Embracing the unexpected and the power of preparation

Jaanika Merilo’s journey into digital transformation in Ukraine proves the power of preparation and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. “In Ukraine, almost every week or every day, something hits the fan,” she remarked, emphasizing the need to be ready for anything.

Despite the challenges, Jaanika demonstrated that success is possible with thorough preparation. For instance, she recounted how, after years of deep research and learning about Ukrainian and Estonian digital infrastructures, she was ready when the Mayor of Dnipro asked her to spearhead the city’s digital transformation. This groundwork allowed her to seize an opportunity others might have missed, quickly implementing innovative solutions that transformed Dnipro into a leading digital city, winning a “Best Digital City Transformation” title at the leading industry event World Smart City EXPO.

In addition to preparation, Jaanika stressed the importance of collaboration. Faced with digitizing Dnipro, a city with virtually no digital infrastructure, she didn’t try to do it all herself. Instead, she gathered experts who were better than her in specific areas, forming a team to tackle the project from multiple angles. For example, she brought in specialists who understood e-identification and e-services, critical to building the foundational systems needed for the city’s transformation. "I believe that you should learn from the best," she noted. This approach accelerated the project and ensured that the solutions implemented were robust and well-informed, leading to significant improvements in the city's digital services, including an eHealth system that drastically reduced patient waiting times.

Agility, continuous improvement, and building trust

In an evolving digital landscape, agility and the ability to continuously improve are not just beneficial—they are essential. Jaanika illustrated this with her work on drone development in Ukraine, where real-time feedback from the battlefield led to ongoing product iterations.

The first versions of these drones, developed in a lab, proved inadequate in the field due to unexpected challenges like electronic warfare. However, by constantly iterating based on this feedback, her team developed increasingly effective drones that met the harsh realities of combat. "It’s constant product development as you go," she explained.

This iterative approach allowed her team to refine the drones based on practical, real-world experiences, ensuring they met the needs of those using them in critical situations. Jaanika believes this principle of continuous improvement should be applied to all products and services, whether in technology, healthcare, or any other field.

Another critical theme in Jaanika’s keynote was the importance of transparency in building trust. She recounted an incident where Microsoft’s cybersecurity was breached, and instead of covering it up, the company openly communicated about the attack and the lessons learned.

"It actually increased trust because I knew that if they're strong enough to be transparent, I can rely on them," she said. This kind of transparency, especially in times of failure, is crucial for maintaining credibility.

Jaanika Merilo also shared how, during the digital transformation in Ukraine, she maintained open communication with stakeholders, ensuring that even when projects faced setbacks, there was a clear understanding of what was happening and why. This openness helped to build a culture of trust, which was vital for the success of the various initiatives she led.

Passion, Values, and Finding Fulfillment

For Jaanika, passion and shared values are at the heart of any successful venture. She spoke about the importance of working with people who share your values, especially in times of crisis. During her work in Ukraine, particularly after the onset of the war, she found that those who shared a deep commitment to the country’s future were the ones who stood by her through the most challenging times. "In the time of crisis, you feel actually who wants to fight with you, who wants to go with you through the thick and thin," she observed.

This alignment of values is crucial for building a cohesive team that can weather any storm, whether it's a business challenge or a broader societal crisis.

For instance, when implementing new technologies in Dnipro, Jaanika worked closely with local leaders who were just as passionate about digital transformation as she was, ensuring the initiatives had strong local support and were more likely to succeed.

Beyond values, Jaanika emphasized the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in your work. Reflecting on her demanding schedule, she acknowledged that working in a high-stakes environment like Ukraine requires dedication and a genuine passion for the work. "When you work for some company, you spend so much time at work... if you don’t enjoy it, then something probably isn’t fitting," she remarked.

This passion has kept her motivated, even amid immense challenges, and it’s a critical factor in her ongoing success. For Jaanika, it’s not just about having a job; it’s about finding a purpose that makes the hard work worthwhile. Whether it was the long hours spent traveling between Estonia and Ukraine or the relentless pace of innovation required in a war-torn country, her passion for digital transformation and improving lives has been the driving force behind her achievements.