172. Bob London, FASAE, CAE, ED of Alpha Phi Omega, on Leadership Through Service, Capital Campaign Success, and Practicing Foresight

What does it take for a 100-year-old, campus-based organization to stay relevant in a world of virtual chapters, AI search tools, and shrinking higher education enrollments?And in an era of time poverty, information overload, and eroding trust, how can associations help young leaders not only serve—but truly thrive?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bob London, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director of Alpha Phi Omega (APO). Bob discusses:How APO develops leadership skills through service on nearly 300 campuses, measuring long-term success by how alumni improve their communities after graduation.Why APO focuses exclusively on leadership, fellowship, and service, and how its partnership model with universities differentiates it from other campus organizations.How APO has endured for 100 years by attracting students who are committed to improving their communities, regardless of political or cultural turbulence.The bold decision to remove “campus-based” from APO’s vision statement, and what that means for the future of the organization.Why time is APO’s biggest barrier to membership, and how the organization helps students manage “time poverty.”How Bob fosters a culture of calendar control and focused work within his staff, encouraging everyone yo protect their “golden hours.”APO’s successful $6.5 million capital campaign, combining cash and planned giving to secure the next 100 years while keeping student membership costs to just $85 for a lifetime.Why foresight thinking is now embedded in APO’s board culture, and how scenario exercises and agenda restructuring have shifted the board’s focus toward long-term plausible futures.The signals Bob is watching closely: disruption in higher education and the explosion of information overload.References:APO WebsiteMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/quiet-flightLicense code: KJRRI6GHC7WKCLDT