YPO members share an international citizenship that bridges nationalities
and cultures. Passports may be required to visit each other’s countries, but
knowledge and ideas travel freely across borders. This global fluency gives
YPO members a significant business and personal edge when navigating and negotiating in an interconnected world.
3. THE WORLD’S
MOST POWERFUL
NETWORK
Connecting to the right people, information and ideas Founded 60 years ago in New York City, YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization),
has always been important. In today’s complex, competitive along with its graduate organization WPO (World Presidents’ Organization), today unites
17,000 members in more than 100 countries.
and interconnected world, it is absolutely essential.
Great business leaders know their networks make the While a great deal has changed since YPO’s founding, certain things have remained the
same: the value of a peer network and trusted mentors, the importance of ongoing
difference. The network that matters most is YPO.
education, and the need for a “safe haven” where any issue can be aired in an
environment of complete confidentiality. Over the past six decades, YPO has maintained
its core commitment to these ideals while embracing change with each successive
generation of young business leaders.
Discover the benefits of belonging to the world’s most powerful network.
4. CONNECTING YOU CLOSE TO
HOME AND AROUND THE GLOBE:
A Powerful Network
Locally and Internationally
A young president named Ray Hickok recognized the universal Universities and much more. These connections are a “I joined YPO in the midst
need to connect with like-minded peers when he pioneered YPO, tremendous asset in any financial climate – and they can be a of a company crisis.
Having a network of peers
the first network for young chief executives. The founding vital lifeline in difficult times. This is especially true of the deeply
allowed me to share the
members who attended the inaugural YPO meeting in 1950 had personal connections made possible through YPO Forums, small
decision-making process
no idea that their organization would span the globe one day, groups that encourage peer exchange in an atmosphere of with neutral and
connecting business leaders from more than 100 countries in a confidentiality and trust. dynamic leaders.”
network of exceptional influence.
Whether you head an entrepreneurial startup, a family-owned Monica De Oriol
business or a multinational company, the YPO network provides Madrid, Spain
Today YPO members connect in all time zones, in every corner of
Years in YPO: 5
the world, through a multitude of channels. More than 300 YPO and the advantage of a powerful connection to 12,000 peers. This
Company: Seguriber SA
WPO chapters form the foundation of the organization, providing network is broadened and deepened by the 5,000 YPO Industry: Investigation and
members with priceless and instant access to their local business graduates who are members of WPO. security services
communities. The chapter experience takes on an added dimension
Close to home and around the world, members share a
when members connect at the regional and international level.
commitment to each other. Imagine the benefit of powering your
The opportunities for global networking are limitless: online discussion company with the best minds and mentors in the business.
boards, industry roundtables, presidents’ seminars, international
YPO connects you to people, information and ideas.
5. FIVE THINGS
TO KNOW ABOUT
NETWORKING
IN YPO
YPO starts at the chapter level, where The M2Mx member exchange is a powerful “YPO is a global network and this allows
1 business leaders in the same city or area form 4 “go-to” network for members seeking advice us to achieve things in a global economy
a close-knit peer network. YPO’s 15 regions and expertise on any topic. – every YPOer who has used a network
create the next level of peer networking by discussion board understands that value.
If you ask a question, you get input from
connecting members from many chapters. YPO leverages the potential of social media
5 technology to connect business leaders, but it
all over the world – and you get it
instantaneously from people who respect
More than 50 Networks bring members is far more than a communication platform;
2 together around shared business, personal membership remains a highly personal
you and are interested in your success.”
and social enterprise interests. In addition, experience valued around the world by Richard van Rensburg
Cape Town, South Africa
online Groups provide a quick and easy young chief executives with a commitment to
Years in YPO: 10
platform for connecting members on any topic. each other.
Company: Newchip Investment Group
Industry: Private equity investments
YPO Forums provide the ultimate
3 one-to-one connection.
www.ypo.org 3
6. CREATING A NEW CREDENTIAL
FOR AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD:
The Power of YPO Global Citizenship
YPO members share an international citizenship that bridges nationalities “YPO provides young business “It is not easy to develop real
and cultures. Passports may be required to visit each other’s countries, but leaders with the opportunity to intimacy, true friendship and
become leaders with a global understanding. Later in life, we
knowledge and ideas travel freely across borders. This global fluency gives
frame of reference that puts begin to wear our protective
YPO members a significant business and personal edge when navigating armor, which shows only the
their own local values and
and negotiating in an interconnected world. culture within the bigger picture ‘correct’ part of us. Our cultural
of global diversity.” road map is already drawn. YPO
While the chapter remains the cornerstone of the YPO experience, members has changed that for me. YPO
have many opportunities to connect beyond the local level: the annual Global Simon Preston has marked my path with friends
Manchester, England
Leadership Summit, conferences in YPO’s 15 regions, business seminars on from other cultures, countries,
Years in YPO: 8
six continents, regional and international Forums, and Global Conference beliefs and traditions.”
