What I've Learned About Leadership: Igor Finkelshtein Reflects on Building With Purpose

When people hear the word “leadership,” they often picture someone at the front of the room, giving directions or making executive decisions. But in my experience, leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about being accountable, intentional, and deeply connected to the people you serve.

My journey wasn't simple, I’ve worked across multiple industries, including transportation, logistics, and care coordination. I’ve built companies, led teams, navigated challenges, and learned—often the hard way—what real leadership looks like. Here’s what has stayed with me.

Lesson 1: Listen Before You Lead

One of the most important leadership lessons I’ve learned is also the simplest: listen.

Before launching a project or implementing a solution, I spend time on the ground. Whether it’s drivers, dispatchers, administrators, or caregivers—I want to hear what works, what doesn’t, and what they wish was different. This isn’t just good practice; it’s essential.

Listening allows me to identify real problems and develop tools that solve them. It also builds trust—people are far more likely to support a vision they feel included in.

And more often than not, those closest to the challenge already have insights that can lead to breakthrough solutions. Taking the time to truly listen isn’t a delay—it’s the most efficient way to ensure the solution actually fits the problem.

Lesson 2: Trust Is Earned Daily

In my work with Buffalo Transportation and other ventures, I’ve learned that reputation isn’t something you declare—it’s something you prove. Every day. In every decision.

I’ve seen how fragile trust can be. One misstep—whether it’s a delayed response, a miscommunication, or a failure to deliver—can erode months of good work. That’s why consistency is so important. I strive to lead by example, showing up, following through, and owning the outcomes, good or bad.

Trust, once earned, becomes a foundation for everything else: team morale, customer loyalty, and long-term growth. Without it, even the best strategies fall apart.

Lesson 3: Purpose Over Optics

There’s a lot of pressure today to look successful—on social media, in press releases, and even within industry circles. But I’ve always believed that quiet impact is more valuable than loud appearances.

Building with purpose means focusing on outcomes, not optics. It means prioritizing your team’s well-being, your community’s needs, and your customers’ realities over hype. When your work speaks for itself, you don’t have to shout.

And when things don’t go perfectly—as they often don’t—it’s your purpose that keeps you grounded. Staying focused on the mission gives meaning to the tough days and direction to the good ones.

Lesson 4: Build Teams, Not Silos

A strong business isn’t built by one person—it’s built by teams that trust each other. I’ve learned that empowering the right people and removing barriers for them leads to far more sustainable success than micromanaging or isolating roles.

I look for people who take initiative, challenge ideas, and bring heart to their work. And I work hard to create an environment where they feel supported and heard. It’s not always perfect, but it’s always a priority.

In leadership, your job isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to create the conditions where the best answers can emerge. Collaboration, diversity of thought,and open communication are what drive that forward.

Lesson 5: Lead With the Long View

Leadership isn’t about the next milestone—it’s about the bigger picture. I always ask myself: will this decision still make sense five years from now? Will it strengthen our foundation or just solve a short-term problem?

Taking the long view helps me stay grounded, especially during times of uncertainty. It reminds me that real progress is measured in years, not quarters.

When you make decisions with longevity in mind, you build resilience. You also inspire others to commit deeply to a shared mission, knowing that the work we’re doing isn’t just for today—it’s for the future.

Conclusion: Leadership With Purpose Is Leadership That Lasts

My journey as a business leader hasn’t been linear, and it hasn’t been without its challenges. But each experience has shaped my understanding of what it means to lead—not just as a title, but as a responsibility.

As I continue to grow in my work and as a person, I remain committed to building with purpose, leading with empathy, and learning every step of the way. That, to me, is the kind of leadership worth striving for.

If you want to connect visit igorfinkelshtein.org