Rail Baltica is a railway infrastructure megaproject that spans across several countries. The depth of skills and expertise required to successfully execute a greenfield project of this caliber is extensive and would not be possible without our diverse team of professionals.
Welcome back to our series, “Rail Baltica: The People Behind the Vision,” where we introduce you to the members of the Rail Baltica global project team. These individuals are the driving force advancing the Rail Baltica project with their professionalism, dedication, and passion for this project.
Sabīne Ābrama, Document and Data Compliance Controller, RB Rail AS
This week, we are thrilled to introduce Sabīne Ābrama, Document and Data Compliance Controller at RB Rail AS. Sabīne joined the project two and a half years ago and her journey with Rail Baltica has been filled with learning, growth, and the excitement of navigating a dynamic environment.
In this interview, Sabīne shares insights into her role, explaining how she ensures everything stays organized, compliant, and in the right place. She reflects on the lessons she has learned since joining the project, particularly how her approach to problem-solving and communication has evolved. Sabīne also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and consistently maintaining a calm, kind-hearted approach.
When did you join the Rail Baltica project and what inspired you to become a part of the team?
I joined Rail Baltica exactly two and a half years ago. The inspiration for becoming part of the team was my desire for a new job and new experiences. When you truly want something, it often happens at the right time and place. I received a call, and now I am part of this mega project, which was completely new and unexpected for me.
How would you explain to a 5-year-old or a slightly older newcomer in the railway industry what you do in Rail Baltica?
A Document and Data Compliance Controller is a bit like someone in charge of making sure everything is in its right place and following the rules. Imagine you have a big box of toys, and you need to make sure each toy is in the right spot, none are lost, and everyone follows the rules for playing with them. A Document and Data Compliance Controller is like a grown-up who makes sure all the important papers (like kids’ drawings or books) and numbers (like counting the toys) are in the right order, safe, and easy to find. I have to make sure that everyone is following the rules to keep things neat and organized so no one loses anything important.
What does your job involve?
My job firstly involves patience, open mind, confidence in your own abilities and adaptability to different situations. Aside from that, you need to have a sharp eye and pay attention to detail – Document Controllers are like the detectives – often noticing things that no one else even knew existed! My job also involves a lot of communication – every day, I interact with many people who need assistance with document formatting, naming, numbering, and related tasks.
How has your role evolved since you first joined the Rail Baltica project, and what have you learned along the way?
When I joined Rail Baltica, I was hit with a unique culture shock. I had spent my previous years wrapped in a routine, where every day felt predictable and familiar. But stepping into this new environment, I quickly realized I was now part of a dynamic team with a bold mission – to think how to build Document management system and procedures in the company. In those two and a half years I have learned a lot. Firstly, I have grown in my educational level – I am now familiar with the world of data, and I really enjoy it. I am doing things that I never imagined I would be doing; I could not see how I would learn or be able to tackle these tasks. While I am still a beginner with many of the new systems, I am excited to continue learning. The feeling of mastering something new that truly helps the team is amazing. This project holds a special significance for me, not just as part of my job, but as something I feel responsible for. It feels like more than a task – it is a shared mission that unites us all as a team.
What advice would you give to a newcomer joining the Rail Baltica project team?
Be prepared to never know everything in this job – each day is full of new challenges and surprises. Embrace the unknown, as it is part of what makes this work so dynamic and engaging.
What specific contribution or skill do you believe you bring to the Rail Baltica project team that sets you apart from others?
I am not sure if it counts as a specific skill, but my teammates used to tell me that I bring a calm and kind-hearted approach to our work. In such a dynamic and sometimes high-stress project, I have learned that staying calm and helping others manage pressure is crucial. My superpower is finding beauty in every little detail and every day we are given. I always try to see the world with a sense of appreciation. It is my way of staying grounded and finding joy in life’s daily rhythm.
How do you balance home and work life and what advice would you give to other women?
While work is important, my family and well-being always come first. It is easy to forget that we are all simply human, with this one life to live and enjoy. Work is a tool that supports that joy, not the whole purpose of it. Of course, I believe in being dedicated and responsible in my role, but it is equally essential to take care of myself. For me, that means carving out time for the things that makes me feel happy, like my early morning gym sessions, which let me start the day energized and ready to share that happiness with my family. I make sure to listen when my family talks, spend quality time with my kids, and be present in their lives. Balance is not always easy, but it is the key to a fulfilling life.