Company: iammoving.com
Calls, to name a few. Industry: Online services P. Alex Schmidt
Warsaw, Poland
Every day YPO members are powering their businesses with a global Years in YPO: 10
perspective energized and informed by a remarkable network of peers. This Company: Dom Maklerski
advantage makes it possible to transcend traditional borders and barriers. Industry: Investment banking
YPO is your passport to global citizenship.
7. FIVE THINGS TO
KNOW ABOUT
YPO’S GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Only-in-YPO events bring members International Forums connect YPO YPO Global Conference Calls connect
1 together with world leaders including
3 members from different countries and
5 members in worldwide conversations
Nobel Laureates Nelson Mandela, Lech cultures to share experiences in moderated by leading experts in their fields.
Walesa and U.S. President Barack confidential, small-group settings.
Obama, who participated in a YPO Global
Leadership Conference as a U.S. senator. The annual YPO Global Leadership
4 Summit unites members and
YPO Global Pulse is an exclusive, distinguished leaders around the world
2 one-of-a-kind economic indicator in a dialogue on international issues,
providing insight into current and future challenges and shared solutions.
anticipated business conditions through a
quarterly online survey of YPO’s and
WPO’s 17,000 members.
www.ypo.org 5
8. ESTABLISHING YOUR PERSONAL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
A Safe Haven Called Forum
Young business leaders need somewhere to turn for the insight and “Forum is a tremendous and “Forum provides the single most
perspective only a true peer can provide. In YPO, that place is Forum. powerful tool, a place important experience that is
where you feel encouraged lacking in the upper echelon of
A confidential, small group of members who meet on a regular basis,
to discuss your deepest management: a completely
Forum has been described as the “glue” of YPO. Most members consider confidential exchange from
problems with the
Forum to be their most valued asset. guarantee that members will which you obtain unbiased,
try their best to help you.” caring and insightful knowledge
Every YPO Forum operates on the guiding principles of mutual respect and that you can never get from
confidentiality. Today, there are more than 1,500 Forums around the world Marcelo Bertini De Rezende your in-house management
providing members with a place where they can share openly without São Paulo, Brazil team, board of directors or
Years in YPO: 1 business partners.”
concern that what they discuss will reverberate in their businesses, families
Company: Cinemark Brasil
or communities. Industry: Entertainment Paolo Garzaroli
Nassau, Bahamas
YPO Forum exchanges are sometimes referred to as “five percent Years in YPO: 14
conversations” because they are the rare discussions that business leaders Company: Graycliff Company
are not able to have with associates or family members. The 100 percent Industry: Hospitality
trust that characterizes Forum makes these conversations possible.
YPO’s culture of trust originates in the taproot of Forum.
9. FIVE THINGS TO
KNOW ABOUT
THE POWER OF
YPO FORUM
Chapter Forums provide members with a The facilitation and listening skills developed “My Forum members are my mirrors,
1 safe haven for discussing challenges and 4 through Forum can have a lasting impact on windows and doors. They let me
opportunities with trusted peers. all areas of members’ lives. see my true self, and they lead me
to new opportunities.”
Members seeking a global Forum experience Forums for spouses and partners, couples,
2 have the opportunity to join regional and 5 youth, and young adults allow the whole Bernard Auyang
Years in YPO: 8
international Forums connecting peers from family to benefit from this powerful tool for
Hong Kong, China
many countries in a culturally diverse group. personal exchange and growth.
