“Just do it. Because you can!”

Leading with confidence and empathy is Valērija Urtāne's trademark. In early 2024, she took on the role of Head of Digital, Marketing and Customer Experience at ERGO Baltics.

Valērija brings a wealth of experience to her position. Not only because of a strong background in bank assurance management, but also because she took on her first management position at the young age of 27. She found herself leading a team that was not only older but also more experienced than her. “It is important to be confident and believe in yourself,” she reflects. This journey taught her the importance of confidence and courage, qualities she now embodies as a leader. Valērija’s motto is: “Just do it, because you can do it!”

An office with the door open

She believes that trust, cooperation and a personal touch are the keys to successful leadership. She firmly believes that a few words at the right time can make all the difference. "I have always imagined myself in an office with my door open, accessible to my colleagues and my team," she explains. This vision has become the cornerstone of her leadership approach, fostering an environment where each team member's strengths and experience contribute to finding effective solutions: "If you bring everyone together, you can find smart solutions."

Valerija is proud of the fact that her colleagues successfully use the results of the projects implemented by her and her team. What she likes most about working at ERGO is the international cooperation and inspiration from colleagues not only from the Baltic States, but also from such diverse countries as China and Germany.

Promoting a culture of health and growth

Because “it is important that people feel good in the company”, Valērija prioritises the team's and her own wellbeing and pays attention to signs of stress in her team, promoting a culture of health and growth. She actively seeks to understand her employees' challenges and offers support. This is a lesson learned from her own early struggles with work-life balance, especially after becoming a mother four years ago. "I was a bit of a workaholic, but I learned the importance of balance," she admits.

For women looking to advance in their careers, Valērija has some valuable advice to offer: "Block time in your calendar for thinking and self-reflection." She emphasizes that taking time to reflect can lead to greater innovation and productivity. She also takes time once a year to reflect on her goals and the steps she needs to take to achieve them, both in the short and long term. When reflecting on the beginning of her career, Valērija suggests: "Be brave, don't be shy, have confidence in what you are doing because you can do it."

Women in Leadership at ERGO

Website: https://www.ergo.com/women-in-leadership