Behind the Waterfall: Hester Bernard

As part of our new content series "Behind the Waterfall" we shine a light on our team at qashqade, building the future of private markets. Next up: Hester Bernard, Sales Development Representative.

Tell us a bit about your journey, how and when you ended up here, and what drew you to the company.

At the start of 2024, a restructuring at my previous employer had me searching for options as I was suddenly unemployed, I was introduced to qashqade through a recruiter. At first, I was hesitant - fashion was my background, people and languages my forte, and finance felt like foreign territory.

David Wilson, Head of Sales EMEA, and then Oliver Freigang, our CEO interviewed me. As an extrovert, I knew I could manage the people- and CRM part — but could I learn something totally new? That challenge lit a spark. If an 80-year old could get a degree, I figured I could step into this fintech adventure. I work remotely (#love), but it takes a degree of discipline because I have to get up, dress, and show up for work - just like you.

What makes qashqade special in your eyes?

The people. Everyone here has a quirky sense of humor and genuinely cares. I love being part of a smart, supportive team that enjoys a good laugh as much as I do. From day one, they welcomed me with open arms, and that support has never wavered.

Finance might have a stiff reputation, but this space is constantly changing. The product itself is super solid. Once you see our SaaS in action, it’s clear why it’s a must-have. It catches errors before they become expensive mistakes and protects the legacies firms have spent years building. What really won me over is how flexible and scalable our system is. I can compare it to Roco Mamas in my area where you literally build your own hamburger. One thing they don't put on are toys.

When our client's sentence starts with: "imagine if qashqade can...", we explore what’s possible and work with them to bring the solutions to life that make a meaningful impact.

What interests you most about working in private markets? Why does it matter?

Once you understand the scale and impact of private markets, it hits you – this is where major investment decisions are made and where long-term value is created. Unlike public markets, private markets feel more personal, relationship-driven, and dynamic.

This space is thriving - almost like a living organism. The stakes are high, the beast is hungry, and that makes the work meaningful. No two days are the same which keeps me curious and engaged.

What trends, challenges and opportunities are you seeing in your area of work?

People are intrigued by what we do but hesitant to get an even clearer perspective, resulting in several white paper downloads. But there is nothing as wonderful as talking to people via Teams or face to face about our solutions. I see a push for females searching for new ideas to work smarter, and not harder, reaching their own personal goals, which I admire.

Many are stuck in the “live to work” cycle, missing out on real life - a walk outside, spending time with their family.

I love that qashqade can help with that. Like upgrading your phone with apps that help you to save time, our software gives you space to breathe and helps you avoid costly mistakes. I usually see budget or integration worries, but this shouldn’t stop anyone reaching out to us for a quick call or demo.

What’s something exciting happening at qashqade right now?

We just celebrated our 7th birthday - quite a big milestone! Our team is growing at a steady rate, and I’ve had the joy of working with many of our newest members.

As for our next big projects and initiatives … let’s just say they’re top secret for now. I wish I could tell you more - maybe next time!