We’re looking forward to introducing you to Simas Bandzevicius. Check out our conversation below.
Simas, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Since our last interview, I’ve significantly expanded my skill set, particularly in building complex automations that have transformed not only my own e-commerce operations but also empowered other businesses to scale effectively. I’ve also become an active member of the prestigious International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), specifically the Tampa Bay Chapter, where I serve as Vice President of Membership. In this role, I have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the organization and mentor professionals on a global scale. The people within IIBA Tampa Bay are some of the smartest and most amazing individuals I’ve ever met, almost like family. Working alongside such dedicated individuals has been incredibly rewarding and has further fueled my passion for business analysis and automation.
As part of my commitment to professional growth, I attend networking events 2-3 times a month and participate in a Learning Event every week through IIBA, totaling four events each month. These events provide me with invaluable opportunities to expand my knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and stay current with the latest trends in business analysis.
Additionally, I had the privilege of attending the Project Summit/Business Analyst World, one of Florida’s largest conventions for Business Analysts. It was an invaluable opportunity to network, learn, and connect with a diverse group of professionals, many of whom have become lifelong friends. During this event, I was honored to be invited as an Advisor for the upcoming summit in 2026. I had the privilege of speaking to an audience of over 200 attendees, sharing motivational insights and impactful quotes designed to inspire growth and positive change within the industry.
Helping others, sharing knowledge, and witnessing the tangible impact of my contributions brings me immense joy and acts as a powerful catalyst for continuous personal and professional growth.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Simas Bandzevicius, a Business Analyst and automation enthusiast with a passion for helping businesses grow and thrive. I’m the Vice President of Membership at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) Tampa Bay, where I mentor professionals and contribute to a dynamic community of business analysts.
In addition to my work with IIBA, I run an e-commerce store called InteriorExotics, which specializes in selling unique interior exotic goods and products. I’ve successfully built ad funnels, optimized SEO, and scaled the business, with plans to expand our product offerings in the future. My expertise in e-commerce, combined with my experience in creating websites, allows me to provide end-to-end solutions for businesses looking to succeed in the digital space. I also run ScalingThis, my AI automation agency, which focuses on helping businesses streamline and scale through intelligent automation. We specialize in creating personalized, hands-on automation solutions tailored to various business niches, empowering companies to optimize their processes and accelerate growth.
What makes ScalingThis unique is our approach to tailored automation that empowers businesses to unlock their full potential while ensuring efficiency and growth. Outside of running my businesses, I am committed to continuous learning, attending 2-3 networking events each month and a weekly learning session to stay current with industry trends.
When I’m not working on my businesses, I stay active by personal training and hitting the gym on a weekly basis. I also enjoy videography and video editing, creating professional-level content for various projects. These passions not only help me stay balanced but also fuel my creativity in both my professional and personal life.
Ultimately, what drives me is the ability to help others succeed and grow, and I’m excited to continue this journey of personal and professional development.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are my parents. Growing up, they instilled in me the importance of resilience, determination, and integrity in everything I do. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family and taught me that success comes not from shortcuts but from consistent effort and learning. Their ability to overcome adversity and stay committed to their goals has been a constant source of inspiration. It’s because of their guidance and the lessons they imparted that I’ve been able to take on challenges with confidence, push myself beyond limits, and continuously strive for improvement in both my personal and professional life.
My parents’ work ethic taught me the value of patience and the importance of focusing on long-term goals, even when the path is difficult. They showed me that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones to growth. The discipline and perseverance they modeled have shaped my approach to work, and I carry those lessons with me every day. Their example has made me the person I am today, constantly striving for excellence and looking for ways to improve and grow in my career.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been moments when I’ve faced significant challenges that made me question whether I could continue, but the unwavering support from my friends and family has always kept me going. Their constant encouragement and belief in me have fueled my determination to push forward and focus on what I do best: helping others and growing along the way.
This past year, I lost my grandmother, and although she is no longer physically with us, I feel her presence guiding me. I carry her memory as a source of strength, knowing that she is watching over me. Before she passed, I promised her that I would become the best version of myself, and I am committed to fulfilling that promise every day. I am driven to make her proud, as well as to make my family and loved ones proud. This promise has become a powerful, everlasting motivation in my life.
With the right people by my side and my commitment to learning and evolving, I’ve come to realize that there is no stopping when you have the right mindset and a strong support system. Surrounding myself with positive influences and removing negativity has allowed me to stay focused and determined to reach my fullest potential.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a true reflection of who I am. I strive to be authentic and true to my values, whether I’m interacting with others professionally or personally. The way I present myself to the world is consistent with my beliefs, work ethic, and passion for helping others.
It is very important to me to show my personal brand and demonstrate my growth to the fullest. I keep myself as open as possible because I always want to show people that I am approachable and willing to help them learn and grow. By being transparent and sharing different sides of myself, both professional and personal, I aim to connect with others and provide value to their journeys as well. While the public version of me is an accurate representation, I also value the deeper connections that come from being vulnerable and showing my true self.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I reflect on the legacy I want to leave, I hope people remember me as someone who truly made a difference. I want to be known for having a positive impact on others’ lives, making them smile and laugh, and helping them become the best version of themselves. My goal is to build businesses that thrive and, eventually, establish my own philanthropy to give back on a global scale. I believe that when you do things for the purpose of helping others, it creates a lasting impact that never fades. Giving my loved ones the life they’ve always dreamed of is my true motivation, and that sense of purpose will always remain at the core of who I am.
I also want to be remembered for my commitment to growth, both personally and professionally. I strive to constantly improve myself and the way I help others, knowing that the more I grow, the more I can give back. In everything I do, my focus will always be on the well-being of others, whether it’s through my work, my personal relationships, or my philanthropic efforts. I want to leave behind not just a legacy of success, but one of kindness, generosity, and inspiration for those who follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scalingthis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simasthelt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simasb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simas.bandzevicius/
