Description

Episode 1: Century of Serving – Why Alpha Phi Omega Still Matters

1. Opening Hook + Summary

Welcome 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 inaugural episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Disraeli Smith, the 28th National President of Alpha Phi Omega and a brother from the Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida A&M University.

Alpha Phi Omega has been around for over a century—but why does APO matter right now?

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How brotherhood in APO goes beyond college—and into weddings, careers, and lifelong friendship
• Why leadership in APO is an “experimental learning ground” where you’re allowed to fail
• The difference between loving your chapter and engaging with the national fraternity

2. What We Cover in This Episode

• The moment APO becomes “more than meetings and service hours”
• Brotherhood that lasts beyond graduation
• Why leadership means you won’t always get it right the first time
• The power of learning through failure
• Bridging the gap between chapter identity and national engagement
• How conferences, conventions, and President’s Academy create momentum
• Three practical leadership actions you can take back to your chapter this week

3. Memorable Quotes

“Chapters are an experimental learning ground for you to figure out how to lead people.”

“You’re not going to get it right the first time.”

“If the national organization does not understand what you need to be successful, then we can’t deliver it.”

4. About Our Guest

Disraeli Smith was initiated into the Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida A&M University in 2007. As an undergraduate, he served in multiple chapter leadership roles and chaired the 2010 National Convention in Atlanta. After years of regional and national service, he was elected the 28th National President of Alpha Phi Omega at the Centennial Convention in Philadelphia. His leadership journey reflects what APO does best: developing leaders through service, connection, and real-world experience.

5. Practical Take-Aways

1. Ask yourself, who can I support this week?
2. Take five minutes at your next service project to reflect, not just report hours.
3. What's been the most meaningful part of APO for you so far?

6. Chapter Discussion Prompt

Bring this to your next meeting:

If Alpha Phi Omega disappeared from your campus tomorrow, what would be missing?

And more importantly — what are you doing to make sure that impact is unmistakable?

7. Get Involved

Idea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGA

Submit to the APO Sound Bytes segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/

Share this episode with your chapter group chat

Thanks for listening to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a brother who’s leading in your chapter right now.