Bartolomeo Rafael Bialas is a renowned brand strategist, market researcher, and business consultant with a global presence. Recognised for his expertise in enhancing organisational performance, he collaborates with businesses and universities across continents. Currently, he serves as a visiting lecturer at KSU, where this semester he is teaching courses on Luxury and Fashion Brand Management, as well as Innovation, to students in the Fashion Industry programme. Bartolomeo has agreed to share insights from his teaching experience at KSU.

Could you introduce yourself?
I’m brand strategist, market researcher, author, and business consultant. My primary focus is helping organisations worldwide increase their profitability by enhancing performance. In addition to my consulting work, I’m an academic and collaborate with 33 universities globally. But first and foremost, I consider myself a business consultant. My projects currently span Latin America and Europe.

Where do you reside?
I live in Las Vegas, USA. Now, I split my time between Las Vegas and Guatemala City, where I also develop businesses. Additionally, I spend about four to five months in Europe each year, where I teach and contribute to academic programmes.

Which subjects do you teach at KSU?
This semester, I’m teaching Luxury and Fashion Brand Management and Innovation at KSU. In the previous semester, I taught courses on Strategic Brand Management and Strategic Branding.

How would you describe KSU? What are its strengths?
KSU is a very liberal institution, and by liberal, I mean it fosters an atmosphere and culture that genuinely stimulate learning. This creates a unique environment for students.

Another strength is its well-developed niche programmes. Take Fashion Management or Aviation Management—students follow a carefully prepared curriculum that equips them to succeed in the business world. This focus on specialised areas sets KSU apart from other Central European universities in countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Why should students choose KSU?
Lithuania itself is a unique country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, offering students an enriching environment. KSU stands out with its strong niche programmes, such as Aviation Management and Fashion Industry studies. This specialisation gives it an edge. It’s clear that specialisation plays a profound role in positioning a university as a leader in its field.

Could you share a memorable moment from your teaching at KSU?
During the last semester, after my final lecture on Strategic Brand Management, my students gave me a standing ovation. They hugged me and shared how much the course meant to them. It was an incredibly emotional moment that touched me on so many levels—emotionally, psychologically, and socially. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.

KSU positions itself as a university of progress. Do you agree?
Yes, I think the slogan “Where progress never stops” perfectly reflects KSU’s essence and even its DNA. It’s a relatively small institution, but its emphasis on progress and innovation attracts students from around the world—students who want to learn about entrepreneurship, innovation, and managing start-up organisations.

What advice would you give to young people?
Be curious about the world and step outside your bubble. The world is becoming more diverse and heterogeneous, so it’s crucial to develop tolerance for different cultures, behaviours, and attitudes. The more you understand others, the better equipped you’ll be to succeed.