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.
Sintija Mētra, Deputy Project Manager (NoBo and AsBo services), RB Rail AS
This week, we are excited to introduce Sintija Mētra, Deputy Project Manager for NoBo and AsBo services at RB Rail AS. Sintija joined the Rail Baltica project in early 2022, drawn by the opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation initiative in the Baltics. Motivated by the scale and significance of the project, she saw it as the perfect next step in her professional journey.
In this interview, Sintija shares her experience working on one of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, highlighting the challenges of aligning multiple stakeholders and the importance of adaptability in a dynamic environment. She reflects on her professional growth, the evolving nature of her role, and the value of creating balance between work and personal life. With a clear passion for both her work and continued self-development, Sintija brings thoughtful insight and a strong sense of purpose to Rail Baltica’s mission.
When did you join the Rail Baltica project and what inspired you to become a part of the team?
I became part of the Rail Baltica project in February 2022, approximately three years ago. However, shortly after joining, I took maternity leave, hence, actively I have been contributing to the project for about a year and a half. When I first joined, and still today, the opportunity to be involved in such a significant mega-project in the Baltics feels truly unique. I have always been drawn to challenges, and this project presented an ideal next step in my career. The possibility of contributing to a project of this scale was appealing, providing a perfect platform for professional growth.
What hobbies, interests, talents do you have?
Recently, I have renewed my interest in running. Although it can be challenging to find the time for this activity once or twice a week, the sense of accomplishment after each session is rewarding. While I am not quite at the level I was 5-6 years ago, before having children, simply getting back to running has made a difference in my overall well-being. It provides a great way to relieve stress and helps me maintain better focus. In addition to running, I enjoy reading, particularly on topics related to the mind and brain, cognitive science and psychology. These topics engage me intellectually and also help me to deepen my understanding of human behavior. I also enjoy participating in various sporting events and appreciate the tradition within our department of attending such activities together. The most recent event we attended together was the Latvia-Spain basketball game during the European Championship qualifiers. I am also looking forward to attending EuroBasket this August, with the hope of our Estonian colleagues joining us, as Estonia will be playing in Riga too. Apart from basketball, I have an enthusiasm for watching ice hockey, beach volleyball, and motorsports. I also enjoy cultural events such as concerts, opera, and ballet, so you may find me attending a wide range of activities.
What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of this mega project?
One of the most challenging aspects of this project is aligning all the stakeholders involved. Given the scale and complexity of the project, ensuring consistent collaboration among different national and local authorities is a big challenge. Another key challenge is the huge amount of tasks that need to be tackled within a short timeframe. With so many changing elements, prioritizing has become an essential aspect of our daily work. Managing my time efficiently is an ongoing challenge that requires constant attention and adaptability. Despite these obstacles, I remain motivated to delivering the best possible outcome for the project. The sense of purpose I gain from contributing to Rail Baltica keeps me engaged and focused on achieving success. I truly believe that Rail Baltica will be a landmark project in the region, and i am dedicated to its success.
How do you balance home and work life and what advice would you give to other women?
Balancing home and work life is definitely one of the most challenging aspects of today’s life. I do not have a definite approach, however, I have found some strategies that work for me. I like to organize my week in advance, ensuring that I know what tasks are on my to-do-list. Although, I like to plan ahead, I have learned to remain flexible and adaptable too. I have made a personal rule to keep myself from working during the weekends and late evenings, which has helped create a clear boundary between work and family time. This allows me to fully engage with my children, and honestly, I can say that they, very often dictate the pace of work-life balance. My advice to other women would be to embrace flexibility while maintaining some structure. Establishing clear boundaries, such as designated work hours and personal time, is crucial to maintaining balance. And also to keep in mind that there is no such thing as perfection, we all do the best we can and its okay.
How has your role evolved since you first joined the Rail Baltica project, and what have you
learned along the way?
Since joining the Rail Baltica project, my role has evolved considerably, reflecting both the evolution of the project and my own professional development. I initially started as a Technical Project Coordinator for AsBo/NoBo services, where my primary responsibilities included deliverables management, structuring the reporting system within System Assurance unit and coordinating communication among the involved stakeholders. Recently, I was promoted to Deputy Project Manager for AsBo/NoBo services. This transition has allowed me to take on a broader role, contributing more to strategic decision-making, team organization and project management at a higher level. Throughout this journey, I have learned something new every day, as the complexity and scale of the Rail Baltica project presents new challenges and opportunities on a daily basis. The exposure to such a wide range of technical and managerial challenges has been invaluable in shaping my career, and I am eager to continue growing within the project as it progresses.