As Viktorija Vladimirova celebrates her 10th anniversary with iPS Baltics, her journey stands as a testament to personal growth, leadership, and the dynamic evolution of the company. Starting her career in 2014 as an Administrator, Viktorija quickly rose through the ranks, embracing new challenges and roles that eventually led her to become the Director of iPS Baltics in Lithuania. In this interview, Viktorija reflects on her decade-long experience, sharing insights into the company’s remarkable growth, the challenges she’s overcome, and the passion that continues to drive her commitment to iPS Baltics.

 

Can you tell us something about your journey with iPS Baltics over the past ten years? How has your role evolved during this time?

Viktorija: My journey at iPS over the past 10 years has been full of challenges and growth. On August 6th, 2014, I started my career at iPS as an Administrator. Before that, I already had a background in another crewing agency. After three months working in the Administrator position, I transitioned to a Recruiter role, as I enjoyed communicating with candidates. After almost a year, I became an HR Manager, where I focused on sourcing the right candidates for clients in the maritime and energy sectors.

At the beginning of 2022, I was promoted to Director of iPS in Lithuania. This position was quite challenging for me, as I had doubts about whether I could manage all my colleagues in our office. I pondered which strategy to use to create a happy, trustworthy, and productive working environment. I won’t reveal my secret, but I believe we have achieved that balance in our team. ;)

 

 

What do you believe are the most significant changes or developments you’ve witnessed within iPS Baltics since you joined?

Viktorija: Having joined iPS Baltics from the very beginning, I can truly say that the most significant aspect of our development has been the speed of our growth. We started as a small local crewing agency with just four people in a 12 m² office. Now, we are an international company with offices worldwide, and our Lithuanian office alone has grown to 16 employees.

 

Can you share a particularly challenging project or situation you’ve faced during your time here, and how you overcame it?

Viktorija: I think my first trip to HQ in the Netherlands in May 2016 was quite a challenging situation for me. I traveled alone to the international office and was so stressed that I couldn’t sleep the night before my flight. The same day I arrived at the office, I had training sessions all day. This experience allowed me to meet all my colleagues personally and helped me become more confident in communicating with foreign colleagues in the future.

 

What do you enjoy most about working at iPS Baltics, and what keeps you motivated after ten years?

Viktorija: What I enjoy most about working at iPS Baltics is the dynamic and collaborative work environment. The opportunity to engage with a diverse team and work on challenging projects has been incredibly fulfilling. Each day brings new learning experiences and the chance to contribute to impactful projects, which keeps the work exciting and fresh. After ten years, what keeps me motivated is the company’s culture of continuous improvement and professional development. iPS Baltics places a strong emphasis on supporting its employees’ growth, which has allowed me to advance in my career and take on new responsibilities.

 

Have you had opportunities for professional development or advancement within the company? If so, can you elaborate on those experiences?

Viktorija: My journey began as an Administrator, and now, after 10 years, I am the Director of the Lithuanian office. Additionally, this year, I became involved in the QHSE and Privacy teams. These opportunities allow me to add value to the entire organization.

 

In your opinion, what sets this company apart from others in the industry, and why do you choose to continue your career here?

Viktorija: What sets iPS Baltics apart from others in the industry is its strong focus on helping employees grow and its inclusive, supportive culture. The company values continuous learning and professional development, which has allowed me and many of my colleagues to advance our careers in meaningful ways. I choose to continue my career here because I believe in the company’s mission and values. Being part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and making a positive impact in the maritime and energy sectors is incredibly fulfilling.

 

 

Can you share a memorable achievement or success story from your time at the company?

Viktorija: I think the most memorable success story for me over the past 10 years is when my colleague Edmundas Vygantas left iPS, only to rejoin iPS Baltics after three years. When we initially worked together, we were both recruiters on the same team. By the time he returned, I had advanced to the Director position. Edmundas mentioned that he came back because he was confident in my leadership. This decision proved to be successful not only for Edmundas but also for myself and the entire organization.

 

 

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations or goals for the future within iPS Baltics?

Viktorija: My plan is to continue enhancing my knowledge in the QHSE and Privacy teams. Overall, my goal is to contribute to the ongoing success and growth of iPS Baltics by leveraging my skills and experience, supporting our team, and continuously striving for excellence.