pastoral ministry for over ten years.

My education includes a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Graduate Schools, a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL) from Regent University School of Business and Leadership, doctoral work from the University of Southern California-Rossier School of Education, and an MA from Northeastern Seminary.

Professionally, I consider myself a consultant, coach and professor. You can learn more about my current work at www.peterriosconsulting.com (feel free to download a free ebook). I love to watch basketball (go Lakers!), read many books on leadership and culture as it relates to diversity (equity and inclusion), business, theology and politics. Hence, my interests are broad and diverse. I will try my best to bring these experiences to this course through our dialogues.

Finally, do not hesitate to reach out to me for anything (seriously!). I am here to serve you. While I have broad experiences and education, I will be the first to admit that I do not know everything and look forward to learning from each of you! This course is wondeful because the topic is so broad and not one person can ever know all things global. Therefore, if we remain humble, respectful to each other and hungry to learn from one another, this should be a memorable experience for us.

The best way to reach me is by email at pzr5260@psu.edu. If you need to talk by phone, setting up an appointment by email will give you a confirmed conversation with me. I usually respond within 24 hours.

Well class, this is it for now. I look forward to our continuous interactions. 🙂

 

Kind regards,

Dr. Rios