We are running a marathon, not a sprint

• Title: Client Services Manager, Cash Management Client Services, SEB Global Services centre in Vilnius
• Education: Master’s degree in Economics and Management, Aleksandras Stulginskis University
• Personal interests: running, culture and travelling

Vilius is passionate about running and he recently finished his first marathon. As a client services manager he has a lot of responsibility, working with the largest companies from Sweden and building long-term relations between SEB and its customers. “In a sense, my hobby and my professional life revolve around the same strategy – marathon, not a sprint,” says Vilius.

How did you join SEB?

I have worked in several financial institutions as a project manager, working with business customers. Some of my tasks were discussing credit projects with customers, attending bank’s credit committees to get credit approvals, and also offering cash management services, which was about 20% of my job. One and a half years ago I received and offer from SEB to join and work with cash management and client services full time. I took this opportunity and I am happy with this choice.

What are your responsibilities?

As a client services manager I work with large corporate companies from Sweden – air transportation, industrial producers, healthcare companies etc. I am in direct contact with their treasuries, supporting them with our cash management services. For example, from time to time customers need to make large payments, and they can get stuck if there are some errors. Very often such payments are urgent, and that’s when we get involved to sort it out.

How does your typical workday look like?

My day starts at 5 AM with a 10-12km run. When that is finished, I already have a small victory, and it’s a nice way to start the day. Then I come to work and I am dealing with open customer cases, talking to clients, preparing documents for clients, collaborating with other units within the bank on behalf of my customers. We are working very closely with sales teams in Sweden. My workdays are usually quite busy.

What are the things that motivate you?

If I can help my customer to solve an urgent issue – it motivates me. From my previous experience I know that it can take six months or even longer to arrange a bank loan for a business customer. Here I can often help my customers instantly, and I find it very gratifying. I also enjoy the SEB culture and atmosphere we have. We have a very competent and friendly team. I feel I am in the right place. 

What are the things you like to do after work?

My passion is running. Shortly after I joined SEB in one of the meetings head of department talked about our strategy to build long term relations with clients. She said – we are running a marathon, not a sprint. And that’s when I decided that I will make it my ambition to run a marathon. I trained for it and in September 2021 I did it. My motto is ‘don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits’, so I like to get involved in new things, and I feel I can through being active in, for example, running, I can inspire others as well. My next ambition is to run the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

I also like to go to cultural events with my family and friends. Languages are another passion for me. I can speak Lithuanian, English, Russian, German and Polish, and I am now learning Swedish. I also like travelling and enjoying the nature.

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