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.
Izolde Jākobsone, ENE Program Coordinator, RB Rail AS
When did you join Rail Baltica, and what motivated you to become part of the project?
I joined Rail Baltica in December 2023 as a Document Controller. I was motivated to apply because I wanted to work in an international environment and be part of something truly meaningful. Rail Baltica is a once-in-a-lifetime project due to its scale and importance for the Baltic region, and the opportunity to contribute to such a significant infrastructure initiative really inspired me.
The combination of international cooperation, long-term impact, and the possibility to contribute to a project that improves connectivity and sustainability across the region made this opportunity especially exciting. I felt that joining Rail Baltica would allow me not only to grow professionally, but also to contribute to something that has lasting value.
How would you describe your role to someone who has never worked in rail or infrastructure, and what does a typical workday look like for you?
My current role is ENE Program Coordinator, where ENE refers to the Energy subsystem of the Rail Baltica project. In simple terms, my role is to ensure that communication, coordination, and information flow smoothly between all parties involved in the ENE program.
My responsibilities include program coordination, document management, reporting, stakeholder communication, and supporting the Program Manager with day-to-day tasks. I work closely with internal experts, engineers, contractors, implementing bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that information is exchanged efficiently and that everyone has the information and data they need to move forward.
There is no such thing as a typical workday in this project, which is something I truly enjoy. Each day involves a combination of communication, reviewing documentation, following up on deliverables, and supporting different stakeholders. One of the most important aspects of my role is communication. I strongly believe that communication is key – if communication is not working between parties, it usually means something needs attention. Ensuring clarity and alignment between stakeholders helps keep the project progressing smoothly.
How do you stay focused and motivated during complex or high-pressure periods, and what is a challenge you have faced on the project that you successfully overcame?
To stay organized and focused, I rely on structured planning and note-taking. I keep track of tasks and ideas in digital notes or post-its, which helps me ensure that nothing is forgotten. I usually start my day by reviewing emails, checking the EDMS system for deliverables or correspondence, and going through my notes to identify priorities for the day.
Working on Rail Baltica means that priorities can change quickly, so flexibility is very important. Some days I manage to complete everything I planned, and other days new urgent tasks appear that require immediate attention. I have learned to adapt and remain calm in changing situations.
One of the biggest challenges I experienced was transitioning from the Document Controller role to the ENE Program Coordinator position. This transition required me to quickly expand my knowledge and take on new responsibilities. I realized how quickly I can learn and adapt when the environment is supportive. I received excellent support from my team during this period – they trusted me with meaningful tasks from the beginning and were always available to guide and support me when needed. I am very grateful to be part of the ENE team, as this experience strengthened both my confidence and professional skills.
How has working on Rail Baltica shaped you professionally?
Working on Rail Baltica has significantly contributed to my professional development. After transitioning into the ENE Program Coordinator role, I gained valuable experience in stakeholder coordination, infrastructure project processes, and project management principles.
One of my responsibilities includes supporting document management activities within the ENE program, which also involves training and assisting engineers, contractors, implementing bodies, and other stakeholders on document management processes. This has helped me develop leadership skills, as I often guide others and help ensure consistency in how information is managed.
Through this experience, I have gained confidence in communication and presentations, as well as the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Working in an international and technically complex environment has strengthened my adaptability and helped me better understand how large infrastructure projects operate.
What does good teamwork mean to you in your daily work, and how do you contribute to a positive team culture?
For me, a good team is one where people support each other, communicate openly and honestly, and feel comfortable discussing any task or challenge. Strong teamwork creates an environment where people can rely on each other and work efficiently towards shared goals.
I contribute to a positive team culture by maintaining regular communication, offering help whenever my expertise is needed, and sharing knowledge that might be useful for others. I believe that mutual support and clear communication helps everyone perform their best. Personally, I work best in an environment where communication is open and support is always present.
How do you maintain your energy and wellbeing during busy or demanding periods, and are there any small habits that help you stay balanced?
During busy periods, I try to include physical activity in my routine whenever possible. Even a short walk or a late evening run helps me reset and regain focus.
On weekends, I like to recharge by spending time with family or friends. Disconnecting from work and sharing a good laugh helps me maintain balance and return with fresh energy.
To stay productive, I rely on to-do lists, both for work and personal tasks. Writing things down helps me prioritize and keep a clear overview of what needs to be done. Fresh air and movement also make a big difference – sometimes a short walk is enough to organise thoughts and approach tasks with a clearer mind.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Rail Baltica today?
My advice would be to be prepared for a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. The project requires adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to remain calm and solution-oriented even when priorities change quickly.
Rail Baltica is special in many ways. It represents a unique collaboration between the Baltic countries to create something meaningful and long-lasting. The people working on this project genuinely care about its success and treat it as their own contribution to the future of the region.
This project will certainly become part of history, and being part of it is both a responsibility and a privilege. Anyone joining should be ready for challenges, continuous learning, and opportunities for professional growth – and also for working with highly dedicated and inspiring colleagues.