Global entrepreneur Roman Sledziejowski serves as the vice chairman of Savant Strategies, a company he co-founded in 2013. Founded on the principle of prioritizing quality over quantity, Savant Strategies delivers value-driven services to a select group of clients, ensuring they receive exceptional consulting expertise.
Sledziejowski identifies three core elements he values in his work: fulfillment, growth, and impact.
“First and foremost, I need to feel fulfilled in whatever job I am doing,” he stated. “I also need to grow both professionally and personally as a result. It is essential that my work has a meaningful impact on the organization and that my efforts are both appreciated and appropriately rewarded.”
Roman Sledziejowski on Leadership
Sledziejowski describes himself as unwavering in his commitment and determination—a sentiment echoed by his colleagues.
“I was always unconditionally committed to my work,” he shared in an interview. “Once a well-thought-out decision was made and a corresponding strategy determined, there was never any doubt in my mind about the course of action. I consistently stood my ground when it came to executing a plan, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.”
His steadfastness and dedication have earned him the admiration and respect of his peers, cementing his reputation as a reliable professional. Roman Sledziejowski attributes his ability to succeed under pressure to resilience, patience, and composure.
“I am a rather calm person in general and rarely allow my emotions to get the upper hand,” Sledziejowski explained. “However, when I am confronted with adversity, my ability to think clearly and calmly rises to a whole different level. It is a rather unique quality that I possess and helped me tremendously at various points in my life.”
Roman Sledziejowski: Background and Career
Roman Sledziejowski is a seasoned investment professional and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in finance and real estate. He began his career at Prudential Securities in New York City, becoming Vice President of Investments in 2002 and later advancing to First Vice President of Investments in 2004. By age 25, he was Senior Vice President and Investment Officer at Wachovia Securities, then the third-largest U.S. investment firm.
While at Wachovia, he ventured into real estate, acquiring and redeveloping nearly 400 residential units from 2004 to 2009. In 2006, he founded Innovest Holdings, a financial holding company offering broker-dealer services, real estate investments, and offshore advisory solutions.
In 2007, Sledziejowski co-founded MyPlace Development, a real estate company in Poznan, Poland, demonstrating resilience and strategic planning amid the 2008 financial crisis.
In 2013, he co-founded Savant Strategies, an international management consulting firm. After taking a personal leave in 2016, Roman returned in 2021 as Vice Chairman. Under his guidance, the firm expanded its client base, diversified its services, and achieved substantial revenue growth, driven by his strategic leadership and motivational approach.
From Poland to the United States
Sledziejowski’s journey began in Poland before moving to New York City, where his interest in finance flourished. Starting with $800, he traded on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, transforming his initial investment into $18,000 within three years. While his peers focused on typical high school activities, Roman was captivated by stock tickers and gained experience working part-time at Salomon Smith Barney.
At Columbia University, he majored in Economics while working full-time at Smith Barney. By age 18, he was the youngest licensed stockbroker in the United States, managing over $40 million in assets before turning 21. These early achievements set the foundation for a stellar career in finance.
Sledziejowski is recognized for his ability to inspire teams, build trust, and guide organizations through growth and challenges.
“I was fortunate enough to work with some exceptional people during my lifetime,” Sledziejowski noted. “Most memorably, I was part of a start-up venture alongside a brilliant entrepreneur from South Africa who later built multiple successful businesses. He was a vastly superior leader, and I learned a lot from his remarkable ability to unite people and drive them toward a common goal.”
Lessons from Challenges: Roman Sledziejowski’s Insights
In reflecting on challenges, Sledziejowski shared a recent experience where he misjudged a project’s potential and leadership.
“Fairly recently, I grossly misjudged both the business potential and acumen of its management team in a project we were deeply involved in as consultants,” he explained. “Unfortunately, the project failed due to the inexperience of the management team and poor decision-making. It was a great personal disappointment, especially given my deep involvement.”
When persuading others, Sledziejowski relies on facts and logic. “I’ve always believed that logic and hard facts are the best friends of persuasive rhetoric. Provided the person on the other side is reasonable, it’s not difficult to persuade them if your argument is logical. Challenges only arise when dealing with unreasonable individuals.”
Delegating with Precision: Roman Sledziejowski’s Experience
Roman shared an example of effective delegation during a high-pressure period for his firm.
“In our line of work, we often face immense workloads. Efficient delegation is critical,” he said. “I recall a time when several of our largest clients were finalizing pivotal transactions. Senior management had to assign crucial tasks to junior team members. Despite initial hesitance, the juniors exceeded expectations, leading to several well-deserved promotions.”
This instance highlights Roman’s ability to trust and empower his team, fostering growth and efficiency.
Looking Ahead: Roman Sledziejowski’s Vision
As Roman Sledziejowski continues to lead, his commitment to strategic thinking, resilience, and impactful leadership remains unwavering. His ability to overcome obstacles, inspire his team, and drive innovation positions him as a key figure in the financial and consulting industries. With a clear vision and dedication to excellence, Roman is set to steer Savant Strategies and its clients toward continued success.