What does it take to build a career on your own terms? For Miina Sikk, Principal Engineer at XWP, the answer is simple. Do what you want, no matter how unconventional it seems.
After just one year in a traditional office role, Miina leaped into the startup world, co-founding a company in Estonia and later relocating to Chile for a startup program. When funds ran low, she took what she thought would be a temporary job, only to discover an eight-year (and counting) journey with XWP, where she now thrives as a Principal Engineer.
But the road wasn’t smooth. “There were moments I doubted myself, times I had to unlearn old habits, and periods where work-life balance felt impossible,” she reflects. Her resilience wasn’t innate; it was intentional. “I’ve had to actively work on myself, my mindset, my boundaries, and it’s still a process.”
Redefining “Success” and “Failure”
When asked about her proudest achievements, Miina avoids milestones. “I don’t label moments as ‘success’ or ‘failure.’ What looks like failure is usually a lesson in disguise, and what feels like success can unravel tomorrow.” This awareness that everything can change has kept her grounded. “It pushes me to stay present, to learn from the hard times, and never take the good times for granted.”
Miina’s career has been defined by her willingness to do what she wants, regardless of what others think. Years ago, when friends questioned her decision to study IT, they’d ask, “aren’t there too many guys?”. Miina didn’t hesitate. “I just wanted to do this,” she recalls. “What does it have to do with there being guys?”.
In a field where women are still underrepresented, Miina’s determination to pursue her passion is both inspiring and instructive. She challenges the notion that certain careers are off-limits based on gender or societal expectations.
Some experiences cause us to rewrite our priorities in ways we never anticipated.
Motherhood has reshaped Miina’s relationship with work. “I used to obsess over projects,” she says. “Now, I’ve learned to focus on what I can do in my work hours and let go of the rest.” Setting boundaries has been critical, but it’s not a fixed formula. Some days, she feels like she nails it. Other days, she’s recalibrating.
So, what’s next for Miina?
At XWP, she’s exploring roles that blend technical expertise with leadership, work she finds deeply fulfilling. Personally, she’s focused on showing her daughter that fear doesn’t get the final say. “I want her to know she can pursue anything, but also that it’s okay for things to be messy. The point isn’t to avoid struggle, it’s to keep choosing your path through it.”
Courage Isn’t the Absence of Fear
Miina’s journey isn’t about linear triumphs. It’s about showing up, imperfectly, for the life you want. Her philosophy challenges conventional definitions. “I’m wary of labeling any moment as success,” she explains. “What looks like failure is usually a great opportunity for learning, and what feels like success can change in an instant.”
This awareness that everything can shift at any moment has become her compass. She’s managed to learn from difficult times without dwelling on them, and to stay present during good times without getting complacent. That middle ground is where growth happens.
