Steven Odzer

Steven Odzer serves as the CEO of YBT Industries, located in Cedarhurst, New York. With a rich history of over 30 years in the distribution and shipping sector, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership. His approach as a CEO is marked by a commitment to strategic efficiency, active mentorship, nurturing a positive company culture, and a dedication to lifelong learning to maximize both company performance and profitability.

Odzer is also a family man, being a father to seven children and grandfather to nine. This family experience deeply informs his business philosophy, emphasizing patience, compassion, and a focus on community engagement. Notably, he places a high value on providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, advocating for their independence and self-assurance.

Business Strategy

Recognizing the critical role of strategy in business sustainability, he offers insights into the complexities faced by new CEOs. He cautions against trying to tackle all challenges at once, advocating for a more measured approach. His strategic advice encompasses:

• Defining a clear and coherent vision.
• Gaining a thorough understanding of the business's competitive advantage.
• Setting specific production objectives.
• Focusing on straightforward, methodical growth.
• Keeping an eye on the broader strategic picture.
• Ensuring the team remains engaged and satisfied.

He advises new CEOs to act more as conductors of an orchestra, guiding the team effectively rather than getting lost in the minutiae of operations.

Mentoring

Steven Odzer emphasizes mentoring as a crucial component of successful leadership. He advises CEOs to invest ample time in mentoring their teams, embracing the dual role of chief executive and chief mentor. This involves:

• Regular and meaningful mentoring sessions with the executive team.
• Building solid relationships and educating them about the organization's goals.
• Promoting open, two-way communication.
• Recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance.
• Providing forums for idea sharing and problem-solving.
• Conducting well-organized meetings with clear agendas and actionable outcomes.

Developing Company Culture

Odzer highlights the often-overlooked aspect of developing company culture, particularly for new CEOs. He stresses the importance of this responsibility, offering strategies to enhance the company culture, including:

• Celebrating every success as a collective triumph.
• Providing team access to critical sales information and objectives.
• Encouraging innovation and rewarding impactful ideas and actions.
• Upholding diversity and inclusivity as key cultural elements.
• Ensuring open, honest, and consistent communication.

He advocates for CEOs to actively shape the culture of their organization actively, laying the foundation for a thriving and cohesive business environment.

Encouraging Ceaseless Learning

Odzer champions a philosophy of continuous learning for effective leadership. He encourages leaders to admit when they don't have all the answers and to engage their teams in collaborative problem-solving. His approach to knowledge is to nurture it consistently, encouraging the entire team to participate in this culture of learning and mutual support.

For those interested in further insights from Steven Odzer and his advice for emerging CEOs, his website offers a wealth of information. His key message to new leaders is to lean on their teams, foster effective communication, and embrace collective knowledge to navigate leadership challenges.