Aija Miķelsone

Baltic Head of SME segment, SEB banka
EMBA Alumna, Class of 2015

What are your success habits?

Honestly, I don’t have any specific habits or symbols that I bring with me. At work, it is important for me to give space to every person to speak out. This brings new perspectives and, later, those involved are more engaged in implementing the decisions as they have been part of the process and they understand the context. Overall trust is an important value to me.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Understand your own strengths (and don’t worry too much about your weakness), and build a team around you with a different background that makes you all together strong.

What are you most proud of?

I don’t think in such categories. I act according to my values and feelings in balance.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a person seeking adventures and new experiences. Around 1.5 years ago I applied for drum studies.

What is your current challenge or goal?

My job is to spot the future needs of customers. Meanwhile, disruption goes hand in hand with high uncertainty, very often there is a dependency on the ecosystem evolving. It is hard and meanwhile interesting to forecast the impact on business.

What are your hobbies or activities to relax?

All outdoor activities energize me, whether it is hiking, skiing or jogging. It can also be gardening or simply chilling with friends. There is no bad weather for me just inappropriate equipment

How do you push through your worst times?

I truly believe such moments are even required to grow, and that the best formula is to stop and reflect. Everything that doesn’t kill makes us stronger. The most important thing is to learn what I can do differently next time.

What books are you reading currently and which would you suggest to us?

I’m a periodic reader (depends on info flow intensity at work). Currently, I read to educate myself on sustainability “How to avoid a climate disaster. The solutions we have and breakthroughs we need.” by Bill Gates. I like books based on true stories, no matter whether it is about hiking or queens.

What mobile apps do you use in your everyday life and would suggest to us?

Digitalization is the area where I push myself to learn new things on a daily basis. I try to avoid paper prints so the last uploaded app was Rimi for getting e-receipts. Many apps are for leisure (few examples: for planning trips I recommend Rome2rio and Mapy.cz, and for spending good time with family “Roadgame”). And yes, I cannot imagine my life without my bank’s app!