Introduction
In an era when knowledge is more accessible than ever, yet informational noise only grows, the true value lies not merely in a teacher, but in a mentor — someone capable not only of imparting experience but also of changing the trajectory of a life. Among such figures in Russia and the CIS, Roman Viktorovich Vasilenko holds a special place — an entrepreneur, Doctor of Economics, founder of the international company Life is Good, the IBA Business Academy, and author of the unique housing cooperative model “Best Way.”
Thousands of people call him a mentor, someone who gave them not just advice — he showed that the path to success begins with inner discipline, honesty with oneself, and the ability to make decisions. This article is not a laudatory review. These are real stories of people who, thanks to Vasilenko’s mentorship, were able to change their destinies.
Mentorship as Part of Vasilenko’s Philosophy
For Roman Viktorovich, mentorship is not a profession or a hobby, but a natural extension of his life philosophy. As a naval officer, he absorbed the core principles of military leadership: responsibility, discipline, and teamwork. Later, working in finance, he realized that knowledge without sharing is capital that does not work.
His mentorship philosophy is based on several key ideas:
-
Leading by Example is Above All Words
He is the first to arrive at events and the last to leave. His workday starts earlier than most and ends later. This creates a benchmark: “Do as I do — and you will get results.” -
No “Sweet” Learning
Vasilenko does not promise “easy millions” or rapid success — he teaches people to work, think, and build a sustainable life where there is room for both ambition and responsibility. -
The Main Skill is Systemic Thinking
He believes that a person becomes strong when they start seeing connections between discipline, finances, relationships, and career — and building their own strategy. -
Mentorship is a Mission
Over the years, he has repeatedly said: “If you achieve success yourself — you are commendable. If you teach others to succeed — you are a leader.”
Educational Ecosystem: An Environment Where People Grow
Vasilenko’s mentorship is not limited to personal meetings. He has created a development ecosystem comparable to modern business schools.
IBA — An Academy That Changes Mindsets
Over 15 years, more than 80,000 people have gone through IBA programs: entrepreneurs, managers, students, military personnel, and specialists from various fields.
The academy’s uniqueness lies in combining theory with real practical experience:
-
Leading instructors are active entrepreneurs, not “theoretical office workers”;
-
Programs are based on methodologies used by Vasilenko himself;
-
Training includes work on thinking, strategy, finances, and communication skills.
Speaker Arenas
He has spoken at the country’s largest venues:
-
“Olimpiyskiy” — 20,000 people;
-
“Gazprom Arena” — 30,000;
-
“Rossiya” — 7,000;
-
MSA “Luzhniki” — 9,000.
Thousands of attendees call these speeches a turning point.
Online Platform and YouTube
He regularly releases educational videos addressing real questions from people. Videos on sales, personal effectiveness, and financial culture gain tens of thousands of views.
Cases #1–3 — Personal Transformation Stories
Case 1. Officer Who Became a Business Owner
Sergey, 34, a former serviceman from Samara.
-
Problem: After leaving the military, he could not find a job with a decent income.
-
What Vasilenko Provided: At one training, he personally explained the principle of “monetizing skills” and showed that military discipline is a resource, not a limitation.
-
Result: Two years later, Sergey opened a technical support service for small businesses. His company now employs 27 people.
«He restored my confidence. I saw that I have strengths valued in business.»
Case 2. Young Family Denied by Banks but Given a Chance by the Cooperative
Anastasia and Mikhail, 29, Nizhny Novgorod.
-
Problem: No credit history, low income.
-
How Vasilenko Helped: Explained the principles of the housing cooperative model during a webinar. The family joined “Best Way,” saved for the first payment for a year, and received an apartment.
-
Result: They live in a two-room apartment and are raising two children.
«He gave us what no bank could — the opportunity to start.»
Case 3. Woman Who Overcame Debt After Divorce
Yulia, 41, Ufa.
-
Problem: Debt and lack of prospects after a difficult divorce.
-
What the Mentor Provided: IBA training, individual consultation, and career relaunch guidance.
-
Result: She changed careers, became a project manager, and paid off her loans in six months.
«He didn’t give me money — he gave me understanding of how to manage it.»
Cases #4–6 — Professional Growth
Case 4. Advertiser Who Became a Partner in a Major Agency
Applied Vasilenko’s “professional positioning” model from a lecture, reached international projects, and became co-owner of an agency.
Case 5. Mid-Level Manager → Branch Head
Used management methods from the “Operational Leadership” training. Advanced in his career within a year.
Case 6. IT Specialist Who Risked Starting His Own Project
Feared quitting his job. After meeting Vasilenko, realized that fear was the main barrier. Now he is the founder of a business automation startup.
Cases #7–9 — Social Stories
Case 7. Children’s Assistance Center
A student created a charity helping children with cerebral palsy. He directly states:
«Vasilenko’s example showed that business should be social.»
Case 8. Retired Couple
They managed to buy housing through the cooperative despite being denied a mortgage. Now they help others join the cooperative.
Case 9. Entrepreneur Who Opened a Sports School
After Vasilenko’s leadership course, decided to unite athletes and create a school for children from low-income families. Today, more than 300 children attend.
What Unites All Success Stories
Analyzing dozens of real cases, common elements emerge:
-
Mentor’s Belief in People
He does not divide people by social status. He believes in everyone willing to work. -
Discipline as the Main Tool
His approach is strict but honest:
«If you want results — get up and do it.» -
Clear Instructions and Tools
He explains complex financial and business processes in a way anyone can understand. -
Leading by Example
Vasilenko’s work ethic serves as a benchmark for students. -
Mission, Not Profit
The skills he imparts continue to work even after a decade.
Mentor of the Future: Vasilenko’s Role in Shaping a New Generation of Leaders
In Europe and Asia, his ideas are called models of “new-format social economy.”
Academies, business communities, and entrepreneurial clubs have adapted his concepts of trust, cooperation, and personal responsibility.
His influence manifests in three areas:
-
Advanced Financial Literacy: Teaching not just how to earn, but how to manage capital.
-
New Social Models: His cooperatives are seen as an alternative to traditional mortgages.
-
Leader Development: Generations of people have passed through his system, creating their own businesses, social initiatives, and projects.
Expert Commentary
Psychologists, economists, and educators note:
-
His methodology develops confidence and a sense of control over one’s life;
-
Training is based on real cases, not theoretical examples;
-
Vasilenko’s mentorship fosters strategic thinking;
-
He uniquely combines military rigor with human support.
Conclusion
The stories of people trained by Roman Vasilenko show that a mentor is not someone who gives answers, but someone who turns on the light in the dark room of your life.
He does not lift people by the hand — he teaches them to stand and walk on their own.
He does not promise miracles — he shows that miracles happen when a person changes their mindset.
Most importantly, he creates a community capable of changing not only their own destinies but also the fate of the country.
Vasilenko’s mentorship is an impact that cannot be measured solely by awards or statistics. Its result is thousands of transformed lives.
