Bernadette Fernandes πŸπŸ‡΅πŸ‡Ή

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Principal - Retention Specialist at ThriveNB

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Overview

Bernadette Fernandes is the award-winning Founder and CEO of The Varanda Network, a consulting agency focused on accelerating international trade and investment. She is a globally connected leader who leverages her extensive network to create economic opportunities. People who have worked with her describe her as focused, dedicated, pragmatic, and conscientious.

Born in Paris and educated across Portugal, Spain, and Canada, Bernadette is multilingual, speaking five languages. She is deeply committed to her community, serving on the boards of L’Arche Saint John and the Heart & Stroke Foundation of NB, and actively supports newcomer and immigrant success through philanthropy and mentorship.

She has been named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business and one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada.

Personality Overview

Charismatic

Values Relationships

Assertive

They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions.  They will fight for you if they come to believe in you. They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary.

Topics They Care About

International Trade
As CEO of The Varanda Network, she specializes in accelerating international trade and investment opportunities, connecting partners across 75 countries.
Immigrant Success
Recognized as one of the 'Most Inspiring Immigrants, ' she actively works to support newcomers through organizations like ThriveNB and mentorship.
Community Philanthropy
She serves on the board of L'Arche Saint John, supports Heart & Stroke NB, and founded the 'One World' initiative to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Media Appearances

Bernadette has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2022
Principal - Retention Specialist at ThriveNB
5-2021
Innovation Unit Principal at University of New Brunswick
1-2011
Founder and CEO at The Varanda Network
9-2021 - 4-2025
Lead Mentor - Market Access and Export at Emergence
1-2018 - 12-2022
Official Country Partner - Canada at Africa Trade and Investment Global Summit

Education

Spanish and Iberian Studies from Universidad de Salamanca
Spanish and Iberian Studies from University of Massachusetts Amherst

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 14 Location : Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Principal - Retention Specialist at ThriveNB
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Insights For Selling To Bernadette

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Give them control of the sales process
  • Talk about yourself and some of your achievements at the start of the conversation
  • Use phrases like β€˜your decision will’, β€˜you will impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Avoid unnecessary negativity or slowness
  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Bernadette is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Bernadette

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Bernadette move?

  • They can reach decisions quickly if they develop trust and confidence in the product.
  • Can Bernadette take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Bernadette

Personality Compatibility


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