What is a Good Life? #10 - Seize the Day with Baiba Rubesa

On the tenth episode of the “What is a Good Life?” podcast, I am joined by Baiba Rubesa.

Baiba is a business executive across several industries, from natural resources, banking, automotive, telecoms, and most recently transport / railways – in which she served as the Chairperson & CEO at RB Rail.

In this episode, Baiba takes us through her fascinating journey from her youth in Canada and Germany, born to Latvian parents with a dream of supporting her homeland, to ultimately being part of a shaping a post revolutionary society in Latvia later in life. From being the only woman on many boards to focussing on women’s economic empowerment (currently Co-founder at Novatore), while sharing her thoughts on the Golden Rule, seizing the day, intuition, pivoting, and focussing on one’s strengths.

I wanted to interview Baiba as I believe she lives a truly unique life, and one I learned a lot from listening to her reflect on – as I am sure you will too.

Running Order: 

01:16 Podcast begins

02:46 A call to supporting Latvia

05:16 Life being shaped by personality, enjoyment, values

07:36 Hold your plans lightly

10:31 Intuition in decision making

11:59 Supporting women in business

17:16 Being the only woman in the boardroom

23:36 The importance of listening, understanding, and communicating

27:56 Seize the day

29:56 Facing an early midlife crisis

31:46 The importance of pivoting

35:46 Learning to go with the flow / Intuition

40:26 Dreams for Latvia

45:21 “I was part of a revolution”

48:46 Focussing on my strengths

53:16 Knowing who you are

57:46 What is a good life for Baiba?

For further content and information check out the following: 

- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos

- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/

- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/

- Novatore's Website: https://www.novatore.eu/

- Baiba's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baibarubesa/

Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel for daily clips and weekly reflections.