Meet Alexander: Sales Executive at AlisQI

When did you leave school and what has been your career path so far?

I finished my studies in 2012. My background originally is in hospitality management, where I did my bachelor, but during that time I already realized that while I liked the industry, it wasn’t where I wanted to build my long-term career. I wanted to move more towards the corporate and commercial side, so I did a pre-master and then a master in finance.

During my studies, I already started working, first as a financial accountant at a telecom company. Even before that, I was always doing sales-related work alongside my studies, from student jobs to sales research roles. From 2012 onwards, my career really took off, moving from telecom into Baker McKenzie, and later into a French startup where I took on a combination of financial planning, budgeting, and country management responsibilities. After a very intense period there, I consciously shifted more towards commercial roles, first in education, then in SaaS, which eventually led me to AlisQI.

What appealed to you about the job with AlisQI?

What really appealed to me is that AlisQI is at a stage where the company is clearly preparing for its next step. I enjoy being part of a growing organization where what you do day to day genuinely matters. In smaller, growing companies, you can really make an impact, and you’re not just executing tasks but helping shape the direction. I also strongly prefer smaller organizations with short lines, less hierarchy, and easy access to colleagues. That level of responsibility and involvement gives me energy and makes me feel engaged in what I’m doing.

How long have you been with the company?

I joined AlisQI very recently and have been with the company for about a month (at the time of the interview).

What attracted you to the role?'

The role attracted me because it sits exactly at the intersection of my experience in SaaS, sales, and growing companies. I enjoy roles where you are not stepping into something that is already fully defined, but where you can actively contribute to building and improving things. The commercial focus, combined with the company’s growth phase, made it a role where I felt I could add value while continuing to grow myself.

What skills do you think are vital to your job?

Sales today requires persistence more than ever, especially in B2B SaaS where competition is intense. You need to be a very good listener and really understand what people are telling you, not just hear it. Asking the right questions, adapting quickly, and building trust over time are essential. Rejection is part of the job, so not giving up too quickly is important. It’s also about understanding that a no today doesn’t necessarily mean a no forever, and that maintaining relationships can eventually turn into opportunities.

What type of person suits your job best?

This job suits someone who is energetic, socially curious, and genuinely enjoys talking to people. You need to feel comfortable approaching new people, starting conversations from scratch, and building relationships over time. Having a hunger for closing deals is important, but it should be balanced with a sincere desire to help others. If you’re only selling for the sake of selling, people will notice. A healthy mix of commercial drive and genuine interest in people works best.

How do your days/ weeks vary?

An average week usually includes several discovery calls, which are at the very beginning of the sales process. A lot of time goes into preparing for those calls by researching companies, understanding the industry they operate in, and the role of the person I’m speaking with. There’s also an analytical side to the job, making sure everything is properly logged in the CRM to keep a clear overview of the pipeline. On top of that, I like to create my own opportunities through outreach and cold calling, which helps keep me sharp and proactive.

Do you still undergo training or train others?

Yes, definitely. Especially when moving into a new field, training is a big part of the role. That means spending a lot of time understanding the product, talking with colleagues, reading, and building up knowledge. It’s also about learning the company culture, how teams work together, and where the company is heading. I’m learning continuously, both through formal onboarding, tools that allow practice, and through working closely with colleagues who have a lot of experience.

AlisQI likes team players, do you feel part of a team?

Yes, very much. From the start, I felt a strong sense of collaboration. Even though we work remotely, there are many touchpoints throughout the day that make you feel connected. People are approachable, willing to help, and open to making time for each other. There’s also space for having fun, which makes the remote setup feel much more human and engaging.

How does the company differ from others that you have worked for?

The biggest difference is how clearly defined and lived the company culture is. AlisQI has a clear mission, vision, and set of values, which really helps in a remote environment. There’s a strong focus on collaboration, inclusion, and shared responsibility. Compared to some other companies I’ve worked for, this creates much more alignment and a stronger sense of belonging. 

What aspects of your job do you find particularly rewarding?

While closing deals is obviously important, what I find most rewarding is building relationships and helping people solve real problems. In SaaS, you’re not just selling a product, but a solution that can genuinely make someone’s work easier or more efficient. Understanding their challenges, building trust, and seeing that what you offer actually helps them move forward is what gives me the most satisfaction.

What has surprised you about this job?

I was positively surprised by how supportive and structured everything is, especially given how quickly I had to start doing sales calls. The onboarding, the tools available, and the buddy system really stood out to me. Despite being new and still learning the product, I felt well supported and encouraged to grow quickly.

What do you look forward to most each day when you begin work?

I look forward to getting things done. Making progress, learning new things, and being productive sets the tone for my day. Even small achievements give a sense of momentum, and that helps keep me focused and motivated throughout the day.