As part of our 2020RWEST anniversary, we profile employees who have been loyal to our company for a long time now and are brave enough to take a look back and a look ahead to the future with you. Which projects were/are particularly exciting? How has your work life changed over the years or even decades? We take an in-depth look at these and other questions to illustrate the variety and highlights of the different career journeys and success stories of our colleagues.
If you would like to tell your own story or know of a colleague we simply have to include here, please get in touch with us by: rwest25@rwe.com
Today, I am conducting my first interview via Skype. Unfortunately, Marina Lavista and I cannot meet in person because our calendars are just not permitting it. “Will we be able to have a successful conversation despite the physical distance between us?”, I ask myself. Then the screen comes alive and Marina, obviously in great spirits, smiles into the camera. Her phone is ringing, and I witness how she brushes off a (somewhat overambitious?) caller because of our interview – her mischievous smile speaks volumes. My first impression? I am sure it is that unique blend of charisma and confidence that has made her so successful in her career with RWEST and also immensely popular with her colleagues.
Left: The RWEST Spice Girls at our Christmas Party 2018
Right: Marina Lavista at home
Great that this is working out today, Marina. Could you tell us what you do as a lawyer or legal counsel at RWEST?
Marina Lavista
I work for the Commodity Solutions legal team, which means providing support for Hendrik Niebaum’s business unit with regard to all legal questions involving our industrial clients. They include mainly large service or optimisation projects as well as all electricity, gas, supply and trading contracts – but, due to the full service we provide, also atypical contracts.
And how did you come to RWEST?
At the end of 2009 I had just become fully qualified as a solicitor and a colleague from the practice where I completed my apprenticeship had just moved to RWEST. He advertised for his new employer and convinced me to follow him. So I started as a legal expert with RWEST at the beginning of 2010. Since I really wanted to do an international master’s degree, I went back to law school in Southern California in 2011. I had a fantastic time over there and returned, full of energy, to RWEST in Germany at the start of 2012. I have been here since.
Was there a particular event during your time with RWEST that you like to look back on?
One of the highlights of the last few years was when I, together with four others from the legal department, took to the stage as the Spice Girls at our Christmas party two years ago. The rehearsals were held in secret and the gig came as a big surprise to the other colleagues who had no idea what would happen during the party. I am not sure where we found the courage to do it, but it was great fun and worth the effort in the end. Thanks to Mel B, who played a big role in bringing the Spice Girls back together!
And which one of the Spice Girls were you?
Posh Spice. [both laughing]
What do you particularly appreciate in your colleagues?
Here, in the legal department, the atmosphere is very friendly. I am also quite close to my “legal ladies” outside of work. Over time, we have become great friends even though we are all quite different people. In my view, it is very important to foster team spirit in order to achieve a productive working environment because this bond keeps people going during more difficult periods or on days when the job is a bit of a drag.
What is particularly important for you during your workday?
For me personally it is very important to be happy with my work, my results and in my collaboration with others and I like to receive feedback accordingly. In this context, giving and receiving appreciation is an extremely motivating factor. Constructive criticism is just as essential as the willingness to continuously improve. Being in a good mood during work and a pleasant atmosphere among colleagues is a real motivator! For the same reason I also appreciate the notices on the board because our work and our achievements are recognised there – that motivates me a lot.
And what would your best ever working day look like? A day when you get home and think: I have the best job in the world!
Off site. [laughs] I am joking. For me, the job is not just about my colleagues’ soft skills, of course, but I think that we work at a really high level here at RWEST and I genuinely enjoy providing legal support for even the most complex situations, working hand-in-hand with the business, collaborating closely with other colleagues and, because of the close ties with the company, going the extra mile. And a day when we have a glass of birthday prosecco in the kitchen on top of all of this is just perfect!
Before we end this interview, would you like to say a few words on the occasion of 2020RWEST?
Happy Birthday RWEST! I hope that you will always keep your open corporate culture and tight-knit atmosphere. To me, 2020RWEST means: the teenage years are over, RWEST is now (more) grown up. Many colleagues from the early days are still here and have grown with the company – that is a good indicator of how happy people are to work here. I would like for us to learn from this maturation process, but, at the same time, maintain the drive and youthful vigour and speed.
Thank you very much for the lovely chat and all those personal insights!
Interviewer: Dana Turi, Corporate Communications & Events