Steven Odzer is the CEO of YBT Industries in Cedarhurst, New York, bringing over three decades of experience in distribution and shipping. His role as CEO is characterized by a commitment to effective strategy, mentorship, fostering a positive company culture, and a belief in continuous learning to enhance both performance and profitability.
As a dedicated father of 7 and grandfather to 9, his approach is infused with patience and compassion. This family-oriented mindset extends to his business philosophy, emphasizing community contribution and inclusivity in the workforce, particularly for individuals with disabilities, offering them independence and confidence.
Business Strategy
Understanding the necessity of a sound business strategy, Odzer acknowledges the challenges faced by first-time CEOs. He advises against attempting to achieve everything simultaneously, emphasizing clarity in priorities and resource alignment with objectives. His strategic approach includes:
Clear vision articulation
Comprehensive understanding of competitive advantages
Setting specific production targets
Focusing on simple, systematic growth
Maintaining an overarching perspective
Keeping the team engaged and satisfied
He cautions new CEOs against overly immersing themselves in team operations, likening their role to a symphony conductor who guides rather than directly plays.
Mentoring
Odzer views mentoring as a vital component of effective CEO leadership. He suggests CEOs invest significant time in team mentorship, considering themselves chief mentors. This involves:
Regular mentoring sessions with the executive team
Building relationships and providing goal-related education
Two-way communication fostering
Recognition of exceptional performance
Providing a platform for ideas and feedback
Conducting respectful, agenda-driven meetings with actionable outcomes
Developing Company Culture
Odzer highlights the often-overlooked aspect of company culture development by new CEOs. He stresses the importance of this aspect in leadership, offering several strategies to enhance company culture, such as:
Celebrating collective achievements
Ensuring team access to sales data
Rewarding innovation
Upholding inclusivity and diversity
Maintaining transparent communication
He emphasizes the CEO's role in shaping a positive, productive company culture.
Encouraging Ceaseless Learning
He advocates for a continuous learning mindset, which is crucial for CEOs and others aiming for success. He encourages nurturing knowledge and perspectives akin to caring for an exotic plant. This learning ethos should be a team-wide endeavor, promoting collective growth and support.
For further insights from Steven Odzer and advice for new CEOs, visiting his website is recommended. His core message to new CEOs is to embrace their teams, communicate effectively, and not fear gaps in their knowledge, as teamwork is fundamental to overcoming these challenges.