Rasa Meškauskienė, Finora Bank’s Chief People Officer, blends her expertise in psychology and psychotherapy with a results-driven approach to organizational leadership. In this interview, Rasa shares her journey to Finora, the challenges she faces, and how she drives transformation while aligning with the bank’s strategic goals.
Q: Hi, Rasa! You’ve been with Finora Bank for almost a year now. What motivated you to join the team?
A: I joined Finora to embrace new opportunities. I was looking for a role where I could not only make an impact but also face real challenges. I wanted a position that allowed me to implement meaningful, transformative change, and Finora provided that space.
For me, it wasn’t just about growth—it was about reshaping the existing culture and driving strategic alignment across people, processes, and objectives. At Finora, I saw the unique potential to rebuild almost everything from the ground up, from cultural mindsets to operational strategies. Opportunities for such comprehensive change management are rare, and being part of this journey has been incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What’s unique about your role as CPO?
A: It’s a role that constantly evolves—no two days are the same, and there’s no routine. My role is deeply connected to Finora’s transformation. It’s not just about traditional HR responsibilities—it’s about aligning people strategies with the organization’s long-term vision.
I focus on building a results-driven, business-oriented culture where every initiative ties directly to strategic goals. Whether it’s coaching leaders to adapt to change, introducing robust performance review systems, or fostering collaboration across teams, the aim is always clear: to create a motivated and aligned workforce capable of achieving ambitious objectives.
From designing strategic plans for talent acquisition to fostering a performance-driven environment, my job is about balance: ensuring every initiative aligns with our business goals while driving meaningful transformation.
Q: You’re a psychologist and psychotherapist. How does that influence your work and leadership?
A: My background gives me a deeper understanding of people—their motivations, decision-making processes, and potential. At Finora, I prioritize hiring the right people for the company’s specific stage of development and ensuring they can adapt seamlessly to our goals. It’s about fostering trust, transparent communication, and equipping leaders with the tools they need to drive success.
Q: You started out in psychology—how did that lead you to HR?
A: I always dreamed of becoming a psychologist-psychotherapist to help people through difficult times. During my studies, I joined an HR internship at SEB Bank. That experience opened my eyes to how much impact I could have by helping people grow professionally, discover their career paths.
That realization completely shifted my career focus. Now, with over 10 years of experience, I can confidently say that my passion lies in helping both individuals and organizations achieve their full potential. My approach has always been centered on understanding what the organization needs, where it wants to go, and aligning people’s strengths with those goals.
Q: Finora Bank has been changing rapidly over the past year. How are you managing this transformation and working with international teams?
A: At Finora, I was given the opportunity to drive significant organizational transformation—from reshaping cultural mindsets to streamlining operations. This change requires building a motivated, results-oriented team and aligning international teams with a unified culture.
Key efforts include fostering trust, maintaining clear and transparent communication, and recruiting people who align with our vision and values. While balancing cultural differences across countries is a challenge, we’ve created frameworks, such as structured onboarding and regular townhalls, to ensure alignment and shared goals. This continuous focus on collaboration and adaptability keeps me moving forward effectively.
Q: Outside of work, what keeps you inspired?
A: I continue to practice psychotherapy outside of work. Helping people overcome challenges gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s incredibly meaningful to be that person who can offer support when it’s most needed.
Travel is another big source of inspiration for me. Exploring new places recharges my energy. And then there’s dance—something I’ve loved my entire life. For me, dancing is like meditation. It‘s a perfect way to reset and find balance.
Q: And what excites you most about working at Finora Bank?
The most exciting part is working with the team I had the privilege of building. Creating a team almost from the ground up has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’m proud of how we’ve transformed Finora’s culture into a results-driven, business-oriented environment, where every member is aligned with our shared goals and committed to achieving success.
Q: Now it’s your chance to promote Finora Bank—tell us, why is it a great place to work?
A: Finora is the ideal workplace for ambitious, challenge-driven professionals who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make a real impact. It’s a place where bold ideas are welcomed, contributions are valued, and every team member plays a vital role in driving meaningful change.
Trust and transparent communication are at the core of our culture, complemented by a strong emphasis on leadership development. Collaboration drives everything we do, creating an environment where teamwork and achieving meaningful results go hand in hand. Finora Bank is where you can grow, contribute, and be part of real change.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals starting out?
A: I would recommend taking time to know yourself. Society often pressures us to fit predefined molds, but it’s crucial to step back and ask, “What truly drives me? What do I value?” By prioritizing self-reflection, you’ll be better equipped to navigate your career in a way that aligns with who you are.
Q: And the last question. Could you recommend a podcast, book, or film that inspires you?
A: Early in my career, I found a lot of inspiration in Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. Another book that deeply shaped my perspective is Principles by Ray Dalio, which offers invaluable insights on leadership and decision-making.
Sometimes, I listen to The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett for fresh perspectives. Additionally, because I am a psychotherapist alongside my work as a CPO, I read and listen to many psychotherapy-related books and podcasts. One of my top recommendations is Reinvent Your Life by J.E. Young and J.S. Klosko, a powerful guide for anyone looking to understand and overcome recurring challenges.