Last weekend, I had the honor of attending the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar at Arizona State University. As the sole nominee from my high school, this experience was a milestone in my journey towards becoming a more effective and compassionate leader.
About HOBY
Founded in 1958 by the renowned actor Hugh O’Brian, HOBY has become one of the foremost organizations dedicated to youth leadership development. O’Brian was inspired to create HOBY after spending nine transformative days with the esteemed humanitarian and Nobel laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Schweitzer’s philosophy of serving others sparked O’Brian’s vision of nurturing and empowering young leaders.
HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. Over the past six decades, HOBY has grown into a globally recognized program, with over 500,000 alumni who have made significant impacts in their communities and beyond.
The HOBY Experience
The HOBY curriculum focusses on three core areas of leadership: individual leadership, group leadership, and service leadership. Each component of the program provides ambassadors with the tools and inspiration they need to become effective leaders.
Individual Leadership
The first aspect of the curriculum, individual leadership, centers on self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the weekend, we engaged in various activities and workshops that encouraged us to reflect on our values, strengths, and aspirations. One of the most memorable sessions was a keynote speech by Deja Foxx, founder of Gen Z Girl Gang, who shared her journey of overcoming challenges and embracing her unique qualities to make a difference. This session underscored the importance of authenticity and resilience in leadership.
Group Leadership
The second pillar, group leadership, emphasized collaboration and team dynamics. We participated in interactive team-building exercises (duct tape challenge anyone?) that highlighted the significance of effective communication, trust, and empathy. We focused on solving complex problems as a group, which taught us how to leverage each team member’s strengths and perspectives to achieve common goals. These experiences were invaluable in understanding how to lead and work within a team setting.
One of the keynote speakers in this part of the program was Ashley Rowe, the founder of New Leaf Co. in Canada, who spoke about working out your ‘why’ to have the motivation to reach your greatest potential. Her focus on finding your fire through entrepreneurship really resonated with me and was very affirming.
Four other interesting and dynamic speakers presented during the group leadership session – Lennon Audrian, Kim Baldwin, Joey Palomarez (shout-out to The Spaghetti Shack), and Joey Hamilton. The speakers brought so much diverse experience and perspective and were a highlight for me.
Service Leadership
The final component, service leadership, focused on the impact of leadership on communities and the importance of giving back. During the seminar we worked together on a service project to support a local charity, Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW). We put together summer heat relief kits for unhoused individuals from items we donated, inspiring us to think about how we can continue to contribute to our communities going forward. This hands-on experience was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we lead with a heart for service.
We also talked about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a collection of 17 interconnected global objectives designed to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. The SDGs are important because they provide a universal blueprint for addressing the most pressing global challenges, ensuring that no one is left behind. We discussed using the SDGs as a framework for putting together our own future service projects.
Reflecting on My HOBY Journey
Attending HOBY Arizona at ASU was more than just a seminar; it was a transformative experience that has left a lasting impact on me. The connections I made with fellow ambassadors, the insights I gained from the speakers, and the skills I developed through the workshops have all contributed to shaping me into a more confident and committed leader.
One of the surprisingly great aspects that I hadn’t anticipated was connecting with so many new people that are nothing like me. This brought into focus the idea that if we don’t push ourselves out into the world and out of our comfort zones, we get stuck in the same feedback loop. Growth only happens when the stimulus and the feedback changes.
HOBY was an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and service. It has instilled in me the belief that leadership is not just about achieving personal success but about making a positive difference in the lives of others. It reaffirmed my commitment to leadership and my desire to inspire others to lead with integrity and compassion.
I encourage all young aspiring leaders to seek out opportunities like HOBY to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact on the world. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and look forward to applying what I have learned to serve my school and community better.
Read about my Columbia University summer entrepreneurship program last year here.