Running Meetings That Don't Suck

1. Opening Hook + SummaryWelcome to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story—the national podcast where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become.In this episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Vidushi Agarwal from the Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of the Pacific to explore one of the most common—and most overlooked—leadership challenges in APO: running effective chapter meetings.In this conversation, you’ll hear:A real leadership moment when a meeting didn’t go as plannedHow reading the room can change the entire outcome of a meetingSimple facilitation tools to balance participation and avoid dominationPractical ways to make meetings more engaging, efficient, and meaningfulIf you’re an active Alpha Phi Omega member navigating chapter leadership, trying to improve meeting culture, or preparing to run your first meeting, this episode offers real-world insight and immediately actionable strategies to lead with intention. 2. What We Cover in This Episode· Why ineffective meetings are a leadership issue, not just poor planning· How to read and respond to the energy of the room· Using structure, games, and discussion formats to increase engagement· Managing dominant voices while including quieter members· Advice for first-time chapter presidents navigating imperfect meetings 3. Memorable Quotes“A bad meeting isn’t a logistics problem. It’s a leadership problem.”“As long as you guys give me the energy… I will do my power to get through this as quickly as possible.”“Your first chapter meeting is probably going to be a disaster… and that’s okay.” 4. About Our GuestVidushi Agarwal is the President of the Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of the Pacific. She joined Alpha Phi Omega a year and a half ago and has since served as Sergeant, Vice President of Fellowship, and now Chapter President. Through her leadership, she has focused on improving engagement, strengthening chapter culture, and creating more intentional and effective chapter meetings. 5. Practical Takeaways1. Write a one-sentence “purpose statement” for the meeting. What specifically needs to happen tonight? Say it at the start.2. Move at least one standing update to a shared doc or email that goes out beforehand. Use that reclaimed time for something that actually requires the room.3. End the meeting with a specific acknowledgment — one person, one thing they did, said out loud in front of the chapter. Watch what it does to the energy in the room. 6. Chapter Discussion PromptBring this question to your next chapter meeting or officer retreat:If every member rated your last chapter meeting from 1 to 10, what would they actually say—and what’s one change that would move that number up? 7. Get InvolvedIdea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGASubmit to the APO Soundbites segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/Share this episode with your chapter group chat or listen together at your next meeting.