Company: Computime Group Limited
Industry: Electronics manufacturing
Every YPO Forum is guided by a peer
3 moderator skilled at harnessing the intensity
of deep, personal exchange. YPO members
(and spouses and partners) around the world
are trained as Forum moderators.
www.ypo.org 7
10. STRENGTHENING YOUR FAMILY: FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
Opportunities for Spouses, ABOUT GETTING
Partners, Children and Families INVOLVED AS A
YPO FAMILY
The demands placed on young business leaders often come with long hours, Spouses and partners are encouraged to Parent-child programs deepen the bond
extensive travel and last-minute schedule changes – a lifestyle that can take
1 fully participate in YPO as members of
4 between members and their sons and
time away from the personal relationships that matter most. With an Forums, Networks and Groups, as event daughters through one-on-one time.
understanding that strengthening families is integral to building better chairs and as avid users of the YPO
leaders, YPO offers programs that bring families together. website. Internships with YPO companies around
5 the world provide valuable work
This emphasis is unique among executive leadership organizations. The young adult children of YPO experience for members' teens and
Members’ spouses and partners are often highly active in YPO, participating
2 members are also encouraged young adult children.
in chapter meetings, Forums and other activities. In addition, family events, to participate in YPO through
parent-child programs and youth-only opportunities offer adventure and Forums, youth-only events, the
education for all ages. For young business leaders seeking balance in their YPO-WPO@University program, a
lives, YPO’s family focus is a tremendous advantage. YPO Facebook group and more.
Family events bring parents and their
3 children together for education, adventure
and cultural immersion in some of the
world’s most remarkable places.
The YPO experience is as powerful for families as it is for members.
11. LEADING ABOVE AND BEYOND FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
THE BOTTOM LINE: ABOUT PASSION
AND SOCIAL ACTION
YPO Members Make a Difference
IN YPO
The sphere of influence represented by YPO is immense. Members are making YPO’s nine Social Enterprise Groups, discussion boards, and
1 Networks connect members
4 other online resources encourage
a difference in hundreds of ways: practicing corporate social responsibility in
their companies, serving on boards in their communities, leading change as seeking to make a difference members to use the YPO website as
social entrepreneurs in developing countries, operating family philanthropies through economic development, a tool for collaboration and idea
and more. family philanthropy, public policy, exchange.
peace action and more.
While YPO is not an advocacy organization and does not support social, A growing number of members
political or other causes, members actively promote and share their individual Network-sponsored opportunities 5 are championing YPO events
projects, passions and philanthropic endeavors. This synergy creates a vibrant
2 such as microfinance trips to Africa committed to reducing the
culture of exchange. and sustainable development organization’s carbon footprint.
seminars connect members with
“Collaborating with business leaders Elizabeth Funk leading social entrepreneurs,
around the world in social enterprise San Francisco, California advocates and scholars.
projects has been a huge benefit. Not Years in YPO: 5
only have the contacts and advice been Company: The Dignity
YPO’s Corporate Social
invaluable, but I also find it rewarding
Fund
Industry: Financial
3 Responsibility Award recognizes
to work with other YPO and WPO services/microfinance
members for CSR initiatives in
members in making a difference.”
their companies.
YPO celebrates the commitment of its members to making a difference. www.ypo.org 9
12. BRINGING THE BEST MINDS TOGETHER:
Leadership Among Leaders
YPO members are at the top, but they know that staying there requires “We are all CEOs in our regular “YPO provides an incredible
adaptability and vision. From Rio to Rochester, Shanghai to Mumbai, YPOers are lives. We are all leaders and opportunity to share ideas, gain
have people who look up to us. insights and see different
taking their success in new directions.
But when you come to YPO as a leadership styles in action.”
leader among peers, you
YPO encourages bold leadership by connecting members with new ideas,
become far more innovative and
potential markets and the power of shared experience. From the case studies of Jill Belconis
creative. You also become a
the Harvard Presidents’ Seminar to the intercontinental conversations facilitated better human being.” Chicago, Illinois
by online discussion boards, YPO brings the best minds in the world together. Years in YPO: 12
Toby Malhoutra Company: Shelter Mortgage
Company
YPO members also find valued mentors in each other and in their WPO Bangalore, India
Industry: Real estate finance
Years in YPO: 14
counterparts; there is no finer education than peer exchange among equals. As
Company: Dynamatic
members become involved in the organization – serving as chapter and regional Technologies
officers, Forum moderators, event champions and international board members – Industry: Automotive, aerospace
they also discover the supreme challenge: leading among leaders.
Business leaders look to YPO as the ultimate learning environment.
13. FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
ABOUT YPO’S LEADERSHIP
ENVIRONMENT
YPO Presidents' Seminars at Harvard, the YPO board positions offer an unsurpassed “Growing a business is not easy.
