Behind the Mascot: How Pierce Ormond's Ohio State Journey Forged his Leadership Style

In the bustling halls of The Ohio State University, where academic rigor meets dynamic student life, Pierce Ormond stands out not only as an accomplished accounting student, but as a testament to how diverse experiences can forge a distinctive and impactful leader. From being the beloved Brutus Buckeye mascot to navigating the challenging curriculum of the Dean's Leadership Academy, Ormond's journey at OSU has been a masterclass in developing a leadership style characterized by directness, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose. 

Ormond's leadership starts with his core values: genuineness, perseverance, loyalty, and directness. These aren't just abstract ideas; they are principles he applies to every part of his life. His passion for sports, like his deep fandom for the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bears, shows his competitive spirit, a relentless drive for excellence, and resilience when things don’t go so well. His competitive nature drives his approach to life’s challenges. 

One of Ormond’s most transformative experiences was serving as Brutus Buckeye—a role he impressively earned as only the fourth freshman in history to do so. This wasn't just a fun mascot gig; it truly became a pivotal moment for his leadership development. Ormond carried the weight of the university's spirit both literally and figuratively—especially with that oversized Brutus head! As he explains, the demanding role taught him the invaluable skill of adaptability. Known for his naturally direct and vocal approach, becoming Brutus forced him to take a step back, quiet his voice, and embrace the role of a learner. Being unable to speak while in costume forced him to hone his ability to lead through presence and action, gaining a deeper understanding of the foundational “building blocks” of a system—an insight that would prove essential in his future roles. 

The impact of his time as Brutus went beyond adaptability. Ormond shared that his main goal while in the suit was to “make their day” for anyone who saw Brutus—especially those who might never have the chance again. This selfless dedication underscores a profound sense of empathy and care for those he serves, a quality he consciously pairs with his results-oriented leadership style. He believes this combination of “clear expectations with genuine support makes for a highly effective and efficient leadership style”. 

Beyond the athletic arena, the Dean's Leadership Academy (DLA) at The Max M. Fisher College of Business played a pivotal role in refining his intellectual and interpersonal leadership skills. Ormond praises the DLA for providing a "classroom experience really unlike any other”, particularly in fostering vulnerability and open-mindedness. He candidly admits to his tendency to have "tunnel vision”, relying heavily on his own intelligence. However, the DLA pushed him to practice open-mindedness and be more open to listening to ideas. This led to a realization about the importance of active listening, which he now identifies as a top quality sought after by employers and a skill that he diligently practices. 

When faced with the pressures of ‘senioritis’ as graduation loomed overhead, Ormond relied on his developed habits and core values to maintain focus. His deep passion for Ohio State, his future, and his intellectual pursuits acted as an internal fire, preventing him from "pressing the fast-forward button" and encouraging him to stay on track till the end. His determination demonstrates remarkable resilience and perseverance in the face of mental fatigue. 

Pierce Ormond's advice for those in a similar ‘liminal space’ of transition is simple, yet profound: "Don't wish it away”. He urges individuals to "take it all one step at a time”, emphasizing that every experience, good or bad, contributes to personal growth. Whether it's struggling through a challenging class, dealing with a difficult professor, or wearing a mascot suit for hours in the hot sun, he views these as opportunities to develop conflict-navigation skills or understand personal preferences for future careers. 

As Ormond prepares to embark on his career beyond Ohio State, he reflects on how his undergraduate journey serves as a powerful illustration of how vastly different experiences can help cultivate the skills of a well-rounded and impactful leader. From the roar of the stadium as Brutus Buckeye to the introspective lessons of the Dean's Leadership Academy, his story serves as a blueprint for how to lead with purpose and embrace every step of your personal leadership journey. 

Pierce Ormond is an accomplished accounting student at Ohio State University with a strong background in leadership and sports. He made history as the fourth freshman ever to be named Brutus Buckeye, becoming the 150th individual to hold the prestigious role. Pierce also served as a member of the Ohio State Spirit/Cheer team. After graduation, he will join Deloitte LLP as a Federal Tax Associate in their Columbus office, with the unique opportunity to work in the Chicago office for two months each year.