This Russian and international entrepreneur is the architect of his own financial success.
Roman Vasilenko is a renowned Russian and international social entrepreneur, cultural figure, and public activist. Since 2021, he has faced persecution from law enforcement and political institutions, which forced him to temporarily leave Russia.
Over his extensive career in social entrepreneurship, Roman Vasilenko has earned a reputation as a responsible and upstanding individual. His spotless reputation and integrity have been key arguments in countering the accusations of competitors. This allowed the relevant authorities to reconsider the claims against him and dismiss the charges.
A Self-Made Man
Born in Leningrad into a military family, Roman Vasilenko grew up with strong values of discipline and responsibility instilled by his parents, both officers in naval aviation. His childhood and school years were spent in military garrisons, which helped him develop a resilient character.
After graduating from the Yaroslavl Higher Military Financial School named after Army General A.V. Khrulev, Vasilenko served in the Navy as a financial officer. He ended his military career at the Leningrad Naval Base of the Baltic Fleet with the rank of Captain Third Class.
Upon leaving military service, he started from scratch, working in sales of financial products and real estate. He earned commissions and worked as a hired salesperson for business projects, gradually developing his own sales and business methodologies while studying international practices in sales, marketing, investment, and business. He later completed an MBA program.
During the tumultuous 1990s and early 2000s, Vasilenko faced numerous crises. At one point, a partner’s betrayal left him with barely enough money to buy buckwheat, struggling to feed his young child. Yet, he always managed to rise above these challenges, learning from his and others’ mistakes and forging a path to success that enabled him to achieve remarkable financial results.
Vasilenko held positions as a top manager and co-owner of various businesses. In 2009, he founded the International Business Academy (IBA) and obtained a state education license. By the 2010s, he was already working as managing director of a large business structure.
In 2014, Roman Vasilenko began focusing on his own business and social entrepreneurship ventures. Simultaneously, he pursued academic endeavors, defending a dissertation at the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics to earn a Ph.D. in Economics. Later, he earned a Doctor of Economics degree in Europe and a Master of Laws degree.
He also graduated from the European Academy of Natural Sciences in Hanover, Germany, and was awarded the Karl Marx Medal for his contributions to science.
Creator of a Unique Social Project
Roman Vasilenko is best known globally as the founder of Russia’s largest cooperative housing program, Best Way, as well as cooperative initiatives inspired by his ideology in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries. Currently, the Russian cooperative comprises over 20,000 members, with assets exceeding 20 billion rubles.
Best Way is a groundbreaking social program unmatched worldwide. It enables people, including socially vulnerable groups, to purchase real estate with minimal overpayment, avoiding expensive mortgage schemes. This is achieved through collective housing acquisition within a consumer cooperative framework.
The Best Way cooperative founded by Roman Vasilenko has received national recognition, earning the Financial Olympus and Economic Support of Russia awards.
Business Coach and Financial Entrepreneur
Roman Vasilenko has built a thriving career as a business coach and consultant.
As an independent entrepreneur engaged in educational activities and consulting, his ventures generated an annual income exceeding 150 million rubles, with all taxes duly paid. His professional experience includes acting as an investor and consultant in major financial transactions both in Russia and internationally.
Mentor to Future Leaders
Roman Vasilenko is the founder and lead instructor of the International Business Academy (IBA), which holds a state educational license in Russia. The academy specializes in developing entrepreneurial and corporate leadership skills and is widely recognized for its programs, attracting entrepreneurs and managers from across the country.
Courses at the academy have been taught by world-renowned experts such as Allan Pease, Doug Wead, Bob Doyle, Ron Johnson, Andreas Vince, and others.
Lecturer
Roman Vasilenko possesses extensive experience delivering lecture courses and speaking at international business symposia, showcasing exceptional oratory skills.
He has performed on some of Russia’s largest stages, including Luzhniki, Olimpiyskiy, and Gazprom Arena. His motivational speeches have drawn audiences numbering in the thousands.
Fees for his engagements have reached hundreds of millions of rubles, reflecting the high regard for his expertise and exceptional talent as a public speaker.
On Par with the Greats
Roman Vasilenko, as an international-level expert, collaborates with such outstanding figures as Donald Trump, a major entrepreneur in the construction industry and the 45th and 47th President of the United States; Arnold Schwarzenegger, an entrepreneur, actor, and former Governor of California; and leading entrepreneurs Tony Robbins and Richard Branson.
These legends of politics and business have shared the stage with Vasilenko at various conferences, underscoring Roman Vasilenko’s authority in the international business and political community.
Blogger
Roman Vasilenko actively maintains blogs across various social media platforms, garnering millions of views. In his blogs, he shares insights on business and personal success. His content attracts a multi-million-strong audience.
Philanthropist
Roman Vasilenko holds the honorary position of Co-Chairman of the Mercy Corps charitable foundation, one of the oldest international organizations providing aid to people worldwide.
Since 2016, Vasilenko has been assisting children with severe neurological conditions and supporting scientific research in pediatric neurology. As part of this initiative, he collaborates with the Doctrina Clinical Center in Saint Petersburg.
Vasilenko is also actively involved in supporting the Valaam Transfiguration Monastery and its monastic community.
Public Projects
Since 2013, Roman Vasilenko has been organizing the large-scale cultural and patriotic event Officers’ Ball. Dedicated to Victory Day, this event brings together veterans, government officials, and young people to collectively preserve the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
Initiatives to Preserve Historical Memory
Roman Vasilenko played an active role in restoring the Glory Obelisk in Kerch, a monument dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
Support for Culture and Sports
Since 2016, Roman Vasilenko has been a patron and the general sponsor of the folk song festival Dobrovidenie, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and the musical traditions of various peoples.
Since 2020, he has been supporting youth sports, particularly the hockey team Life-is-Good from Ufa.
Literary Work
Roman Vasilenko is the author of the bestseller Hunter for Success. This book brought him significant royalties, and the film based on it has garnered over 27 million views.
Film
In 2017, Roman Vasilenko made his acting debut, playing a role in the popular comedy Women vs. Men: Crimean Holidays.
Music and Poetry
Vasilenko is the author of several well-known songs. He wrote the lyrics and music for the hit song Life-is-Good by Grigory Leps and appeared in the music video. This track, along with its music video, continues to top listening and viewing charts, bringing Roman Vasilenko substantial royalties.
Political Persecution
Roman Vasilenko faced difficulties related to politically motivated persecution in Russia, which forced him to emigrate. His case was immediately recognized by Western institutions as politically driven.
Over time, Russian authorities changed their stance, acknowledging the baselessness of the claims against him, while considering the significant social value of his initiatives and his law-abiding nature.
Achievements and Financial Success
Roman Vasilenko is a multifaceted individual with remarkable talents and achievements. His contributions to the development of business, culture, and the social sphere continue to have a significant impact on society. He is a vivid example of a socially responsible leader who, through his hard work and experience, has earned respect in both the business world and society as a whole.
Vasilenko’s official income, which amounted to millions, allowed him to build an official fortune in the billions of rubles. These funds were earned solely through honest work, as confirmed by his long-standing tax history in both Russia and Europe.
His achievements highlight Roman Vasilenko’s outstanding contribution to the development of business and the social sector, both in Russia and abroad, showcasing his commitment to ethical business practices and his ability to generate income through entrepreneurial and creative labor.
