Life in YPOLA
Members of YPOLA tend to have similar opinions of the Chapter experience; through it, they have built life long friendships, not only for themselves but for their spouses and children as well.
Being one of the largest chapters in the organization, YPOLA has the advantage of being able to produce more unique educational experiences as well as special events. This allows us to share the only in YPO experiences on a regular basis such as hosting a comedy show on the stage of the Tonight Show, training with the LAPD officers at Davis Center or getting a behind the scenes tour of the beautiful Las Vegas Venetian Hotel.
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YPOLA on the Tonight Show stage |
We realize that the demanding schedules of the members don’t allow for much free time for themselves, let alone for family, so we take the opportunity to get the spouses, and even children, of members involved as often as possible. We have at least 2 family events a year and all regular meetings include spouses. We make sure that YPO events always offer a good return on investment.
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Howard Lutnick, CEO of Kanter Fitzgerald, speaking to YPOLA about his experience getting his company through the 9/11 tragedy. |
Education Events
YPOLA hosts educational and social programs that provide practical information and relevant insights that will enhance their business operations and enrich their lives professionally and personally. These events are typically held nine times a year in the late afternoon or early evening. Guest speakers are prominent leaders in their field, and the focus of the meetings vary substantially from personal development, marriage and children, to sports, government, law, music, politics, technology and science. Event venues are often locations that would otherwise be very difficult for individuals to access, and we frequently receive personalized behind-the-scenes tours.
YPO members can avail themselves of a wide variety of executive education programs including YPO-only Presidents Seminars at Harvard Business School, London Business School and Stanford Business School. In addition, there are numerous highly targeted seminars and industry specific roundtable meetings to learn more about the best practices of others in your industry.
Forum
Every member is encouraged to join a Forum group comprised of 10 to 12 members. Most members say their Forum experience is the most insightful and meaningful aspect of their YPO experience. Forums reflect the core of YPO - a safe haven where young leaders faced with similar personal and professional challenges gather to share experiences and consult each other in absolute confidence. Forum members help each other navigate through business and life.
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YPOLA couples doing yoga on a private beach at the Montage |
Couples’ Weekend
One weekend a year, couples are invited to a "weekend getaway" - sumptuous dinners, unique, private visits to local attractions, powerful presentations, sporting activities and elegant accommodations combine to create a deeply meaningful, enriching and memorable experience. This is a hit with all couples that attend and allows everyone involved to build stronger bonds for business and friendship.
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Special Events
Every year, YPOLA presents unusual - and often spectacular - special events. Among our most memorable events: we have spent the night on an active aircraft carrier at sea (and flown in jet fighters), had a private meeting with the president during a visit to the White House and Congress, toured the NORAD defense facility in Colorado, spent the night at the Arco Production facilities in Prudhoe Bay (on Alaska’s north slope), toured the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), toured Prince William Sound by helicopter to see the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and attended numerous workshops on breakthroughs in business performance.
Family Time
Above all, YPOLA is a very personal experience, enriching the lives of every member, their spouses and families. Regular day and weekend events are held which are dedicated to family activities. For example, we have spent an afternoon playing baseball with members of the L.A. Dodgers and soccer on the field of the Home Depot center where the LA Galaxy play, met with a NASA Space Shuttle Astronaut at the Griffith Observatory and have received exclusive tours of Disneyland and Universal Studios and even “spent the night with the dinosaurs” at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum.
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YPOLA kids getting trapeze lessons YPOLA kids spending the night at the Museum of Natural History |
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YPOLA kids on the field of the Home Depot Center, home of the LA Galaxy soccer team |
International Activities
Members in YPOLA are also entitled to take advantage of extensive offerings of enriching experiential learning in exciting and often exotic settings around the world. YPO Universities encourage members and their spouses, guests or families travel to some of the world's most fascinating locations to participate in YPO programs. World political leaders, noted academicians and leading authorities in business, the arts and personal development provide on-site educational experiences that immerse members in local, regional and international business, economics and culture.
We Expect Participation
We assume members will attend Chapter activities on a consistent basis even though such participation is voluntary. The YPOLA experience begins with attending events and connecting with others but it doesn't stop there. YPO is a member run organization. Members that get the most out of YPO, not coincidentally, are the members that contribute their time and talent to YPO. Members have numerous opportunities to engage with other members in a variety of capacities that match their strength and interests. Getting involved in the Chapter allows for the relationships members build to flourish and become life-long.