Insights from Roman Sledziejowski on Effective Management and Team Building
Roman Sledziejowski’s passion for finance began at a young age, igniting a path to success that would surpass all expectations. Even before graduating from high school, he showcased his exceptional talent by working part-time at Salomon Smith Barney. This early exposure to the financial world laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors.
At the age of 18, Roman achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest licensed stockbroker in the United States, certified by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). This achievement propelled him towards even greater heights. While studying Economics at Columbia University in New York, Roman’s dedication and determination set him apart as he consistently demonstrated his financial acumen.
By the age of 25, Roman Sledziejowski had ascended to the position of Senior Vice President and Investment Officer at Wachovia Securities, one of the largest investment firms in the country. With over 10,000 brokers and $680 billion in assets under management, Wachovia Securities provided Roman with invaluable experience and a platform to further develop his expertise.
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Roman ventured into the world of real estate alongside his successful finance career. Through partnerships and personal investments, he acquired and redeveloped nearly 400 residential units across multiple states, showcasing his keen eye for opportunities and his ability to transform properties into profitable assets.
In 2006, Roman founded Innovest Holdings, a financial holding company based in New York City, cementing his position as a visionary leader in the industry. The following year, he co-founded MyPlace Development, a real estate development company based in Poland. This venture marked another significant milestone in Roman’s career, ultimately culminating in the successful sale of his interest in MyPlace Development for $7.3 million.
Today, Roman Sledziejowski holds the position of co-founder and Vice-Chairman of Savant Strategies, an international management consulting firm providing services to middle-market companies worldwide. His wealth of knowledge, strategic insights, and leadership abilities have solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the finance and real estate sectors.
We were fortunate enough to sit down with Roman Sledziejowski to gain insight into his management philosophy, leadership style, and the lessons he has learned along his extraordinary journey.
Roman, throughout your remarkable career, you have held various leadership positions and achieved incredible success in both finance and real estate. Can you share with us your approach to leadership and your management style?
My approach to leadership can be characterized as laissez-faire. I strongly believe in delegating projects and tasks to specific team members while providing them with the autonomy to take ownership and make decisions. Trusting in the competence and work ethic of my team members is essential to this approach. By empowering individuals and fostering a collaborative environment, we can achieve remarkable results.
How do you maintain effective communication within your team? Do you prefer verbal or written communication?
Communication plays a vital role in any successful team. While I prefer written communication for its clarity and ability to eliminate ambiguity, I recognize the importance of addressing sensitive or delicate topics verbally. Verbal communication allows for more nuanced discussions and immediate clarification. However, in most instances, I am a proponent of written communication, as it ensures clear and precise messages that can be referenced later.
Reflecting on your childhood aspirations, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
In my youth, my dream was quite straightforward—I wanted to become a professional athlete. I dedicated countless hours to sports and worked tirelessly to excel. However, as time went on, it became evident that my mind was stronger than my body when it came to pursuing that dream.
Moving beyond your professional endeavors, let’s delve into your personal interests. Could you share with us your favorite movie and why it holds a special place for you?
The original Matrix movie remains my favorite to this day. Its mind-bending plot captivated me over 20 years ago, and it continues to intrigue me. Beyond the impressive visual effects, it offers an intellectually stimulating narrative that challenges conventional thinking. It’s a movie that prompts deep reflection and exploration of the human condition.
Music often holds a special place in our lives. Is there a particular song that resonates with you, and if so, what is it and why?
One song that has always resonated with me is “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. Throughout my life, I have experienced both great success and significant challenges, both professionally and personally. This song reminds me that, no matter the circumstances, we must always hold onto the belief that after periods of darkness, the sun will shine again. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” “Don’t Stop Believing” has always uplifted my spirits and reminded me of the importance of perseverance.
You have accomplished extraordinary feats throughout your career. Could you describe the best partner or supervisor you have worked with and explain what aspects of their managing style appealed to you?
I have been fortunate to work with exceptional individuals who have shaped my perspective on leadership. One person who stands out is a brilliant entrepreneur from South Africa with whom I collaborated on a technology venture. What made our relationship special was our unspoken understanding—we could practically read each other’s thoughts with a mere glance. During meetings, we effortlessly arrived at identical solutions. However, what truly impressed me was his ability to lead by example. He inspired unwavering commitment from those around him and skillfully guided the direction of the enterprise.
What is the most challenging aspect of managing a team, in your opinion?
The most challenging part of managing a team, especially during times of adversity, is keeping calm and maintaining clear thinking. In the face of crises or unforeseen difficulties, it can be incredibly demanding to ensure that everyone remains focused, motivated, and undeterred by the challenges at hand. Adversity often tests the strength and resilience of both the leader and the team. It requires steadfast determination and the ability to navigate through uncertainty while instilling confidence in the collective effort.
Can you recall a specific instance where you had to deliver difficult news to your team? How did you handle it?
One instance that stands out is when a key client faced sudden financial difficulties, impacting their ability to settle their obligations, including a substantial amount owed to our organization. As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to significantly reduce year-end bonuses for my team.
Delivering this news was heart-wrenching for me, as I understood the dedication and hard work my team had put in throughout the year. However, transparency and empathy were paramount in handling the situation. I ensured open and honest communication, explaining the circumstances and expressing my appreciation for their exceptional efforts despite the unforeseen setback. We worked together to find alternative ways to recognize their contributions and navigate the challenges together.
Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders or those starting their careers?
My advice would be to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks. However, it is during these times that true leadership shines. Stay focused, remain adaptable, and maintain a positive mindset. Surround yourself with a capable team and empower them to excel. Trust your instincts and take calculated risks. And most importantly, never stop learning and seeking new knowledge.