A Deep Dive with Joseph Yang of Boys & Girls Club of Lansing | Mission Control Podcast

Mission Control Podcast: Joseph Yang’s Journey from Club Member to CEO

Contents

• Intro
• Guest Info
• Links
• Summary
• Takeaways
• Quotes
• Episode Breakdown

• Wrap-Up

Intro

Host Paul J. Schmidt speaks with Joseph Yang, the new President & CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing. A former member, tech lover, attorney, and nonprofit leader, Joseph shares how his path shaped his passion for youth services, innovation, and leadership.

Guest Info: Joseph Yang

• Role: CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Lansing
• Background: Club alum, MSU grad, attorney, community leader
• Years with Club: 21+
• Contact: [email protected] | 517-394-0455 | bgclansing.org

Related Links

• Boys and Girls Club of Lansing
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• UnoDeuce Multimedia

Episode Summary

Joseph discusses his upbringing with the Club, his tech background, his transition into law, and his leadership style. Key themes include accessibility, esports, mentorship, and adapting youth programs to meet the needs of modern youth. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching and gardening.

Key Takeaways

• Club membership remains $10 per year, unchanged for over 20 years.
• Mentorship and lifelong learning are vital for leadership growth.
• Innovation (e.g., esports) helps keep programs relevant.
• Maintaining a balance between personal and professional life is essential.

Notable Quotes

“The Club’s mission is to inspire all youth to reach their potential.”

“It’s still $10 a year. It’s been that way for 21 years.”

“I grew up in a computer lab. That love of tech never left.”

“Being a lifelong learner means knowing your gaps and closing them.”

“We meet kids where they are—traditional programs and now esports.”

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Meet Joseph: Club mission and leadership intro
• 03:26 – Tech Roots: Early coding, Sega, MSU degree
• 09:10 – Law Career: Serving the community in court
• 13:05 – Club Journey: Member to CEO, mentors, leadership
• 24:39 – Vision: Expanding access, adding esports
• 29:23 – Life Balance: Coaching and gardening as outlets
• 31:55 – Wrap-Up: Final thoughts and how to connect

Wrap-Up

Connect with Joseph at [email protected] or visit bgclansing.org. Subscribe to the Mission Control Podcast on YouTube or your favorite platform. Share this story and stay tuned for more inspiring journeys.