Catinka has been a manager for M&A and Corporate Development at Nevel since August 2024. She brings extensive experience from similar roles in various companies, contributing to her broad and diverse expertise. At Nevel, she oversees the entire acquisition process from start to finish and finds it exciting to explore the energy sector, a new industry for her.
Riina has been working at Nevel as manager for PMO, strategy, and M&A since May 2023. She describes her role as wearing three different hats, with her main focus establishing the PMO model for strategic initiatives and other strategy assignments. Before joining Nevel she worked in varying domains within M&A advisory. Interestingly, already then, her assignments were somewhat focused on energy infrastructure sector. We sat down with Catinka and Riina and talked a little about their roles at Nevel and the importance of remembering to have fun at work, one of Nevel’s values.
What does a typical workday look like?
Catinka: I’m not sure there’s really a typical day, as the work is quite varied. Most of the time, I’m at my computer – either in online meetings, working in Excel, replying to emails, or putting together a PowerPoint presentation. Almost all meetings are virtual, so there’s not much face-to-face interaction. That said, I try to go to the office a few days a week to connect with people and enjoy a change of scenery. And from time to time, I go on site visits to see our core operations and meet the people responsible for them.
Riina: The fact that I have three hats on makes my days very different from each other, I would say. For example, from last November until February, I was more focused on M&A. But if I look at my calendar now, it’s full of strategy review topics – such as evaluating new technologies and exploring how we could utilize them in our customer solutions and to propel growth. Then, of course, there are some recurring topics for instance, within the PMO how we follow up on strategic initiatives and strategy workshops around scenarios. So it’s a bit of everything. The variation helps keep my curiosity alive – otherwise, I might get a bit bored.
Do you feel that your work is meaningful?
Catinka: Yes, absolutely – I find the work both meaningful and enjoyable. We look at companies we can elevate in some way and, through our expertise, integrate into our operations to make them even better. Plus, we’re working in the energy sector and contributing to the green transition, which feels both important and rewarding. Our business also provides fundamental and essential services, like heating for our customers. Being involved in acquisitions that lead to clear, tangible results and directly drive our growth makes the work feel truly meaningful.
Riina: Very much so, and that’s because of the company’s greater purpose and reason for existing. The reason we’re here is to provide something meaningful – not just to our customers, but to society as a whole. Climate-positive growth is our destination and, in a way, the core of why we exist. I think that in itself is powerful. When you reflect on what that really means in a broader context, it becomes clear. As an individual, I may not be able to make such a big difference on my own – but through a company like this, with a strong and meaningful purpose, it feels like my work actually matters. I feel that spending my working hours here, rather than somewhere else, truly makes a difference. I’d like to think that by being part of Nevel, I’m contributing to something that impacts many people and addresses one of the most critical challenges of our time – climate change.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Catinka: I really enjoy diving into new industries, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. You need to gain a deep understanding to properly analyze a company, so it’s a constant learning process. I also find it exciting to meet people from different fields and with various backgrounds. It’s rewarding to drive a process from start to finish – it feels like a form of creation, even though there’s a clear structure to follow.
Riina: One of the things I really appreciate is the variety in my day-to-day work. Another big factor is the combination of responsibility and freedom that I’ve been given. I feel trusted, in the sense that I’m told, “Here’s the task and these are the expectations”, but I’m also free to approach it in the way I think is best. I love having that balance between responsibility and freedom. And lastly, of course, my colleagues. The people at Nevel are incredibly open and authentic. Every time I interact with a person at Nevel, it feels authentic – there’s no need to put on a facade or be anyone other than yourself. I really respect and love my colleagues, and for me, the level of authenticity feels quite unique.
What inspires you?
Catinka: I get inspired by people and by work that feels meaningful, and seeing others engage in meaningful activities.
Riina: I’m deeply inspired by interactions with people – especially those genuine, authentic moments. There’s something incredibly inspiring about people when you’re able to connect on a deeper level, hear their viewpoints and stories, and have real, meaningful exchanges.
Why do you think it’s important to remember to have fun at work?
Catinka: I believe it’s incredibly important, especially in my line of work, which can be quite intense at times. During those periods, it’s essential to enjoy what you’re doing – otherwise, it’s easy to feel drained. When work is enjoyable, putting in a bit of extra effort doesn’t feel as demanding. For me, having fun at work is almost a necessity because it gives me energy and motivates me to take initiative and to go the extra mile.
Riina: That’s such an important topic, especially now when there’s so much on our plates. I’ll be honest – it’s something I sometimes forget myself. When things get busy, I tend to shift into execution mode, just focusing on getting things done. And in that process, I don’t always remember to have fun. But the truth is, everything feels lighter and flows more smoothly when you bring a sense of joy into what you are doing. I think it even ties into how our nervous system works – when you’re having fun and feeling joy, your system slows down, you’re more at ease, and things just flow. But when you forget that and stay stuck in execution mode, it can actually become counterproductive. So, in the end, I truly believe it’s more productive to find joy in what you do. It’s something I need to remind myself sometimes.
Do you feel that your work contributes to your curiosity?
Catinka: Yes, I’m often exposed to new things that spark my curiosity – things I might not have considered before. Since I find acquisitions so exciting, other aspects connected to my work also become more interesting to me – things I might not have found as engaging otherwise.
Riina: Yes. The variation in my days and tasks really helps feed my curiosity, so in that sense, it contributes a lot.
How do you wind down after work?
Catinka: What I enjoy most is teaching ballet after work, which I do occasionally. I’ve had a dance studio for several years as a hobby on the side. Teaching ballet feels like stepping into another world – I must to let go of everything else, and it gives me so much in return. It’s partly a way for me to stay physically active, but it also helps me completely disconnect from work and the thoughts I’ve had during the day. I get to be fully present, focusing on my students, enjoying the music and dance. It’s the best way for me to unwind, even if it’s not exactly a calm activity.
Riina: I love yoga, forest walks and just hugging trees (she grins). And I guess also having a good conversation with friends or family.
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