A leader is not born, but grown

When people talk about leadership, they often imagine it as something reserved for those with elite educations, flawless career paths, or impressive titles. But my story doesn’t fit that mold. I grew up in a small village in eastern Estonia — Lüganuse.

Back then, the road to school wasn’t a quick bus ride; it was a daily walk, no matter the weather — through wind, snow, or rain. Extracurricular activities weren’t fancy dance classes or sports clubs; they were mostly the chores waiting at home. But those early years were my first real leadership school — teaching me that you can’t harvest the fruits of your work without first getting your hands dirty.

 The art of adaptation

When I moved on to high school, everything changed. I found myself in a new environment, surrounded by people I didn’t know, and for the first time, I was an outsider. Many of my classmates spoke Russian at home and came from a different cultural background. It was challenging to connect at first, but in time, that diversity became my greatest gift.

Those years taught me openness and respect — lessons that still guide me today. The empathy and curiosity to understand different perspectives are at the heart of good leadership. And interestingly, some of those high school friendships have turned out to be stronger than those with people who share my native language.

 A career full of turns

Today, I lead an accounting team — though I’m actually a tax specialist by profession. My studies in taxation and law took me through the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences and the University of Tartu. Working both in a Big 4 firm and alongside Estonia’s top attorneys on M&A deals taught me how to read balance sheets — and to see that tax accounting and bookkeeping don’t always walk the same path.

That mix of experiences has become my strength. My team knows I can bring in a tax perspective when needed and help us look at problems through a wider lens.

 Leadership has evolved

Gone are the days when a leader was expected to know every detail and make every decision alone. I believe a modern leader is more of a facilitator — someone who creates the space for others to excel.

My job isn’t to master every nuance of our clients’ consolidations or expense structures. I have brilliant specialists for that. My role is to make sure they can shine, develop, and feel that their contribution truly matters. Because when your team grows, you grow with them.

Lessons from the village roads

Looking back at those long walks to school in Lüganuse, I see now that they shaped me into the leader I’ve become — one who knows that:

☑️ Success comes from effort and persistence, sometimes through painful lessons.

☑️ Adaptability and genuine communication are essential.

☑️ The greatest asset isn’t knowledge itself, but the people who carry it.

A good leader isn’t defined by titles or degrees. A good leader grows — through experiences, through challenges, and with people.

And that growth begins in the most unexpected places — perhaps even on a muddy village road, where each step forward teaches you resilience, humility, and courage. I know one thing for sure: I’m still growing, still learning. The journey is far from over.