How Roman Sledziejowski of Savant Strategies Drives His Team to Success
Global businessman Roman Sledziejowski serves as the vice chairman of Savant Strategies, a company he co-founded in 2013. Focused on delivering quality over quantity, Savant Strategies offers value-driven consulting services to a select clientele, ensuring top-tier results tailored to their needs.
Sledziejowski operates with three core principles in mind: fulfillment, growth, and impact.
“First and foremost, I need to feel fulfilled in whatever job I am doing,” he shares. “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
Roman believes his colleagues would describe him as unwaveringly committed and resolute in his approach.
“I was always unconditionally committed to my work,” he stated 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.”
This dedication has earned him the respect of his colleagues, cementing his reputation as a steadfast and reliable leader. Roman Sledziejowski attributes his success to resilience, patience, and remaining calm under pressure.
“I am a rather calm person in general and rarely allow my emotions to get the upper hand,” he says. “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’s Journey and Achievements
Roman Sledziejowski is a seasoned professional known for his leadership in investment, financial ventures, and real estate. His career began at Prudential Securities in New York City, where he rose rapidly, becoming Vice President of Investments in 2002, First Vice President of Investments in 2004, and Senior Vice President and Investment Officer at Wachovia Securities by the age of 25.
During his tenure at Wachovia, Roman ventured into real estate, acquiring and redeveloping nearly 400 residential units between 2004 and 2009. In 2006, he founded Innovest Holdings, a financial holding company with diverse subsidiaries. The following year, he co-founded MyPlace Development, a real estate firm in Poznan, Poland, showcasing his resilience and strategy during the 2008 financial crisis.
In 2013, he co-founded Savant Strategies, a global management consulting firm. Despite a personal leave of absence in 2016, Roman returned in 2021 as Vice Chairman, leading the firm to new heights through strategic growth and innovation.
From Poland to Success in the United States
Born in Poland, Roman moved to New York City, where his passion for finance flourished. Starting with just $800, he turned his initial stock investments into $18,000 within three years. While his peers focused on social activities, Roman was engrossed in trading and gaining experience at Salomon Smith Barney.
At 18, Roman became the youngest licensed stockbroker in the U.S., managing over $40 million in assets before turning 21. These early accomplishments set the foundation for his illustrious career in finance.
“I was fortunate enough to work with some exceptional people during my lifetime,” Roman recalls. He attributes his growth to collaborations with visionary leaders, learning valuable leadership skills that shaped his own style.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others
Roman reflects on setbacks with a pragmatic perspective.
“Fairly recently, I grossly misjudged both the business potential and acumen of its management team in a project with which we are deeply involved as management consultants,” he shares. Despite the disappointment, Roman views such experiences as opportunities to grow and refine his judgment.
In terms of persuasion, he relies on logic and facts. “I’ve always believed that logic and hard facts are the best friends of persuasive rhetoric. As long as the person on the other side is reasonable, it’s not difficult to persuade them to see things your way, provided that what you’re presenting is logical and reasonable.”
Delegating Tasks and Building Trust
Roman exemplifies strategic delegation.
“In our line of work, we often face a tremendous workload that needs to be addressed as soon as possible,” he explains. “I remember one instance when four of our largest clients were finalizing absolutely crucial transactions for the future of their organizations. This situation precipitated the need to assign some absolutely crucial tasks, normally handled by senior partners of the firm, to junior team members.”
The junior team exceeded expectations, with several members receiving promotions as a result. Roman’s confidence in his team highlights his ability to nurture and trust talent.
Vision for the Future
As Roman Sledziejowski continues to advance in his career, his focus on resilience, strategic thinking, and leadership remains unwavering. His ability to navigate complex challenges, inspire his team, and foster innovation ensures that both Savant Strategies and its clients thrive. Roman’s dedication positions him as a visionary leader, shaping the future of consulting and financial services.