I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Todd Custer for six years. He is the CEO of Custer, a company dedicated to creating personalized spaces that not only elevate well-being but also promote innovation and transform the communities we inhabit. They excel in crafting exceptional workplace designs, and it’s clear that their company culture and the well-being of their employees are just as important to Todd as the company’s financial success. This is evidenced by the fact that the average tenure of their employees exceeds ten years.
I recently came across an article in the Harvard Business Review that argued the most significant factor in a business’s value creation is its executive management team and their management processes. I wholeheartedly agree. Moreover, I believe that the CEO plays a crucial role in shaping the qualities of the management team and their processes. At the heart of what makes a CEO exemplary is their view of their role as one of service. Servant leaders, regardless of their position in the organization, do not see their title as a means to gain power, fame, or wealth. Instead, they perceive it as a fundamental duty to serve others, always seeking ways to improve the lives of everyone connected to their organization.
I have had the privilege of working with some remarkable CEOs who embody this principle, and Todd Custer stands out among them. Case in point: over the past year, I have been focusing on developing a leadership consulting group called LeaderWork. We are a collective of individuals who have held significant leadership roles in our long careers and are now looking to pass on our experience to the next generation. As a startup, we were in the early stages of establishing our operations when Todd became aware of our endeavor. Recognizing our needs, he generously donated a complete set of training center furniture to help transform our workspace into one of those “exceptional workplaces” Custer is known for. When I inquired about how we could repay this generous gift, one of his team members simply said, “This is just how Todd rolls.” This gesture not only highlighted Todd’s servant leadership but also demonstrated that he has instilled this value in his team, empowering them to act independently in a manner that reflects the company’s culture. How cool is that?
To Todd and all the team members at Custer, we at LeaderWork are immensely grateful. We pledge to honor your gift and the spirit in which it was given by embodying these values in our work with others.