An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
We are starting a new interview series about the world of entrepreneurship beyond the classroom — a realm where theory meets grit, and education meets real-world challenges. We want to hear about critical business wisdom that often goes unspoken in academic settings. I had the honor of interviewing Odette Peralta.
Odette Peralta is a seasoned marketing expert with over seven years of industry experience, specializing in crafting irresistible content and dynamic marketing strategies tailored specifically for bars and restaurants. Her New Media degree from Molloy University, coupled with her Certification in Technology Entrepreneurship from HarvardX, has provided her with a robust foundation to lead The Social Savvy, a digital marketing agency dedicated to elevating the dining and hospitality sector. Odette’s passion for culinary artistry and her recognition as one of the Top 100 Marketers and Influencers globally make her a trusted partner for businesses seeking to thrive in the digital age of gastronomy.
Thanks for being part of this series. Let’s jump in and focus on your early years. Can you share who was your biggest influence when you were young and provide specific examples of what you learned from them that helped shape who you’ve become and how you live your life today?
Thank you for having me! Reflecting on my early years, my biggest influence was undoubtedly my grandmother. She instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and resilience. I vividly remember her tireless dedication to her family and community, which taught me the importance of empathy and service. Her unwavering support and wisdom continue to shape how I approach life and leadership today.
Staying on the topic of influence, who has been your biggest catalyst more recently and what can you share that you’ve learned from them that led you to making changes in your life?
In recent years, my biggest catalyst has been my mentor(s), a seasoned entrepreneur who has guided me through pivotal moments in my career. Their invaluable advice and perspective have challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace change fearlessly. From strategic decision-making to prioritizing self-care, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that have propelled me to make significant changes in both my professional and personal life.
In this interview series, we aim to reveal what seasoned entrepreneurs wish they had known when they were starting out and capture what the textbooks and college professors left out.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, one thing I wish I had known when starting out is the importance of building a strong support network. While textbooks and professors provide valuable theoretical knowledge, the real-world challenges of entrepreneurship require guidance and mentorship from those who have walked the path before. Surrounding yourself with mentors and advisors who can offer practical insights and support can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of business ownership.
Mistakes are invaluable. Can you name one specific mistake that you made early on, and learned the most from, but wish you’d been forewarned about?
One specific mistake I made early on was not prioritizing work-life balance. I was so focused on growing my business that I neglected my own well-being, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. While I learned the importance of self-care and boundaries through this experience, I wish I had been forewarned about the consequences of neglecting my own needs in pursuit of success.
Is there a leadership myth you believed early on that you’ve since debunked through your real-world experience?
A leadership myth I believed early on was that leaders had to have all the answers and always be in control. However, through real-world experience, I’ve learned that true leadership is about empowering others, fostering collaboration, and being open to diverse perspectives. Embracing vulnerability and humility has allowed me to build stronger relationships with my team and achieve better outcomes collectively.
What’s the key operational insight you’ve gained since running your business that was never mentioned in any classroom?
One key operational insight I’ve gained since running my business is the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability. While classroom learning provides a foundation, the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship requires a willingness to pivot and evolve in response to market changes and feedback from customers. Embracing a mindset of experimentation and learning from failures has been essential in driving innovation and growth within my organization.
Did college prepare you for scaling a business? What specifically was missing?
College provided valuable theoretical knowledge, but it didn’t fully prepare me for the complexities of scaling a business. Specifically, I found that practical experience and mentorship were crucial in navigating challenges such as hiring, managing finances, and expanding into new markets. Hands-on learning and real-world mentorship are essential components of preparing entrepreneurs for scaling their businesses successfully.
Any unexpected challenges in team dynamics that your academic experience didn’t prepare you for? How did you handle it?
Unexpected challenges in team dynamics, such as communication breakdowns and conflicting personalities, were aspects of entrepreneurship that my academic experience didn’t fully prepare me for. I learned to address these challenges by fostering a culture of open communication, empathy, and mutual respect within my team. By prioritizing team dynamics and investing in conflict resolution skills, we were able to overcome obstacles and strengthen collaboration.
Have you had to unlearn any widely-accepted business ‘wisdom’ in your journey? What was it and how did it affect your strategy?
One widely-accepted business ‘wisdom’ I had to unlearn was the notion that success requires sacrificing work-life balance. I discovered that prioritizing my well-being not only improves my personal happiness but also enhances my effectiveness as a leader. By modeling a healthy work-life balance for my team, I’ve fostered a culture where employees feel supported and empowered to prioritize their own well-being.
What’s your advice for new entrepreneurs? What are your “5 Things You Won’t Learn in College But Must Know to Succeed in Business”?
My advice for new entrepreneurs:
- Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
- Prioritize building relationships and cultivating a strong support network of mentors and advisors.
- Focus on creating value for your customers and solving their pain points.
- Stay adaptable and be willing to pivot your business strategy based on feedback and market changes.
- Invest in personal development and continuous learning to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
How do you ensure your team not just understands but embodies your business principles? Any techniques you wish you’d known earlier?
To ensure my team embodies our business principles, I lead by example and reinforce our core values through consistent communication and actions. We regularly revisit our mission and values as a team, aligning our goals and behaviors with our overarching vision. Additionally, I encourage open dialogue and feedback, empowering team members to hold each other accountable and uphold our shared principles.
If we were sitting together two years from now, looking back at the past 24 months, what specifically has to happen for you personally and professionally, for you to be happy with your results?
Looking ahead, I aim to achieve both personal and professional growth by continuing to innovate, expand our reach, and make a positive impact in our industry. I envision a future where my team and I have achieved our goals, made meaningful contributions to our community, and fostered a culture of excellence and collaboration within our organization.
Looking back over the last two years, what key accomplishments make you satisfied with your progress?
Key accomplishments over the last two years include significant revenue growth, expansion into new markets, and recognition for our innovative approaches in digital marketing. I’m proud of the milestones we’ve achieved and the positive impact we’ve made on our clients’ businesses.
As someone with significant influence, what’s the one change you’d like to inspire that would benefit the most people?
As someone with significant influence, the one change I’d like to inspire is greater diversity and inclusion in the business world. By advocating for equitable hiring practices, fostering inclusive workplaces, and amplifying underrepresented voices, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
How can our readers keep up with your work?
Readers can keep up with my work by following me on social media @CEOdette or visiting our website at www.thesocial-savvy.com and visiting our website [insert website link]. Thank you for the opportunity to share my insights, and I wish you all continued success in your endeavors!
Thank you so much for joining us! We wish you only success.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience as the Founder and CEO of multiple companies. He launched Choice Recovery, Inc., a healthcare collection agency, while going to The Ohio State University, His team earned national recognition, twice being ranked as the #1 business to work for in Central Ohio. In 2018, Chad launched [re]start, a career development platform connecting thousands of individuals in collections with meaningful employment opportunities, He sold Choice Recovery on his 25th anniversary and in 2023, sold the majority interest in [re]start so he can focus his transition to Built to Lead as an Executive Leadership Coach. Learn more at www.chadsilverstein.com
Odette Peralta Of The Social Savvy On 5 Things They Forgot To Mention In College was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.