Vytas Lenauskas: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is multi-talented innovator Vytas Lenauskas, who’s currently working on a game-changing oval glass design that improves the way wine tastes from the bottle. We caught up with him to find out what inspires his vision and how other young entrepreneurs can achieve success in their endeavours…

[ad_bb1]

WORK

1. Describe what you do.
I spot opportunities, build relationships with inventors, and create go-to-market launch plans for mass-market adoption. Currently, I’m improving the way wine tastes out of the bottle with the patent pending VinOval wine glasses. It’s the only oval shaped wine glass in the world that hyper-aerates wine.

2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I’ve always been someone that approaches life in an unordinary fashion. My career made constant pivots, and it’s those pivots from marketing, to sales, technology, coaching, golf, advertising and events that inspired my true passion for innovation. My experiences at the Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship and the University of Applied Sciences in Munich connected me with innovators around the world.

3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I honestly can’t say I have one single memorable milestone; there have been so many key moments along the way. I can say this, though: currently I have three major ventures that provide challenges and successful milestones. If you haven’t heard of the Internet Marketing Association or haven’t been part of one of our events, I suggest you become a member and join our network in Canada as soon as possible.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In 20 years I see myself as a philanthropist and CEO, giving back and making a difference at a global level.

5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
1. Lay one brick at a time
2. Some people generally want to help other people succeed; surround yourself with those people and you’ll have a lot to gain.
3. Change is good, so learn to adapt. You may need to be a chameleon at times.

6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support the NZ (Nik Zoricic) Foundation. As a veteran Alpine Ski Race Coach it’s important to support all athletes on their quest for success by creating unique development opportunities and, most importantly, safety in skiing. 

7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Eliminating all the noise of naysayers. As an entrepreneur, many people have a hard time understanding your decisions. There are always people criticizing and I’ve had to ignore scepticism at times. At moments it can be crippling, but I’ve learned to persevere and push through adversity throughout my life. Graduating from college and then university while working was one of the tougher challenges for me. Funny enough, I played a lot of golf. The game taught me lessons in hard work, focus, visualization and internalization. I recommend children, teenagers, and young professionals take up the game. “Some say it’s a boys pastime yet it builds men, cleanses the mind, and rejuvenates the body.” – Moe Norman

8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Someone or something worth thinking about, talking about, reading about, sharing about and, most importantly, remembering.

PLAY

1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I am a huge sucker for outdoor patios, a glass of wine, or a decent craft beer. My favourite place in Toronto, even though I have so many, is currently Terroni on Price St. I just adore the rooftop patio and pizza. 

2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Typically Jamie xx, but it does depend on my mood of course.

I visit www.vinoval.ca, www.thestar.ca, www.adweek.com, and www.google.ca.

3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I think everyone should always have a good laugh, and right now Amy Schumer is someone fun to follow. In the other corner, definitely follow Richard Branson.

4. What’s your favorite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Canada is one of the most beautiful countries on earth; from coast to coast we have spectacular beaches, mountains, oceans and activities of all sorts. I plan on going to the U.K. and France next, and potentially Iceland in spring.

5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Facebook and Instagram. There is always someone having the best time of his or her life on there!

6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Overly large portions of prime rib and red wine.

7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
The answer to both those questions is red wine.

8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
It’s about doing the things I’m passionate about. For me, that requires enough money to support my addictions in life, from golf to skiing, tennis, scuba diving, sailing, flying lessons, travelling, attending sporting events, and hosting epic parties.

At the end of the day, success is the pain in my cheeks from smiling too much.

[ad_bb2]