Steven Odzer serves as the CEO of YBT Industries, headquartered in Cedarhurst, New York. With a career spanning over three decades in distribution and shipping, his expertise has been pivotal in the industry. In his role as CEO, his approach is characterized by strategic efficiency, active mentorship, cultivation of a strong company culture, and a commitment to lifelong learning to enhance both company performance and profitability.

 

Odzer is also a devoted father of seven and a grandfather to nine. His deep understanding of patience and compassion is a cornerstone of his professional ethos. This family-driven perspective is a critical influence in his approach to business, especially in his dedication to community service and his commitment to employing individuals with disabilities, fostering their independence and self-confidence.

 

Business Strategy

 

He emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted business strategy, particularly for new CEOs facing the challenge of leading a team for the first time. He advises against trying to achieve too much too quickly, stressing the importance of clear priorities and aligning resources with objectives. His strategic advice includes:

 

• Defining a clear vision

• Gaining a thorough understanding of your competitive edge

• Setting precise production goals

• Focusing on straightforward, systematic growth

• Always keeping the bigger picture in mind

• Ensuring team engagement and satisfaction

 

He encourages new CEOs to view their role as akin to a symphony conductor, focusing on guiding their team rather than being directly involved in every operational detail.

 

Mentoring

 

In his view, effective mentoring is a critical component of successful leadership for any CEO. Steven Odzer advises new CEOs to dedicate significant time to mentoring their teams, embodying the role of a chief mentor. This involves:

 

• Conducting regular mentoring sessions with the executive team

• Building solid relationships and educating them on company goals

• Encouraging open, two-way communication

• Recognizing and rewarding excellent performance

• Allowing team members to share ideas and concerns

• Holding productive meetings with clear agendas and actionable outcomes

 

Developing Company Culture

 

Odzer notes that new CEOs often overlook the importance of developing company culture amidst their myriad responsibilities. He argues that nurturing company culture is not only a privilege but a fundamental responsibility of a CEO. His recommendations for fostering a strong company culture include:

 

• Celebrating every achievement as a collective victory

• Ensuring team access to critical sales data and goals

• Rewarding innovation and strong ideas

• Upholding diversity and inclusivity

• Maintaining open, honest, and regular communication

 

He believes that CEOs have a unique opportunity to shape the culture of their company, setting the stage for the type of organization they aspire to lead.

 

Encouraging Ceaseless Learning

 

For Odzer, effective leadership is synonymous with an unending pursuit of knowledge. He encourages leaders to embrace humility and curiosity, acknowledging what they don't know and seeking input from their teams. His philosophy is that knowledge should be nurtured continuously, akin to caring for a rare plant. This approach to learning should permeate the entire team, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to collective knowledge and success.

 

For more insights from Steven Odzer and his advice for new CEOs, visiting his website is recommended. His guiding principle for new CEOs is to engage with their teams, communicate effectively, and embrace the collective wisdom of the group to overcome challenges.