An entrepreneur based in Miami, Florida, Benny Shabtai founded/co-founded retail businesses for over 35 years, including his most recent Botanika Life. In 1977, Benjamin Shabtai founded his first company, Raymond Wiel USA, a company that specialized in designing and marketing custom watches. While he was still president at Raymond Weil USA, Di Modolo International hired Benny Shabtai as their president and CEO in 2001, where he oversaw the daily aspects of the company that specialized in luxurious, Italian jewelry. His time with Raymond Weil USA ended in 2009, and a few years later in 2011, he was an investor and advisor for Viber. In 2018, Mr. Shabtai co-founded Botanika Life, a clean luxury, lifestyle, and wellness brand. As CEO, he oversees the company that creates natural, plant-based skincare and wellness products infused with organically grown CBD. Many of the brand’s products are sold in popular retail stores, spas, and resorts like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Aman, MGM, and Bellagio. Outside of overseeing Di Modolo International and Botanika Life, he has contributed to the community through a donation that helped establish the Shabtai Jewish Global Membership Society at Yale University. Today, his donation was integral to purchasing a mansion in New Haven, Connecticut.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
There is no such thing as a typical day for me. I’m grateful that at this stage in my life and career, with so many different ventures at various stages of development, each day brings new responsibilities and challenges. That’s why routine is so important. No matter what, I make sure I start the day in the same way. First is breathing exercises, followed by my own system of stretching and yoga, and then prayer. I have started each day in this way for decades. If I had to choose between leaving the house without shoes or without doing my morning routine, I’d rather go barefoot. My mornings keep me grounded and clear-headed, which makes the rest of the day more productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas are everywhere; people are what really matter. I’ve been extremely fortunate over the years to assemble an incredible team and develop a network of people I trust, believe in, and invest in again and again. When it comes to bringing ideas to life, my first and most valuable skill is identifying the people who can make it happen and believing in them. The other skill that goes hand-in-hand with my first is marketing. Once I truly believe in an idea and the people making it happen, I figure out how to communicate that belief to the world.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The world is changing so rapidly. Right now, I’m most excited by AI, particularly using it to increase efficiency and savings in businesses that have resisted technology up till now. Those tend to be the largest industries—the ones you’d imagine would be utilizing state-of-the-art technology solutions. But the reality is that because they have so much at stake, they’re often very resistant to change. These industries also probably have the most to gain. The future is here.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Good sleep and a clean diet will do more to keep your mind clear than anything else. Consistency in these areas gives me the energy and focus I need to tackle challenges head-on.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Think big and believe in yourself.” Self-belief is the foundation of success. If you don’t believe in your vision, how can you expect anyone else to?
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that talent is everywhere—you just have to look for it in unexpected places. Some of the most successful people I’ve worked with didn’t follow traditional paths, yet their unique perspectives made all the difference.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Yoga! It’s not just about physical health; it also brings mental clarity and emotional balance. I’ve practiced yoga for decades and recommend it to anyone looking to improve their overall well-being.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
The key is setting yourself up for success, which means maintaining daily habits that keep stress at bay. But when I do feel overwhelmed, I pause, step back, and take a few deep breaths. A short walk or 15 minutes of yoga can quickly reset my mind.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building relationships based on trust and respect. Business is ultimately about people. By nurturing long-term relationships and treating people fairly, I’ve built a network of talented individuals who are eager to collaborate. This has opened doors and created opportunities time and again.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I hesitated to take risks because I feared failure. Over time, I realized that failure is part of growth. One particular venture didn’t work out as planned, but the experience taught me resilience and the importance of adapting quickly. Since then, I’ve embraced calculated risks, knowing that even setbacks teach valuable lessons.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use a task management app to stay organized and focused. It allows me to prioritize tasks, set reminders, and track progress, ensuring that I stay on top of both short-term goals and long-term projects.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book that has greatly influenced me is The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama. It reinforced the importance of compassion, gratitude, and inner peace—principles that have guided both my personal and professional life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Narcos. The storytelling, complex characters, and portrayal of ambition and power dynamics offer valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the consequences of choices. It also highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and ego and shows how the pursuit of power can lead to both success and downfall. This serves as a reminder that self-awareness and humility are essential in both business and life.
Key learnings
- Consistent daily routines, including yoga and healthy habits, are essential for long-term productivity and mental clarity.
- Success often comes from identifying and supporting talented individuals rather than focusing solely on ideas.
- Building relationships based on trust and respect is crucial for sustained business growth.
- Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can lead to greater resilience and success.
- The pursuit of power and ambition must be balanced with self-awareness and humility to avoid negative consequences.