My Emergn journey: Iveta’s experience in office administration and employee support
Meet Iveta Zvirgzdina, Head of Secretariat at our Riga office. As one of our longest-standing team members in Latvia, Iveta is truly the “heart” of the office. For years, she has supported colleagues, managed the details that keep our work running smoothly, and built lasting relationships that have endured through company growth, leadership transitions, and changes in how we work.
Tell us a bit about your backstory and how you got started
I took a more hands-on path early on, choosing Technical School over a traditional high school. There, I gained practical skills in everything from agriculture to crafts and trades. The hands-on, team-oriented environment not only gave me a solid foundation but also introduced me to lasting friendships and industry connections.
Through those connections, I learned about a professional opportunity to work as a secretary. I didn’t fully understand what a secretary did, but I was eager to learn. I enrolled in a secretarial training program to gain the skills and confidence to apply, started as an intern, and within a few months was offered a full-time role. That was in 1996, and my journey with the company has continued in one form or another ever since.
What’s your role at Emergn, and how long have you been with the company?
Throughout my career, I’ve been part of the company’s transformation. I’ve experienced numerous changes in name, leadership, and structure until it eventually became part of the Emergn brand, where I’m proud to continue working today. At one point, early on, I left for 2-3 years to explore another opportunity, but I was invited back, which speaks to the relationships and trust built over the years.
Across all these changes, my work has consistently focused on supporting the office and helping people. I’ve managed documents and office operations, overseen administration and logistics, organized workspaces, supported teams, and handled countless unexpected challenges, always aiming to keep everything running efficiently.
What keeps you motivated after so many years?
I genuinely enjoy supporting others and creating an environment where people can do their best work. I’m at my best when things are organized, the office feels welcoming, and colleagues know they can rely on me to solve problems and keep everything on track.
Whether it’s coordinating events, organizing documents, or adding thoughtful touches around the office, I find fulfillment in knowing my work makes a positive impact. It’s incredibly meaningful when you feel that your work and effort matter.
How would you describe the culture at Emergn?
What I value most about Emergn is the people and the long-term relationships we build. A great example of this is volleyball. Before I joined, I had never really played, and at first, I was the only woman on the team and didn’t know the rules at all. But my colleagues encouraged me to give it a try. Over time, it became a highlight of my experience here, and I eventually began organizing the after-work volleyball games myself.
Experiences like that show how Emergn’s culture naturally brings people together and turns coworkers into friends. Friendships that continue even with colleagues who have since left the company.
Outside of work, what’s something people should know about you?
I find great joy in spending time in the countryside. Gardening, tending to flowers, working in a greenhouse, and caring for outdoor spaces are all things I love. I also really enjoy baking, especially cakes for family gatherings and celebrations. In fact, many of my colleagues know this about me, because I bring homemade treats into the office from time to time. Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere, whether at home or at work, truly makes me happy.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone just starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out is to invest in learning the basics first – whether through study, training, or online courses – so you know what you’re getting into. Skills and tools will change, but curiosity, responsibility, and a genuine willingness to learn will always matter most.
And remember, success looks different for everyone – find what truly motivates you and follow that path!
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Taking Thomas to coffee
