Robert Sztarovics

Background

About Robert Sztarovics

Life is what happens while you’re making other plans,” John Lennon. I disagree. Don’t let life happen to you. I believe that people have agency to shape their life, that we can improve our life by changing our point of view. Of course, I didn’t start out with this belief, or a successful company, immediately – it’s been a journey of failing and learning, and being open to change. I see my role as a father and company owner as someone who helps people change and fulfil their potential. This includes listening, setting up trainings, blue-sky thinking, giving feedback, radical candour, and a positive approach to problem-solving. I encourage myself and others to dream – because fulfilling dreams overcomes one’s fear and creates good for everyone. From my very first business, I love the challenge of combining things people think impossible to combine. In fact, the more impossible it looks – the more I want to do it. –– Launching Novy Prostor, a magazine sold by the homeless in Prague, Brno and Ostrava, I learned that having a higher purpose enables you to get past all the unpleasant crises that come with a business. I learned the meaning of being responsible for the people selling our magazine, and how important it is to create a company culture where people come together. –– Wings4U. If you told someone in 2007 that you were starting a company where everyone worked remotely, people thought you were crazy. Especially when it was mums on maternity leave, around the world! And because we began working remotely from the start, our culture and way of working are baked-in – our people feel connected with each other. I couldn’t achieve this without the belief and support from Maria, my wife and company founder. We have shared this journey in personal and professional growth, allowing each other to dream for the future, and make those dreams a reality. One thing that gives us joy is to see how our children are using the things we’ve learned in their own life. The methods, mindset, and positivity to handle their own problems – and push the boundaries for a better future.