In recent years, a shift in the approach to entrepreneurship has become increasingly evident in the CIS countries. Young people no longer view business solely as a means of personal enrichment; they seek meaning, a mission, and the ability to impact society. In this environment, a new type of leader stands out—those who have created a mindset model that meets the demands of the time. One such figure today is Roman Viktorovich Vasilenko—a businessman, Doctor of Economics, and creator of international projects such as «Life is Good,» IBA, and the housing cooperative «Best Way.»
His philosophy, shaped at the intersection of military discipline, international education, and the practice of creating social projects, has become a guide for thousands of young entrepreneurs in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries. This influence is not merely the classic popularity of a business coach—it is a systemic impact on the worldview of a generation raised in the digital economy era.
New Youth and New Demands: Why Russia Is Seeking Different Models of Success
For today’s twenty-somethings, the old scripts—“work harder,” “find stability,” “save for an apartment”—are difficult to sell. Generation Z and young millennials think differently: they seek freedom, social impact, meaningful engagement, and long-term opportunities. As a result, traditional business schools, banks, and corporations are often perceived as bureaucratic and out of touch.
In this environment, Roman Vasilenko has proven to be the type of leader offering an alternative: business as a tool for human growth, projects as a way to solve real social challenges, and entrepreneurship as part of personal evolution.
Why Young People See Vasilenko as a Role Model
At first glance, his biography is far from the stereotypical image of a “young startup founder.” He is a retired Navy officer, Doctor of Economics, and a person with rich life experience. But it is precisely this diversity that makes him appealing to the younger generation.
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An Honest “From Zero” Story
He had no starting capital, connections, or family business. Everything he achieved was created through personal effort. Young people, living in an era of social contrasts, see this as a rare example of genuine social mobility. -
Discipline and Inner Strength
Military school, strict frameworks, analytical approach—these are what many young entrepreneurs lack in an age of endless distractions. -
Ability to Speak the Language of Youth
His formula for success is not about “secrets of wealth”—it is about choosing values, responsibility, skills, and mindset. This aligns perfectly with the expectations of the new audience.
Ideas That Shape a New Entrepreneurial Worldview
Social Mission Over Personal Gain
“Success must have a foundation, and the foundation for society is the quality of people’s lives.”
This idea, repeatedly expressed in Vasilenko’s lectures, has become a kind of slogan for young people tired of cynical business and the pursuit of quick money. The cooperative model he proposes is a tool that connects the economy with social responsibility.
Trust as the Main Principle of Work
Vasilenko is one of the few entrepreneurs who openly states: trust is more effective than control.
In his projects, this is not a slogan but a working mechanism:
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transparent financial models,
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collective responsibility,
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partnership-based relationships instead of a rigid hierarchy.
This approach resonates with young entrepreneurs more than authoritarian corporate structures.
The Entrepreneur as a Creator of Value
In his philosophy, business cannot exist for its own sake—it must be built around what benefits people. This idea inspires young people to create projects that solve real social problems, from educational initiatives to urban environment projects.
The Main Capital Is Education
Vasilenko demonstrates by personal example that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
An MBA in Europe, dissertations in Russia and Germany, dozens of completed trainings—all of this forms the foundation of his influence. Young people perceive such a model as normal rather than exceptional.
Tools of Influence: How Vasilenko’s Ideas Spread Among Youth
International Business Academy IBA
IBA has become one of the most recognized platforms for business education outside the university setting. Young people are attracted to:
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practical skills,
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participation of global-level practitioners (Piz, Doyle, Vid, etc.),
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analysis of real cases,
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absence of “dry theory.”
Through IBA, many are introduced for the first time to Vasilenko’s philosophy.
Mass Lectures and Forums
Lectures at Luzhniki, the Olympic Stadium, and major conferences are more than just presentations. For young people, they serve as an emotional impulse that changes their perception of possibilities.
Books and Films
The book Hunter for Success and the film 17 Laws of Success have become cultural phenomena. Hundreds of thousands of readers gain access to a structured yet inspiring perspective on entrepreneurship.
Stories of Young People for Whom Vasilenko’s Ideas Became a Turning Point
There are hundreds of such stories, but the most illustrative are those where the changes affected not only professional but also personal spheres.
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Story of a 22-Year-Old Student from Kazan
He attended an IBA training by chance, but there he formed the idea for his first online project. Today, he leads a team of 15 people, noting that the key driver was the idea of creating value rather than profit. -
Story of a Young Woman from Novosibirsk
After watching Vasilenko’s documentary, she decided to leave a job she disliked and start an educational project for schoolchildren. Her program now operates in three regions. -
Story of a Young Entrepreneur from Astana
His business was on the verge of closure, but the philosophy of trust and honesty reshaped his approach. Today, the company is growing and actively implementing cooperative principles.
Why Young People See Vasilenko as a Mentor
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He does not teach “how to earn”; he teaches “how to become.”
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He has survived crises, partner betrayals, and pressure, yet continued to develop.
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He combines strong inner discipline with a philosophy of respect.
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He supports social initiatives and young leaders.
In an era when many “business gurus” turn out to be influencers without real experience, Vasilenko stands out for his professional depth.
Influence on Entrepreneurial Culture in the CIS
His contribution is not limited to audiences of hundreds of thousands—he impacts the value foundation of the business environment:
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popularizes the cooperative model,
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sets trends for honesty and long-term thinking,
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promotes personal development,
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creates infrastructure for business education.
International Recognition: Perspectives from Europe and Asia
His ideas are received with interest and respect:
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In Europe, the cooperative model is seen as an example of a sustainable economy,
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In Asia, they note the combination of discipline and soft leadership,
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International lecturers call his approach unique for the CIS.
Each year, his influence spreads further, and abroad, the number of followers continues to grow.
Conclusion: Youth and the New Philosophy of Success
Roman Vasilenko is an example of a leader who not only creates successful projects but also changes the perception of what a 21st-century entrepreneur should be. His philosophy is a synthesis of discipline, trust, social responsibility, and a drive for growth.
This approach shapes a new worldview among young people: success is not a peak but a journey, and this journey begins to change when a person learns to think not only about themselves but also about those walking alongside them.