1 London School of Business and other leading
4
5 global leadership opportunity for members. I appreciate the support of my
institutions bring members into the classroom fellow YPO members, some who
WPO, the graduate organization of YPO, are investors in my venture, others
for intensive, post-graduate-level seminars.
5 connects members in a leadership continuum
who are licensees of The 99 and
still others who are cheerleaders.”
CEO Boot Camps provide a rigorous refresher leveraging the organization’s collective
2 course in leadership. wisdom and experience. Naif Al-Mutawa
Safat, Kuwait
Years in YPO: 3
Physically and mentally demanding programs
3 such as the YPO Navy SEALs Challenge put
Company: Teshkeel Media Group
Industry: Publishing, licensing
members to the ultimate test.
www.ypo.org 11
14. CREATING A YOUR CREDENTIAL
POWERING NEW NETWORK:
FOR More Information on WORLD:
For AN INTERCONNECTED
YPO Global Citizenship YPO
Becoming a Member of
YPO connects 17,000 business leaders in more than 100 countries Africa Region Middle East/North Africa Region
around a singular mission: Better Leaders Through Education and 15 chapters 19 chapters
Africa@ypowpo.org MENA@ypowpo.org
Idea Exchange™. The YPO and WPO network is organized into
15 regions serving more than 300 chapters, a structure that Australia/New Zealand Region North Asia Region
encourages personal connections at all levels. If you have questions 12 chapters 9 chapters
AustraliaNZ@ypowpo.org NorthAsia@ypowpo.org
about becoming a member of YPO, please contact the Member
Services Department or the regional management team nearest you: Canada Region South Asia Region
17 chapters 12 chapters
YPO Member Services: Canada@ypowpo.org SouthAsia@ypowpo.org
E-mail
membership@ypowpo.org Europe Region Southeast Asia Region
Phone: 44 chapters 12 chapters
Dallas, Texas: +1.972.587.1500 or +1.972.587.1618 Europe@ypowpo.org SEAsia@ypowpo.org
Delhi, India: +91.11.43052599
Amman, Jordan: +962.7.77304040 Latin America/Caribbean Region
36 chapters
Fax LAC@ypowpo.org
Dallas, Texas: +1.972.587.1611 or +1.972.587.1612
Delhi, India: +91.11.43052601
Amman, Jordan: +1.972.587.1793
15. 3% 3% 4%
14% 10%
27% 29%
37%
48%
25%
35%
36% 29%
WHO ARE THE While most YPO members
are entrepreneurs who run
Scope of Business Type of Members Nature of Business
(YPO and WPO) (YPO and WPO)
MEMBERS OF YPO? international companies in
International 48% Entrepreneurs 37% Service 29%
the sales and service sectors,
National 35% Family Business 36% Sales 29%
YPO members lead companies
Local 14% Professional 27% Manufacturing 25%
of many shapes and sizes. These Managers
Regional 3% Financial 10%
demographics provide a quick
Other 4%
overview of who we are.
Agency 3%
U.S. REGIONS Pacific U.S. Region MEET A FEW OF OUR MEMBERS Brad Duea, President, Napster
47 chapters Nan Guslander, Co-founder, SEM-Fund, which
Chris Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, Wired
Central U.S. Region Pacific@ypowpo.org
promotes entrepreneurism in Senegalese villages
17 chapters Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic
Central@ypowpo.org Southern U.S. Region Committee President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama
15 chapters
East Central U.S. Region Cheryl Bart, Chairman, Shaw of Australia, who Henry McGovern, CEO, AmRest, featured in
Southern@ypowpo.org
17 chapters made history with her daughter as the first Forbes Poland as one of the top four business
EastCentral@ypowpo.org Western U.S. Region mother-daughter team to scale Mount Everest and leaders in the country
30 chapters the “Seven Summits” Wioletta Rosolowska, Board of Directors,
Northeastern U.S. Region Western@ypowpo.org
28 chapters Josh Berman, Co-founder, MySpace; President, Tchibo international coffee company, selected as
Northeastern@ypowpo.org Slingshot Labs one of the Top 25 businesswomen in Germany
by Financial Times Deutschland
Todd Carmichael, President, La ColombeTorrefaction,
world-record holder for hiking solo across Josh Silverman, CEO, Skype
Antarctica to the South Pole Vice President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama
John Donahoe, President and CEO, eBay Scott M. Weber, Director-General, Interpeace
www.ypo.org 13