Una Klapkalne
Chair of the Board at Latvijas Radio
Latvia
Although it might sound idealistic or naive I believe each of us have to become better person and thus make life better for society as well. This is my driving force.
What do you do today?
Currently, I am the head of a state-owned company.
How did you get there?
Although my education is in business and economy, the first part of my working life I’ve worked in different posts in public administration. Was there when Latvia prepared to enter NATO and EU doing my best to implement complex and necessary reforms in public administration, finances and strategic management. Since I reached quite high positions in public administration very fast, at some point in my career decided I don’t want to stay there till retirement so I graduated EMBA at SSE Riga and moved to a private business. I managed a private media company for 10 years. I have worked in a consultancy business and do some charity work as well.
Why are you doing what you are doing?
I like to find solutions for complicated situations, implement reforms, search for new ways how to do something and change for the better. I like to work with medium-sized companies which are more like teenagers with all possible consequences.
Where are you going? What is your vision?
Although it might sound idealistic or naive I believe each of us has to become a better person and thus make life better for society as well. I believe meaningful work and courage always pay off even if it leads to a completely different place than expected.
Besides work, I’m a sports dancer, enjoy alpine skiing and read at least one good book a year to fill in the hole of education missing courses in classical and contemporary foreign literature.