Jeff Bailey’s leadership priorities are not what one might expect for the executive of a technology company. He doesn’t mention technology or the bottom line.
“The most important attributes of successful leaders in today’s workplace are listening and learning, empathy and compassion,” he said. “ORTEC has an open-door culture where listening to our employees is valued, encouraged and practiced. Employees are seen as the lifeblood of what we do and who we are, which ensures ORTEC flourishes every day.”
ORTEC provides logistics solutions to Fortune 500 companies around the world, helping many of the best-run organizations optimize their business decisions. The company offers solutions ranging from business analysis and data analytics to mathematical modeling and optimization technology. ORTEC has more than 1,100 employees across 13 countries.
Bailey said his greatest accomplishment in the last year was seeing ORTEC USA named an Inspiring Workplace, placing sixth among the Top 50 finalists in North America and third in the medium business category. The company was judged by some of the top thought leaders and professionals in the field of employee experience and well-being, HR, future of work, diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Our goal is to help employees feel comfortable, included, and engaged,” the company said. “ORTEC continues to welcome individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and talents through their recruitment methods and diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. This diversity creates a unique and thriving workplace environment. It has shown to improve our overall perspective on employee and customer relationships, solution approaches and an improved bottom line.”
ORTEC has implemented a DE&I support group focusing on monthly topics shared by invitation to all employees, for them to participate in and learn more through different formats. “We continue to give our employees the room to be innovative to nurture a sense of pride within each individual and the work they contribute to the company,” the company said.
Bailey values mentorship and wants to help spur development of the next generation of business leaders. He speaks often to local organizations and schools. recently presenting on ORTEC and its success at The Savannah College of Arts and Design.
“In the last year, the greatest leadership lesson I have learned is how to continue to scale the organization while taking the large growth we are experiencing while maintaining the unique culture that is so central to ORTEC,” Bailey said. “I ensure each new position created is perfectly aligned with the company’s growth strategy. I have learned the importance of taking a step back and assessing an employee’s strengths and goals and adjusting their position accordingly, which affects the skills and experience needed for the next new employee to be successful.”
