Janis Sadinovs (37), former Global Expansions People Lead at Bolt and founder of Pathway Forward, delivered a lecture to KSU students on December 17th, focusing on the key components of career success, professional growth, and personal development.

We caught up with Janis just before the holidays and joked about the festive season being a time for making promises to oneself.

Janis remarked that the New Year is an excellent opportunity to reflect on personal progress, emphasising that personal growth is an ongoing journey. He highlighted that the most important step is to start making changes. To ensure these changes are sustainable and long-lasting, Janis shared his valuable insights.

What do you do?

Now, I run my consultancy called Pathway Forward. I’m an HR leader, primarily working with founders and early-stage teams. My focus is on ensuring these teams are set up for success, helping them mature and scale.

Can you share your experience of personal growth?

My journey started after school, when I was uncertain about what to do next. I went into law because it seemed like a stable and safe choice, and my father was a lawyer. I did enjoy the process and even worked in the field for a while, but I eventually realized it wasn’t my calling. That was a pivotal moment for me to reflect on what truly aligns with my strengths and passions.

 Often, we choose paths based on external influences—what our parents want, what our friends are doing, or what’s trendy at the time. For instance, when I was in university, everyone was going into international relations, but that wasn’t necessarily my passion. It was important for me to engage in self-reflection and ask: What do I really want? What am I passionate about?

How can young people figure out what they truly want to do?

The key is understanding who you are and what you value in life. What goals do you want to pursue? When you focus on something you’re passionate about, you’re much more likely to be resilient, adapt to challenges, and keep growing. Passion fuels the ability to re-skill, adapt, and thrive in a constantly changing world. Personal growth doesn’t need to be a pressure-filled journey—it’s about finding what excites and motivates you. And don’t get overwhelmed by all the self-help books and motivational speakers. Instead, focus on the simple question: What do I care about, and why?

 What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your personal growth journey, and how did you overcome them?

One significant challenge was when I was in what I thought was the pinnacle of my career at age 29, with a great job and salary, but I wasn’t passionate about it. I was experiencing burnout, and I realized that if I took on more responsibility, I’d never have the freedom I wanted. So, I quit my job, despite the uncertainty, and traveled to Latin America. There was a lot of fear about how this might affect my career, but I trusted my intuition. The experience opened my eyes, helped me grow, and brought new perspectives. I returned to find that the job market hadn’t changed much, and I was still relevant. Taking a pause, whether through travel or simply stepping back, can sometimes be the best way to reset and realign with your true goals.

 How to develop new habits?

Staying in your comfort zone can be risky if it becomes a long-term habit. Progress happens when we challenge ourselves. A helpful approach is to start with just one step. If you want to improve your health or change a habit, focus on one thing at a time. Developing a lasting habit takes time. For instance, rather than trying to completely transform your lifestyle, choose one habit you can commit to. Consistency is crucial — small, steady efforts over time can lead to significant results.

Do you have an example from your own life where you struggled with a change, but then decided to make a shift?

An example would be when I began incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine. I’m naturally someone who’s always on the go, so it was tough for me to slow down. But I realized I needed to do something about it. I didn’t aim to be perfect at meditation, I just aimed to be present with my thoughts. Slowly, I started to build this practice into my routine. After a while, it became a habit, and I noticed a difference—especially on days I missed it. Small, consistent steps can lead to significant changes.

 How can young people stay motivated when they feel stuck or overwhelmed?

Motivation is often misunderstood, especially with all the positive examples we see on social media. Everyone struggles with motivation from time to time. The important thing is not to focus on whether you feel motivated but to establish healthy habits and routines. If you feel stuck, take a step back and assess your situation calmly. Ask yourself why you feel the way you do, and then start making changes. Remember, feelings of being stuck are temporary. Focus on consistency and stay patient with yourself.

 How can people stay balanced with so many duties?

The idea of “work-life balance” is misleading, in my opinion. It’s more about creating a blend between your work, studies, and personal life. If you’ve chosen a career path or academic focus, it’s natural that a lot of your time and energy will go toward that. But it’s also essential to incorporate activities that recharge you—whether that’s socializing with friends, practicing a hobby, or focusing on your health. I like to call it a blend because balance suggests perfection, which doesn’t exist. Sometimes it’s 70-30, sometimes 30-70—life is dynamic, and so should your approach to it.

 What are some common mistakes people make in their personal growth journey?

One major mistake is not asking yourself the essential questions: What do I want, and why do I want it? People often follow trends or pursue things that others think are important, but it’s vital to focus on your own passions. Another mistake is delaying action. People often wait for the “perfect moment,” but the best time to start is now. Don’t be afraid to begin.

 Are you happier now compared to before when you were working too hard?

Happiness is a difficult concept to measure because it varies depending on the context. I feel at peace with myself now because I’m pursuing work that I’m passionate about and that aligns with my strengths. I no longer feel the need to prove anything to anyone. For example, about two years ago, I would not have known how passionate I am about volunteering. Currently, I’m volunteering and regularly travelling to Ukraine—I’ve been there nine times this year. At the same time, I understand that my interests may change in the future, and I’m open to starting over if needed. What’s important is that I’m in a place where I’m learning, staying curious, and doing what feels right for me.

 What would you wish for students?
Be curious, stay open-minded, and work diligently toward your passions.