"Trust is the foundation of every successful partnership,"

Siesta Labs is starting a new chapter of innovation and teamwork with our new Head of Partnership. Strong collaborations have been key to our growth in AI, energy, 3D models and cutting-edge technologies.

We're thrilled to introduce Esther, whose expertise and enthusiasm for fostering meaningful connections make her a perfect fit for this key role. In the interview below, she shares insights into her career, her vision, and her plans to shape the future of partnerships at Siesta Labs.

What attracted you to Siesta Labs and made you decide to join us?

The deciding factor for me was the team. At Siesta Labs, I found not only top-notch specialists in fields such as AI, digital twins, the energy industry, and Azure infrastructure, but also a team that truly cares about delivering high-quality results. 

These are people who put their heart and soul into their work, and it’s clear that they really enjoy what they do.

How do you envision your first few months with us at Siesta? Do you have any specific ideas or goals you’d like to focus on?

We intentionally named my position head of partnership instead of sales or business development. As a good friend of mine says – I’m not selling pots and pans. My aim is to build meaningful partnerships and focus on what we excel at.
For the client, this means that if they require capabilities we don’t provide ourselves, we have established partnerships with companies that share our values. Together, we can deliver solutions of the highest possible quality. 

We don’t want to try doing everything. Our priority is to truly help clients solve their problems rather than chasing a high volume of contracts at the expense of quality.

What achievement are you most proud of in your career so far?

I’m proud that I have never compromised my personal values, even when it might have seemed easier to take a different path that would lead to quicker success. Instead, I’ve always chosen authenticity and stayed true to what felt meaningful and right to me.

What do you enjoy most about building partnerships?

Without a doubt, it’s the opportunity to work with interesting people who often inspire me with their approach, knowledge, or unique perspective. Every partnership is unique, and thanks to these individuals, I’m constantly learning something new. I enjoy finding common ground, building trust, and creating collaborations that make sense for both parties.

What do you think is the key to ensuring partnerships last long-term?

The foundation of any successful and long-lasting partnership is mutual trust. Without it, it’s impossible to foster open communication, seek shared solutions, or overcome challenging situations. Trust creates an environment where both parties can act fairly and with respect. When a partnership is built on trust, it becomes much easier to achieve outcomes that benefit everyone involved.

How do you find new partners, and how do you determine if they’re the right fit for us?

I primarily look for new partners where I see a natural overlap of values and competencies. I observe how they approach their work, whether they care about quality and long-term results, and whether they share a similar philosophy to ours – focusing on delivering real value rather than superficial fixes.

It’s important that the collaboration is not just about a business relationship but a genuine partnership where both sides complement and support each other. That’s why I always try to get to know the people behind the company first – how they think, what motivates them, and whether we could work together long-term based on trust and shared goals.

If you could work on any project, what would it be and why?

I’m particularly drawn to projects involving AI and our 3D models – both have enormous potential, offer room for innovation, and are still relatively underexplored areas in the market. That’s why these projects excite me. I’m also interested in projects utilizing virtual reality or drones, which have long fascinated me with their technological complexity and potential applications across various industries.

Beyond my current role as Head of Partnership, I can also contribute my experience in software development, where I led an entire application team, as well as my knowledge in product management, business analysis, and leadership. Projects that combine technical expertise with team leadership and creating meaningful solutions are the most exciting for me. I enjoy not only finding technical solutions but also crafting strategies and fostering team collaboration that delivers results.

What motivates you in your daily work? What gives you a boost when challenges arise?

I’m primarily motivated by great results and positive feedback from customers. What energizes me the most is the sense that our work has a real impact – that we’re truly helping someone and not just creating things that end up unused. Seeing that our solutions bring real value to clients and make their work easier gives me the drive to keep going. And I enjoy challenges.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have a hobby that helps you relax and recharge?

It depends on my energy level and how much free time I have at the moment. Spending time with my family is the most restorative for me, but when I want to completely switch off, I love horseback riding, playing on my PlayStation, or diving into a good book. I also enjoy physical activities like swimming and running, and I often make time for learning, which not only keeps me engaged and growing but also recharges my batteries.