Roman Shraga: Pioneering Tech Innovation with a Personal Touch

In the world of technology, rapid changes and innovations are the norms. Roman Shraga, CTO at Klik Solutions, stands out not just for his technical skills but for his unique journey and approach to IT leadership. 

In our latest Men in Tech profile, we delve into Roman’s career, exploring his transition from a young engineer in the making to a respected CTO in the IT industry and the personal philosophies that have shaped his professional path.

Early Encounters with Technology

Roman’s tech journey began unconventionally. Growing up, he was the quintessential “nerdy kid” who was more interested in computers than anything else his parents had in mind. His first foray into technology came from a challenge posed by his father: to build his own computer from the remnants of old ones. 

“The way that I got started in tech is I kept breaking my dad’s computer, and I was too scared to get caught. So, I had to figure out how to fix it myself,” Roman recalls with a chuckle. This early experience not only sparked his interest in tech but also instilled a lifelong love for problem-solving.

From Pre-Med to Tech Expert

Despite starting college with a focus on pre-med, Roman quickly realized that his passion didn’t lie in medicine. The shift back to tech was partly inspired by the dissatisfaction he felt in the medical field and the encouragement from his mother to pursue his true interest. 

“And so, yeah, my dad’s the only one who, to this day, will be like, you should have been a doctor, you’d have been a great doctor,” he explains. This pivotal decision led him to fully embrace IT, eventually shaping his future in ways he never anticipated.

Navigating Career Milestones

Roman’s career is marked by several key milestones, from launching his first computer repair service advertised in a local newspaper to major achievements like working with the team to obtain SOC2 certification for the company and building a branch of the company in Ukraine. 

“Feeling like a real CTO… That was probably one of the biggest milestones,” Roman says, reflecting on the moment he truly felt he fulfilled his role’s expectations. These milestones were not just achievements but learning experiences that propelled him to keep innovating and adapting. 

In reflecting on the advice he would give to his younger self, Roman Shraga emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and decisiveness. He candidly shares, “Don’t question yourself. Believe in yourself. Be more decisive.” 

Roman’s insights are heavily influenced by his mentor and CEO, Arthur Klik, who played a pivotal role in shaping his professional outlook. Arthur taught him to recognize the value of his contributions and to lower expectations of others’ dedication, advising, “Not everybody wants to be as good as you. Don’t expect other people to care as much as you care.” 

This guidance from Arthur has instilled in Roman a greater sense of self-assurance and a pragmatic approach to challenges, reminding him and others in tech to trust their paths and be decisive in their actions.

Overcoming Challenges with Teamwork

Roman faced numerous challenges throughout his career, from hiring the right people and getting them in the right seats to managing the changing complexities of a growing business. However, his approach to overcoming these obstacles is rooted in teamwork and gratitude for the lessons learned. 

“We had such a good core that we’ve built here over time. Whenever we had those challenges, we sort of huddled together–the key leadership– and we overcame just by doing our best,” he shares. This team-centric approach has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of the tech industry.

Current Excitements and Future Directions

Currently, Roman is particularly excited about the developments in enterprise and data services. His work is now focused on bringing a new tier of service and quality to these areas, enhancing the company’s offerings significantly. “It’s a different maturity level when it comes to that, and it’s a lot of fun new initiatives,” he comments, hinting at the innovative changes he’s leading within the company.

Staying Informed and Future-Proof

When asked how he stays updated with the latest tech trends, Roman Shraga underscores the critical role of communication, both within his team and across the industry. While many executives may rely on curated reading lists or industry events, Roman’s approach is more hands-on and rooted in daily interactions. 

“The truth is, I talk to our team a lot,” Roman explains. He believes that staying connected to the pulse of the company through continuous conversations with colleagues helps him stay ahead of emerging trends and innovations. His natural curiosity for technology also drives him to explore new tools and ideas, whether through news apps, podcasts, or simply discussing new technologies with his team.

His advice to those entering the tech field reflects this communication-first philosophy: “Work on your communication. Work on working with people. Communication is huge because you have to maintain a good balance of the culture in the company.” 

Roman has seen firsthand how even the most technically skilled individuals can struggle if they have difficulty communicating effectively. Whether it’s explaining complex technical issues to clients or collaborating on a project, he believes that success in IT goes far beyond technical proficiency—strong communication skills are essential for ensuring team alignment and fostering a positive workplace culture. This emphasis on communication has been a guiding principle in Roman’s own career and a cornerstone of his leadership style at Klik.

Roman Shraga’s story is a compelling reminder that the path to success in tech is filled with personal choices, challenges, and the continuous pursuit of growth and learning. His journey from a self-proclaimed nerdy computer enthusiast to a visionary CTO highlights the profound impact of embracing one’s passions and the power of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.