Olimkhon E.’s Post

The year was 2020, Covid-19 was causing havoc in everyone's lives, toilet paper was being rationed and nobody knew what the future would hold. To add on to the already tidal wave of a year, I got married, moved back to Iowa, my wife and I bought our 1st home and I joined Amazon to launch DSM5 all within 3 months. To say it has been a whirlwind of an adventure is an understatement. I left my prior employer to be closer to home to see friends and family and have a better work/life balance. What I wasn't expecting were all the changes that a would come with working for Amazon. The biggest change for me was learning how to fail. Amazon wants you to fail. Yes that's right, Amazon WANTS you to fail. Just dont fail the same thing twice. Want to try an untested idea??? Do it, learn from it, make changes to improve. Change is constant here and we wouldn't have change without cracking some eggs. I have grown professionally and personally thanks to everyone I have worked with here. And if it wasn't for some of my managers such as Adam Lawson, I am not sure I would be the leader, mentor, or bar raiser I am today. Its not an easy job. You cant just "coast". You have to grind each and every day. But that work culture drives some pretty cool experiences. Such as "Spaghettiland" where during one of our Peak seasons Liz Ambacher and I found a way to process an extra 1.2 million pieces of inventory each week in our inbound department to meet our customer promises. After 4 years working in Inbound as a Stow AM then Dock AM, and finally getting my L6 Operations Manager, I am now transitioning over to our CAP department to learn more about the Fulfillment Center process. I'm excited to see where I can push my new team and department to be better than ever! #cheersto4years #amaversary #HireandDeveloptheBest #Frugality #Ownership #InventandSimplify #LearnandbeCurious #AreRightaLot #InsistontheHighestStandards #ThinkBig #BiasforAction #EarnTrust #DiveDeep #HaveBackboneDisagreeandCommit #DeliverResults #StrivetobeEarthsBestEmployer #CustomerObsession #Amazonian #BarRaiser

My 10-Year Journey at Amazon: From Sales Tax Associate to Operations Manager. Reflecting on a decade at Amazon, I can genuinely say it feels like just yesterday that I walked through those doors as a sales tax associate. The journey has been filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable experiences, all encapsulated by Amazon's ever-present "Day 1" mentality. When I first joined Amazon, I was excited but also a bit overwhelmed. During those early days, I learned the significance of attention to detail and the power of data. Every decision was backed by metrics, and I quickly understood that in a company like Amazon, every role contributes to a larger mission. This foundational knowledge was invaluable as I moved up the ranks. As I gained experience, I sought out opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge. I collaborated with various teams, engaged in cross-functional projects, and embraced every chance to learn. The culture of innovation at Amazon encouraged me to think creatively and challenge the status quo. My transition from an associate to a managerial role was both thrilling and daunting. Leading a team of talented individuals required not just operational expertise but also a shift in mindset. I learned the importance of empathy, communication, and fostering an environment where my team felt empowered to share ideas and take risks. Today, as a leader, I strive to embody the principles that guided me in my early days. I prioritize building a culture of collaboration and transparency, where everyone feels valued. My experiences have taught me that leadership is not just about directing others; it's about inspiring and enabling them to reach their full potential. I often remind my team of Amazon's commitment to customer obsession. This principle drives our decisions and ensures that we are always aligned with our customers' needs. By keeping this focus, we can innovate and adapt in an ever-changing marketplace. In conclusion, my journey at Amazon has been a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment and I pledge to give back to the society and help others. Giving back to society is not just an act of kindness; it’s an essential part of being human. By helping others, we enrich our own lives and contribute to a more compassionate world. Whether through volunteering, advocating, providing opportunity, mentoring or simply being there for someone in need, the impact of our efforts can be profound and far-reaching. #Amazon #10years #workanniversary #learning #growth #opportunity #day1

Per the Fortune article linked below, like Southwest Airlines, Amazon is another company that is experiencing challenges surrounding its culture, which has been one of the foundational elements of its success. One of the elements that differentiated both companies from their peers was that they didn’t only clearly articulate their cultural imperatives, they made them come alive by embedding them in everything they do. Like the article puts it, “Any Amazon employee can recite most of them by heart (those who can’t won’t last very long).” For anyone who has spent time on the inside at Amazon (me included), they know that Amazonians can recite these principles not because they make an effort at memorizing them, but because they are so pervasive and they are used so frequently that you can’t help but know them. At least that’s how it used to be. This just highlights how challenging it is to preserve a differentiated culture through leadership transitions. That’s one of the points I make in my book Blueprint for Customer Obsession - “companies must be intentional about succession if a Customer Obsessed culture is to survive and thrive past the tenure of its progenitor” Successors have to be equally as committed to the culture as the progenitor, especially in times as challenging as these. I’m not making any judgment about the commitment of the successors at these companies. I imagine that they were chosen because that commitment was unquestioned. Yet, the aftermath of the pandemic has produced some challenges that would stress even the most versatile cultures. There might be some hiccups along the way, but I think ultimately Amazon and Southwest Airlines will be alright. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/ef4G6Cht #cx #customerexperience #customerobsessed #customerobsession #ex #employeeobsession #customerservice #consumerinsights #amazon #starbucks

