In the latest edition of the Guru Spotlight, we spoke to our country manager for Lithuania (and the recent recipient of the Guru of Leadership Award), Artūras Konusevičius, about how Estateguru has changed since his first day, why he thinks people are the most important thing about the company, what he likes to do in his spare time, and why he spent his first day on the job unfurling a banner on the roof of a hotel.
How long have you been part of the Estateguru team?
I joined Estateguru in the Summer of 2017, more than five years ago. I was the tenth employee when I joined, which is one of the things I’ll always remember. The other is that on my very first day, we went on the roof of our hotel in Tallinn and raised a banner which read: ‘10M Euros Funded’. We had about six thousand investors at that time. So joined about 100 thousand investors, 600 million euros and 120 employees back.
What’s your mission at Estateguru?
I am here to give the best possible services for our customers in the Lithuanian region and also provide the best training for our team so that they have the best understanding of our products and our services.
Estateguru’s key values are growth-orientation, boldness, freedom, honesty, determination, and empathy. How do you experience these values in the company?
I’d like to mention one of our main values that doesn’t feature on that list, because for me, our most important value is people. Whenever I hire someone, I say the same thing: we are not merely hiring you to join the company, but to join our family. I consider my colleagues to be like family members; we laugh together, we cry together, we do everything together. I believe that’s what makes Estateguru exceptional. We’re a family.
What do you like most about working at Estateguru?
Since the very beginning, what I’ve most enjoyed is the very dynamic environment. There’s not been a single day that I’ve not learned something new. There is also so much room to grow, both personally and professionally. We have very clear and extensive opportunities to grow, and we continue to bring the most interesting and talented people into the company. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many different people, and visit the other branches and cities in which we operate.
Tell us something unique about yourself. What do you do in your free time?
I’ve never considered myself to be a unique person. I’m still trying to find a hobby or interest to fully invest in. With age, I increasingly realise that the more I think I know about something, the less I actually do. There are still many aspects of understanding that I need to improve. I like to read books about self and technology. Occasionally I go to different racing tracks to watch cars racing. I enjoy the drivers’ skill and I find the environment fascinating. I am also a big time UFC fan since 1995, frequently waking up in the middle of the night to watch events live, and I like to visit the shooting range on weekends to practise my practical and tactical shooting. I find it’s very useful for developing focus under pressure.
Why should exceptional talents join Estateguru?
I think people who are looking for a place with unlimited ability to grow under one brand, should definitely consider Estateguru. With new colleagues constantly joining, it’s a dynamic and exciting working environment.
Thanks for your time, Artūras .
