Reflections on 5 years of Clekt by Claudia Hesleden, Head of People and Operations

5 Years at Clekt: The Highs, The Lows, and Everything In Between

Reflecting on the past 5 years at Clekt, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride. I was fortunate enough to be part of the founding team, a milestone I still hold close to my heart. At 25, being in this position was nothing short of an honour, and that feeling hasn’t faded since.

From the initial spark of an idea to where we are now, the journey has been filled with challenges, growth, learning, and triumphs. Every day at Clekt has taught me something new—whether it was navigating hurdles or celebrating milestones—I’ve come out stronger, wiser, and more driven.

Here are 5 key lessons I’ve learned along the way, both for Clekt and personally:

1. Data is King – The value of data grows every day. From 2010 to 2024, the volume of the world’s data has skyrocketed from 2 zettabytes to 147 zettabytes, and it’s set to double by 2028. Companies today must leverage data to guide every business decision to stay competitive and continue growing.
2. Sales Pitch Is Just the Start – You can have the best sales pitch, but it’s the relationships you build that truly matter. Trust, transparency, and long-term connections are what drive real success.
3. Partnerships Are Pivotal – Our decision to partner strategically with Snowflake has been a game changer. It’s given Clekt a clear direction and the opportunity to work with some of the best in the industry.
4. Surround Yourself with People Smarter Than You – It’s essential to surround yourself with a team that challenges you to grow. Absorb everything like a sponge, and you’ll continue to learn and improve, both personally and professionally.
5. Kindness is Key – It sounds simple, but kindness truly matters. Being kind every day, even during tough moments, builds stronger connections and makes the journey that much more rewarding.

The highs have been incredible: watching Clekt grow, celebrating the wins, and knowing we’re building something meaningful. But it’s also been a journey of perseverance through the lows—those moments that tested our resolve, but ultimately made us who we are today.

Through it all, I’ve been surrounded by amazing people, from my co-founders to the talented teams we’ve built, and the incredible community that supports us. Every step has been a reminder of how lucky I am to be part of this.

Here’s to the next chapter of Clekt! The best is yet to come.