Stockholm School of Economics in Riga Students' Magazine

On facebook: yes

Red wine vs. white wine: New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc/Riesling.

Study vs. party: Definitely partying.

Blonde vs. brunette: Now – brunette. Years ago it was opposite. I don’t know why, but I have discovered that now it has changed.

Favorite movie: Silence of the Lambs with Anthony Hopkins

Favorite book: Galápagos and other books by Kurt Vonnegut.

Hobbies: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, snowboarding, and long distance running.

Age: I have seen quite a lot in my life.

I have never... jumped with parachute.

How long are you in SSE Riga?

For several years I have been working together with Jörgen Hansson in a course of HRM. I think my first lectures here were in 1998. Almost every year since then I have had some cooperation with the school, but mostly in a role of thesis supervisor.

How important in your opinion is team work?

5 years ago I would say that team work is absolutely essential for success, yet I have come across examples where efficiency can be reached without focusing so much on teamwork. There are quite a few situations where team work is not necessary; there are cases when simple planning and division of tasks works better, you may save time and come to result sooner. Team work is socially desirable and therefore people in organizations often tend to think that it is a solution to everything.

However, in circumstances, where teamwork can create a synergy and employees or students enjoy working together, sharing knowledge and ideas, teamwork is irreplaceable. I have been experiencing many times that team work can be efficient, rewarding and fun. Wherever possible and needed, I personally prefer teamwork.

Main values in your life?

Relationships with people close to me. It has been a significant value even in times when I have been forgetting about other people around me and more living just for myself. Other important values for me would be sports, trying new things, personal development. And definitely – fun, there is no point of work, sports or relationship if you do not enjoy it to the most.

Could you tell more about your hobby of running marathons?

One day I discovered that I really like to run and decided to participate in Riga Marathon. I finished it in 4h 21min and then could not walk for 2 days. First experience was a disaster, because I did not know how to train properly. Since then there were 3 more marathons with best time of 3h 23min. Running for me is amazingly cool and energizing activity.

Recipe for happy life?

Inspiring personal goals will make things go. The problems start when you don’t know what you want or what is important.

Do you consider yourself a happy person?

Absolutely. Yet my life changes from time to time and feeling of happiness is never all the time.

Largest dream?

Fly in space. I don’t think that anything can be more inspiring than flying in space and seeing earth.

Fears, phobias?

I have fear from not getting Ice cream as much as I would like it, and from the day, when I would not want to learn new things.

Do you prefer cleaning your car on your own or taking it to the car wash center?

Exactly 3 days ago I cleaned my car. I was extremely happy about it doing myself and I realized that I should do it more often.

Future plans?

I would like to work more in Europe or United States, to be more involved in projects outside Latvia. In personal life, I finally feel that I would like to have kids. First to have daughter and then son, two would be ok, for the start.

Advise for SSE Riga students?

You do not need my advices :)

by Liene Grizane