About HOBY
While playing the lead role in “Wyatt Earp”, TV star Hugh O’Brian decided that he wanted to help young people to understand business and entrepreneurship at an early age. So, he founded the Hugh O’Brian Youth Organization, better known as HOBY.
Several Maui Mastermind Members have been key leaders and volunteers, or are on the board of governors, including Patty DeDominic of Santa Barbara.
From his Westlake Village, California office HOBY President and CEO Javier LaFianza also noted that many business owners who have graduated from the Maui Mastermind coaching program have participated in HOBY youth leadership events, such as its Advanced Leadership Academy.
The academy is a five-day practical and experiential program where high school juniors and seniors examine their own leadership capabilities. The curriculum is based on the college text Leadership for a Better World. Students learn to use their abilities to organize and lead a service or social entrepreneurship project to address societal issues and create meaningful change. Participants meet other successful youth who have led service projects and started nonprofits and businesses.
HOBY’s World Leadership Congress brings students together to discover their potential as leaders. Upon completing a leadership seminar, U.S. high school rising juniors have the opportunity to advance to HOBY’s next level of leadership programs.
The congress was first held in 1968. LaFianza said 435,000 young people have gone through HOBY programs in 16 countries with the help of some 4,000 volunteer business owners who provide “an extra level of coaching and support to the youth.”
The HOBY top executive said the young people in HOBY program find “similar minds” when Maui Mastermind graduates volunteer to speak to them.
