BOCA RATON — Mistakes happen, but leaders persevere to lead their employees through the challenging times, Steve Odland, Chairman and CEO of Boca Raton-based Office Depot Inc. told area leaders at a recent Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce (GBRCC) Trustee Luncheon.
In front of more than 80 local business representatives, Odland presented his insights into the economy and the skills and adaptations that strong leaders need to succeed.
Steve Odland, chairman and CEO of Office Depot, Inc. addresses local business leaders at a recent GBRCC Trustee Luncheon
“To have Mr. Odland in our community, a leader who dines with the President of the United States, a leader that has a direct line to other world business leaders such as Jamie Dimon, and a leader that will share his insights, experiences, and the resources of Office Depot with the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce is truly a blessing,” said J.C. Perrin of JPMorgan Chase.
The Trustee Membership Program was founded in 1999 to bring together senior-level executives whose caring and commitment to the community is the foundation for the Chamber’s continued growth. More than 140 businesses are involved in the program, including companies such as Jarden Consumer Solutions, JM Family Enterprises, NCCI Inc., Office Depot Foundation, Town Center at Boca Raton, and Wachovia Corporation.
“It was a special opportunity to hear from the chairman and CEO of our very own Fortune 200 company,” said GBRCC President/CEO Troy M. McLellan. “The Chamber is grateful to have such a strong business and community partner with its global headquarters right here in Boca Raton.”
: From left are Steve Klingel, president and CEO of NCCI Holdings, Inc.; Cheryl Budd, chief communications officer of NCCI Holdings, Inc. and Dr. Peter Gallo of St. Andrew’s School
Odland provided insights into how the global business world is interconnected – from office supplies to the housing market – showing how business affects every part of each community all over the world. One of the keys to surviving the tough times, he said, is to gather the troops, focus on the company’s core values and enhance customer service for each and every encounter.
“Steve Odland’s comments regarding the value of having all employees focused on a common vision and all operating under the same set of organizational values resonated particularly well with me personally and with many others in the room,” said Cheryl Budd, chief communications officer for NCCI Holdings.
“As he noted, tough economic times can create uncertainty on many different levels with employees. Having everyone work toward a common goal and base their actions and decisions on a common foundation of values fosters trust, enhances morale, and ultimately delivers value to customers.”