#RimiFamily story: ??♀?From running trails and marathons to excellent customer management

April is #WelnessMonth in #RimiFamily, so we want to share the story of our #RimiEstonia colleague - Elina Rant Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Manager and passionate runner! Read the interview and discover how her interest in an active lifestyle started and what common things running and CRM have! ??♀?

How did you start running?

Since school, I've had a passion for sports, especially running. It wasn't until university that I discovered orienteering, which attracted me. So I jumped into the adventure of orienteering and rogaines, lasting up to 24 hours.

When did you run your first marathon?

The thrill of navigating forests fueled my desire to try out marathons. In 2010, I ran my first marathon at the Tallinn Marathon, achieving a personal best of 3 hours and 28 minutes the following year. Winning the women's class in my hometown county marathon on Hiiumaa Island remains one of my proudest achievements. Beyond Estonia, I've participated in marathons in Amsterdam and Riga. In summer, I enjoy smaller triathlons, kayaking, and being outdoors.

How does running help in customer relationship management?

Running fosters discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting. These are also essential qualities in CRM. It's not just about physical exercise; it's a journey that shapes strong leaders. The meditative aspect of running provides mind clarity and stress relief, which is important in navigating the dynamics of different customers’ cases.

The solitude of a long run provides a space for introspection and clarity of thought, essential qualities for effective decision-making and visionary leadership. With running, I find a sense of mindfulness that sharpens my focus and enhances my ability to tackle obstacles head-on.

Can you combine your hobby with work in Rimi?

Last year, I had the unique opportunity to become a Rimi ambassador during sports events. As Rimi Estonia was a partner for various running competitions called "Linnajooksud,"? I embraced the challenge to participate in most of them. I chronicled my journey on the company's Instagram and Facebook pages, sharing videos and photos of my training sessions and inviting customers to join me in the races. It was fun to engage with our Rimi customer and employee community and promote a healthy lifestyle!