Steve Odland Quotes

Powerful Steve Odland for Daily Growth

About Steve Odland

Stephen R. Odland is an accomplished American business executive, author, and philanthropist. Born in 1958, he grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where his interest in business was nurtured by his family's small manufacturing company. Odland pursued an undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Michigan before attending Harvard Business School, where he earned his MBA. His professional journey began at Procter & Gamble, where he spent 15 years rising through the ranks and honing his leadership skills. In 2000, Odland was appointed CEO of OfficeMax, leading the company through a period of transformation that included acquisitions and a merger with OfficeDepot in 2013. His tenure at OfficeMax was marked by a focus on employee development, customer service, and corporate citizenship. In addition to his business accomplishments, Odland is also known for his authorial work. His first book, "The Workplace of the Future: Building Great Cultures for Tomorrow's Organizations," published in 2017, explores the changing nature of work and the importance of building strong company cultures. In it, he shares insights gleaned from his extensive career and offers practical advice for leaders navigating the modern business landscape. Today, Odland serves as the President and CEO of The Conference Board, a global, independent business membership and research association working in the public interest. He is also a sought-after speaker and thought leader on topics such as leadership, corporate governance, and business trends. His life's work reflects a deep commitment to the betterment of businesses, communities, and individuals worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."

This quote suggests that true leadership is not just about personal power or short-term success, but about positively influencing and empowering those around us. Effective leaders leave a lasting impact, improving the skills, knowledge, and mindset of their team long after they are gone. In essence, great leaders are catalysts for growth and development, ensuring that their presence not only benefits the group in the moment but also sets them up for success in the future.


"The best way to predict the future is to create it."

This quote by Steve Odland emphasizes the importance of proactive action in shaping one's future. Instead of passively waiting for events to unfold, the message encourages individuals to take control of their lives and actively work towards creating the desired outcomes. By making intentional decisions today, we can shape the course of our tomorrow. Essentially, the quote is a call to action, urging us to seize opportunities, innovate, and build the future we want.


"The most important thing a leader can do is to create other leaders."

Steve Odland's quote emphasizes that an effective leader should not only focus on their own leadership but also invest time and effort in cultivating new leaders. This implies a strategic approach whereby the leader empowers, mentors, and develops potential leaders within their team or organization. By creating other leaders, the original leader ensures the long-term success and sustainability of the organization, as well as promoting growth and development within the team. This quote is insightful in highlighting that effective leadership involves nurturing future leaders and sharing responsibilities to create a more collaborative and productive environment.


"Leadership is a choice, not a position."

This quote emphasizes that leadership is not solely about holding a formal title or position, but it's an active choice to influence, guide, and inspire others towards a common goal. It suggests that anyone, regardless of their official role, can choose to lead by demonstrating qualities like courage, empathy, integrity, and vision. Therefore, leadership is a mindset and an action, not just a title.


"To build a lasting business, you need three things: a compelling vision, a great team, and the ability to execute."

This quote emphasizes the importance of three essential elements for creating a resilient and successful business: 1. A Compelling Vision: A clear, inspiring, and ambitious goal that guides decision-making, motivates the team, and helps create a sense of purpose. The vision should be unique and resonate with the organization's values and mission. 2. A Great Team: Recruiting talented individuals who share the same passion for the company's vision is crucial. Building a strong team that collaborates effectively, fosters innovation, and can adapt to change will contribute significantly to a business's long-term success. 3. The Ability to Execute: Translating ideas into actionable plans, managing resources efficiently, and delivering results are all essential for a lasting business. Effective execution ensures that the company stays competitive, meets its objectives, and ultimately achieves sustainable growth.


You have more independent eyes scrutinizing the decision-making and financial statements of companies.

- Steve Odland

Independent, More, Companies, Decision-Making

There's been a sea change in our focus on corporate ethics. We've made more progress in the last three years than the previous 30.

- Steve Odland

Been, Last, Previous, Ethics

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