It’s been a real pleasure chatting with our IT Consultant Dovile this week. The pleasure is doubled by the fact that today marks her second anniversary at Polar Cape. Dovile has joined Polar Cape with a broad range of work experience and a versatile educational background, along with the added benefit of being an excellent conversationalist. From culture, through business, to IT– Dovile has found her perfect role for the moment – leading teams and products through impeccable client experiences.
Read some more about her in the chat we had below.
1. What made you choose Polar Cape?
I like the dynamics of my job as an IT Consultant here, since it’s a smaller company where you have greater involvement in key decisions, and the opportunity to work across various domains and industries.
During the interviews for my position at Polar Cape, I was not only impressed by the people I met and the questions they asked, but also by the alignment of the company’s values with my own. Polar Cape’s focus on quality, flexibility, and the courage to explore new horizons resonated with me. Also, their dedication to integrity, emphasising openness, honesty, and authenticity was in sync with how I work. Additionally, the company’s strong emphasis on learning and development segments, providing growth opportunities for employees, was something I found very appealing.
Another influencing factor in my decision to choose Polar Cape was that I had a colleague who had worked here previously, and she spoke highly of the company. Her positive feedback reinforced my decision to accept the challenge.
2. What’s your favourite thing about your workplace?
I believe it’s the social aspect – the events and the people. While they are all highly skilled professionals in their jobs, they are also very down-to-earth and relaxed, which contributes to an overall friendly atmosphere in the office. There is also a lot of room for exploration, and I feel that my professional aspirations are heard, allowing me to grow and steer my career in the direction I desire.
3. Tell us more about being an IT Consultant. What does it mean to you personally?
IT Consulting, to me personally, is a profession that offers constant learning and rapid skill development. You get to contribute to more things – focusing on delivering value, and then moving on to where your skills are most needed. As an IT Consultant, you are expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge to provide value to clients. What makes the job so rewarding is the continuous evolution and forward momentum it offers. You never become too comfortable or stagnant due to the pace at which you are expected to deliver results. Also, you can never grow too confident, because there are always new challenges to test your experience and knowledge. So, this dynamic environment not only promotes professional growth, but also personal development as an individual.
4. How has your role evolved over the years?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various industries, from telecommunications and the energy sector to oil and gas, food, publishing. I’ve gained experience in different company sizes, ranging from early startups to large enterprises, holding diverse roles such as Scrum Master, Agile Team Lead, Business Analyst, Product Owner, and Product Manager.
In addition to my client-facing roles as an IT consultant, my journey at Polar Cape has allowed me to grow internally. This year, I took on a new challenge by becoming a Consultant Manager for one of our teams in Stockholm. It has been a highly rewarding and invigorating experience so far. I feel very enthusiastic about leading a team of talented consultants to deliver exceptional solutions for our clients.
5. Do you have a unique problem-solving process that really makes an impact for our clients?
When I start working with a client, I certainly rely on my toolkit of skills and experience. However, what I find most impactful is my willingness to approach each project with an open mind and a genuine curiosity. I avoid taking a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach and instead prioritise listening to the client’s specific needs. I refrain from assuming an expert stance and dictating how things should be done because I recognise that every situation is distinct.
My approach is ethnographic, focusing on sensing and understanding the client’s context deeply and then responding accordingly. I maintain an experimental attitude, always open to trying new approaches and solutions. I believe taking responsibility for owning the problem to drive things forward is crucial. In my view, this flexible and responsive, yet visionary approach as well as genuine care allows me to make a real impact on our clients.
6. Is there any part of your experience that you feel is relevant to share with our network?
I hold degrees in human behaviour and business, and I’ve complemented that with IT-specific certifications in my field. This unique combination offers me a wide and diverse viewpoint.
This interdisciplinary background is particularly useful when working with humans and building tech products so that people want to use them. It allows me to approach problem-solving with both an analytical and strategic mindset, considering not only the technical aspects, but also the human aspects of the challenges we face. This dual perspective enables me to make informed decisions and deliver solutions that are not only technically sound but also aligned with the needs and expectations of the end-users.
7. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m an explorer by nature, and very often in nature. I balance my work with regular physical workouts and outdoor activities, finding solace in leisurely walks and nature hikes. Strength training, high-intensity gym workouts, and consistent yoga practice are what helps me remain active and manage the sometimes intense and creatively chaotic aspects of life.
I’m also passionate about arts and culture – often visiting galleries, theatres, concerts, and museums. I’m an avid reader who also enjoys audiobooks, and you’ll often find a book in my bag. I find joy in cultivating my creative side through drawing, painting, photography and cooking. There’s nothing quite like vibing in the kitchen to jazz tunes on a cozy autumn evening.
8. Anything you’d like to share with our audience, future Polar Capers, or potential clients?
Never stop exploring 😊
Work is intertwined with life; it’s never just been a job to me. I’ve grown personally and forged lifelong friendships. Thus, it’s essential to consider how your work aligns with the life you desire and the person you aim to be.