Another incredible Amazonian spotlight: Reflecting on my journey at Amazon, I owe a debt of gratitude to David Knollman. His mentorship during my onboarding was instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of those critical first six months. Honestly, I would have quit if it weren’t for David seeing me struggle and stepping in to help me learn. Not only did he impart valuable knowledge and insights, but he also has a remarkable ability to inject humor and levity into even the toughest situations. David's selflessness is often undervalued— Time and time again, he stepped in to fill gaps, offer support, and guide me over countless obstacles. Whether it was lending an empathetic ear, sharing his expertise, or simply leading by example, David consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and integrity. Those days when Ops were allowed in the trailer yard, David would often come outside with me for a breather, and he helped me see the big picture and the reason we were doing what we were doing. What sets David apart is his commitment to doing the right thing, regardless of personal gain. His actions exemplify the values that define Amazon's culture – customer obsession, innovation, and operational excellence. I am grateful for his mentorship, friendship, and unwavering support, which have been pivotal in shaping my journey and keeping me motivated to push through challenges. David's impact extends far beyond our professional interactions; he embodies the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork that makes Amazon a truly exceptional place to work. From wearing wigs to keep Peak light, to being a sounding board for myself, his peers, and associates, Amazon is dang lucky to have him. And how fun that we’re both in Process Engineering now! #WorkHardHAVEFUNMakeHistory #MentorshipMatters #FunatWork

After two incredible and unforgettable years at Amazon (or maybe even four, given the intensity!), it's time for me to move on to new and exciting opportunities. My journey at Amazon has been filled with invaluable experiences and lessons that I'll carry with me forever. Here are some key takeaways I learned from brilliant Amazonians and challenging projects: 1. Every decision, innovation, and challenge was approached with the customer's needs at the forefront. Understanding what it means to deliver true value has become my favorite principle. 2. I learned that making quick, informed decisions and being willing to take risks is crucial, as long as it remains a two-way door decision. Speed and agility are essential for making an impact, and this principle has been a pivotal lesson in my career at Amazon. 3. Curiosity became my compass, guiding me to explore new territories and stay ahead of industry trends. This relentless pursuit of learning has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey at Amazon. 4. Innovation and simplicity go hand in hand. From the most brilliant Amazonians, I learned to always look for ways to innovate and simplify. This mindset of continuous improvement is something I’ll carry forward in all my future endeavors. 5. Building and maintaining trust is fundamental, whether with colleagues, customers, or stakeholders. Trust is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, and it’s a lesson I’ll never forget. To conclude, thank you, Amazon, for being customer-obsessive and for giving me chance to be part of this incredible journey. I look forward to staying connected with the incredible people I’ve met along the way and to seeing what the future holds.

I recently completed my 4-year tenure at Amazon, with a short break in between, and found myself reflecting on what makes Amazon a great place to work. When I first joined, I was excited but overwhelmed. The scale and complexity of the company left me wondering: Would I be able to succeed here? Early in my journey, I caused a COE (Correction of Error). It was humbling and daunting, but it also became a pivotal moment in my growth. At Amazon, mistakes aren’t seen as failures. Instead, I was encouraged to take ownership, identify the root cause, and implement corrective actions. This experience taught me that success isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about how you respond to them. Over the past four years, I’ve grown immensely, both professionally and personally. The culture of ownership and continuous learning has shaped who I am today. That COE wasn’t my last mistake, and it won’t be the last. But with every challenge, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what it means to take accountability, embrace learning, and keep improving. Reflecting on my journey, I truly believe Amazon’s emphasis on ownership, diving deep, continuous growth, and its supportive culture are what make it an exceptional place to work. #Ownership #LearningAndGrowing #AmazonJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #SuccessAndFailure

