The "Hands Off" Leadership Style
Managing a team of seven across eight productive ponds requires a unique kind of trust. Unlike many high pressure industrial environments, Ryo believes in a culture of autonomy. He avoids micro management, choosing instead to focus on results rather than rigid oversight.
"As long as the work gets done, they are free to do whatever they want," Ryo explains. This relaxed but results driven atmosphere keeps his team motivated and focused on their primary goal: producing premium size 32 shrimp.
Precision in the Ponds
Despite his laid back leadership style, Ryo is incredibly precise when it comes to the biology of his ponds. His current strategy involves maintaining a density of 120 shrimp per square meter. This specific balance ensures that the shrimp have enough space and resources to reach the target weight of roughly 15 shrimp per pound, a size highly sought after by international retailers like Kroger and Target.
High Stakes and High Rewards
The life of a traveling technician is not without its stresses. Ryo admits that the "worst part" of the job is the anxiety that comes when the shrimp get sick. In those moments, years of experience across different climates and water types become his greatest asset.
However, the "best part" makes the hard work worth it. When the harvest is successful and the quality is high, the rewards follow. For Ryo, a good harvest means a better bonus and the opportunity to keep exploring new horizons in the world of aquaculture.
When you see our shrimp on the shelf, you are seeing the work of a man who lives and breathes the industry. From the tip of Sumatra to the heart of Sulawesi, Ryo’s journey ensures that only the best techniques make it into our ponds.
Follow Ryo to Aceh
Want to see what life is like for a traveling technician and hear more about Ryo’s "hobby" turned career? Watch the full interview to see his team in action.
