What is your area of responsibility in Unibake?
I am Managing Director of Lantmännen Unibake in Russia which is a very exciting growing market providing us with a lot of opportunities and a lot of challenges. As an MD, I am involved in ongoing strategic projects, but also I have my share of day-to-day work. I talk a lot to my colleagues about how we do things and what we want to do in the future. I get to meet our customers and discuss how we can work better together. In Unibake, we value structured entrepreneurship so this job lets me feel ownership and responsibility for our company. At the same time, I love being a part of a big international group with so many great colleagues all over the world.
Have you faced any barriers as a woman in becoming successful in your field?
I have been lucky to always work in companies where being a woman has never been an obstacle for career growth. So all the barriers I faced were related to my own perception of myself and what I can do and to my personal life. I strongly believe in being brave and daring to follow one’s ambitions but also being honest with oneself and learning own strengths and weaknesses. Then you can work on what is needed to become successful. I had to learn a lot and constantly pushed myself out of comfort zone but from my point of view this is the only way to grow both personally and professionally. Also finding balance between work and family took some effort. Having children tends to take some time from job, sometimes very considerable, so unwavering support from my family has always played big role in my career.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Be brave, believe in yourself and dare to take your own path to where you want to be. There is no sure recipe for success so any way can be the right one for you.
What is your biggest influence and/or icon?
I am a lucky person I have great parents, and my dad has been the role model for me for all of my life. He is a self-made man and taught me to set high goals and never give up. I admire his capability to start over when life makes a turn and to be positive no matter what happens.