It’s been a month since I joined Amazon and my experience so far has been nothing short of remarkable. What you see in this picture encapsulates the essence of Amazon’s ethos: It’s Always Day One! This principle can be interpreted in many ways, but to me, it means approaching each day with the enthusiasm and energy of the first day on the job. As Jeff Bezos aptly put it, the Internet is so vast that even today, a significant portion of its potential remains untapped. “Day 2 is stasis. Followed by irrelevance. Followed by excruciating, painful decline. Followed by by death. And that is why it is always Day One.” Two key lessons I’ve embraced are Amazon's Customer Obsession and the Day One culture. The best part about working at Amazon is the incredible sense of synchronization among all employees. Truly embodying the spirit of a global company, I collaborate with colleagues from three different continents, yet the processes and principles remain seamlessly consistent. I am truly awed by how such a diverse group of people can sustain the same values and principles with such integrity. Many large corporations today struggle to keep their values and principles alive in practice. At Amazon, our Leadership Principles are not just words; they are ingrained in everything we do. #LifeAtAmazon #DayOne #CustomerObsession #LeadershipPrinciples #InsideAmazon #Amazon #BusinessAnalystics #LancasterUniversity #MSBA #Forecasting #CapacityPlanning

Change is inevitable, as they say. Reflecting on my journey over the past 3 years with Amazon, I've grown from a delivery worker to a dispatcher, then a Delivery team shift supervisor, Safety team member, and finally a Pick Process Assistant overseeing up to 4 floors and up to 100+ associates. It's been a challenging yet rewarding experience that has taught me a lot about myself. Throughout this journey, one thing remains clear - my unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of my team. It's non-negotiable, and I stand firm on that principle. As I look back, I realize that this chapter has guided me towards a new direction, one that Amazon does not align with. Change can be daunting, but staying in a place where you don't belong is even more painful. Embracing change is key to personal and professional growth. It's been a ride!! #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalJourney #CommitmentToSafety

Last month marked my last day at Amazon after 8 amazing years. It's bittersweet to move on. I'm ready to take some time off before searching out my next opportunity, but it's also strange to walk away from a company that has been such a large part of my life for so long. Back in 2016 Amazon was by no means a small company, but compared to today it was about a quarter of the size. It was incredible to be part of such a dynamic and rapidly growing workplace, especially one with such a distinct culture. Since then, I’ve been lucky to share in Amazon’s growth journey with my own career, taking me from a graduate analyst to the finance lead of a subsidiary, and then allowing me to transition into the world of product management. Neither Amazon’s nor my own successes would have been possible without the inspiring people I’ve met along the way. As I leave this chapter behind, I'd like to reflect on a couple of the most important learnings I've had, shamelessly borrowing from Jeff Bezos' annual letters: "𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬." Once upon a time I thought success meant taking on any challenge, no matter how unwieldy. You quickly learn that a big part of being successful is correctly assessing what's feasible and owning it. Over-promising and under delivering doesn’t just derail projects in the short term, it has far reaching impact on trust and morale in teams. "𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠." During my career at Amazon, I've always valued having the time to explore in parallel to delivering on our core objectives. Striking this balance isn't easy, but if every week becomes a sprint from point A to B, you’re likely to miss something important along the way. "𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 - 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧." The best thing I can say about Amazon is that it let me be myself. It shields people from the pressure to be “normal” and in doing so repurposes that energy into letting people innovate. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey. Please stay connected and I’m sure our paths will cross again! #StayConnected #GoodBye #AmazonJourney

Amazon Shareholder Letter Series – Part 2: The 1998 Letter 📈 I’m diving deeper into Amazon's iconic shareholder letters, and the 1998 letter is packed with timeless lessons on growth, resilience, and customer obsession. Here are some standout insights that continue to shape business strategy: 🔹 Customer-Centricity at Its Core: Amazon aimed to be the most customer-centric company in the world—a bold statement back then. Jeff Bezos reminded his team to "wake up terrified" of losing customer loyalty, reinforcing that customer trust is earned daily. 🔹 The Power of Innovation and Experimentation:   1998 saw Amazon expand beyond books to music, video, and international markets (U.K. and Germany), all while experimenting with features like 1-Click and personalized recommendations. The message? Innovate relentlessly and embrace the unknown. 🔹 Sustainable Infrastructure for Scalable Growth: Amazon heavily invested in infrastructure, from new distribution centers to expanding teams, enabling them to serve millions without physical stores. Strategic growth and operational excellence were foundational to supporting Amazon's ambitious vision. 🔹 A Unique Hiring Philosophy: "Will you admire this person?" was one of the three questions Amazon asked in hiring. Bezos sought individuals who raised the bar and added unique value, building a passionate team driven by purpose. 🔹 Embracing Risk for Long-Term Vision: The letter also reminded shareholders of Amazon’s commitment to long-term thinking, even when it meant deferring immediate profitability. Bezos believed that investing boldly was less risky than missing out on opportunities to lead the future of e-commerce. If you’re passionate about leadership, customer-first culture, and innovation, the 1998 letter is an inspiring read with lessons that remain relevant. #AmazonShareholderLetter #Leadership #CustomerExperience #Innovation #GrowthMindset #LongTermThinking #BusinessStrategy #Amazon #JeffBezos #EcommerceInsights