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.
Toomas Alle, Technical Director for Estonia, RB Rail AS
This week, we are thrilled to introduce Toomas Alle, the Technical Director for Estonia at RB Rail AS. Toomas joined the Rail Baltica project three years ago, drawn by the scale and ambition of the initiative – what he describes as a “once-in-a-lifetime” project. Since then, he has navigated the complexities of the project, learning valuable lessons along the way and embracing the opportunities for personal development it has provided.
In this interview, Toomas shares his journey with Rail Baltica, discussing the challenges of working across borders and the importance of collaboration between the three Baltic states. He reflects on the evolution of his role, the lessons he has learned, and the leadership qualities he values most. His insights offer a refreshing perspective on what it takes to thrive in a project of this magnitude and make a meaningful impact on the future of the region.
When did you join the Rail Baltica project and what inspired you to become a part of the team?
I joined the project three years ago and was immediately inspired by its scale – it felt like one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” projects. At the time, I did not fully grasp the project’s complexity, but it is that very complexity that continues to keep me inspired by the Rail Baltica project.
How has your role evolved since you first joined the Rail Baltica project, and what have you learned along the way?
There have been many organizational changes within RB Rail, which have created opportunities to take on different assignments and collaborate with both external partners and internal colleagues. Despite the challenges, it has been an incredibly interesting time, offering numerous opportunities for personal development.
What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of this mega project?
The most important thing is for the states to move past the mindset that the three countries will run separate projects within the Baltics. Cross-border mega projects are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain. To successfully complete a global project, there must be a shared will and a commitment to succeed together.
What is it about the rail industry that you love?
I love the rail industry because it has a rich history and a promising future. It is an industry that is meaningful and truly connects the dots.
In your career, what is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Finding the right balance between work and personal life is crucial. We all have limited capacity, so it is not possible to do everything – or do everything equally well. That is why prioritization and the ability to focus on what truly matters are essential.
Who inspired you during your career and why?
The people I admire come from various industries, businesses, and backgrounds. They take pride in their work and excel at what they do, regardless of the prestige of their job or position. I am also inspired by those who, despite facing difficulties or challenges, manage to remain dignified.
In your opinion what is the recipe for success, for team, career or otherwise?
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for success; if there were, it would be too easy. Each person needs to find their own approach that works for them. That said, here are a few suggestions:
- Be honest with yourself – avoid overestimating or underestimating your abilities.
- Acknowledge mistakes and learn from them.
- Maintain an open-minded attitude and show respect for others.
- Stay positive.
Do you think women handle leadership roles differently to men?
I believe gender does not play a significant role in leadership skills. Great leaders are recognized by other qualities, such as attitude, dignity, charisma, and more.