Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kristel Raesaar

Researcher, writer, problem solver
Tallinn

Summary

I am a developing researcher with a background in behavioral science and communication.


Through experience across fintech, culture, and media, I have gained a uniquely diverse perspective on how people make decisions and interact with systems. I grasp new concepts quickly and enjoy solving problems, balancing imagination with critical thinking. I am currently exploring AI-driven tools to enhance qualitative and mixed-methods research. I am a persuasive storyteller with experience of ... across media and ... in writing.


I would love to join Pipedrive as I am eager to grow in a fast-paced, rigorous research environment where insights drive real-life impact.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages

Work History

Collaborative Researcher

Tuleva
01.2025 - Current
  • Designed and currently leading an in-depth qualitative research study on long-term financial decision-making, approved by the University of Tartu Research Ethics Committee.
  • Synthesizing findings into behavioral frameworks, identifying user pain points and cognitive biases that impact savings and retirement investment choices.
  • Training and consulting the team to translate research insights into actionable strategies.

Innovation Advisor

Eesti Rahvusraamatukogu / National Library of Estonia
04.2023 - 04.2024
  • Launched the Public Libraries Accelerator mentorship program for library leaders, and coordinated the evaluation of Public Libraries' Development Grant applications.
  • Oversaw the strategic analysis for Estonia's new unified library system, developing a nationwide e-catalog and migration plan to optimise user experience.

Growth & Communications Lead

Tuleva
10.2016 - 03.2023
  • Played a key role in growing Tuleva from an idea into a successful disruptor of Estonia's pension fund landscape: in the first six years, we helped over 60,000 people invest smarter.
  • Led network-driven growth and community engagement strategies that increased assets under management from zero to €500M with almost no marketing spend.
  • Helped design strategies that contributed to policy debates and regulatory changes.
  • Collaborated with developers and designers to build and refine UX through iterative testing and user feedback.
  • Wrote and edited Tuleva's blog posts, building a knowledge repository that remains central to Tuleva's communication today.

Artistic Director

Tallinn Photomonth
05.2012 - 02.2016
  • Led the transformation of Tallinn Photomonth into an internationally recognised biennial, securing its long-term viability and reputation.

Writer & Photographer

Freelance
10.2005 - 12.2013
  • Long term collaborations with Luis Artus, Eesti Päevaleht, Kriss Soonik, Whitechapel Gallery and others

Program Manager

Foto Tallinn Art Fair
05.2012 - 12.2012

Communications Coordinator

Gasworks
10.2009 - 01.2012

Communications Intern

Whitechapel Gallery
04.2009 - 11.2009

Communications Advisor

Tallinn Stock Exchange
12.2001 - 02.2004

Communications Lead

AS Ösel
11.2000 - 06.2001

Journalist

Äripäev
06.1999 - 11.2000

News Reporter, Financial Markets

Baltic News Service Ltd.
04.1997 - 10.1998

Education

Master of Science - Applied Behavioural Science

University of Tartu
09.2023 - 06.2025

Master of Arts - Contemporary Art, Photography Pathway

Estonian Academy of Arts
9 2014 - 6 2019

Graduate Diploma - Photography

London College of Communication, University of The Arts
London, UK
01.2008 - 06.2008

Diploma of Education - Photography

IDEP Escuela Superior De Imagen Y Diseño (UAO)
Barcelona
10.2004 - 06.2007

Bachelor's degree - International Business Administration

Estonian Business School
09.1996 - 06.2002

Skills

    Behavioural science & decision making

    Mixed-methods research

    Data-driven insights & strategic narratives

    Experimental design & user testing

    Clear & persuasive communication

    AI-assisted research & analysis

Timeline

Collaborative Researcher

Tuleva
01.2025 - Current

Master of Science - Applied Behavioural Science

University of Tartu
09.2023 - 06.2025

Innovation Advisor

Eesti Rahvusraamatukogu / National Library of Estonia
04.2023 - 04.2024

Growth & Communications Lead

Tuleva
10.2016 - 03.2023

Artistic Director

Tallinn Photomonth
05.2012 - 02.2016

Program Manager

Foto Tallinn Art Fair
05.2012 - 12.2012

Communications Coordinator

Gasworks
10.2009 - 01.2012

Communications Intern

Whitechapel Gallery
04.2009 - 11.2009

Graduate Diploma - Photography

London College of Communication, University of The Arts
01.2008 - 06.2008

Writer & Photographer

Freelance
10.2005 - 12.2013

Diploma of Education - Photography

IDEP Escuela Superior De Imagen Y Diseño (UAO)
10.2004 - 06.2007

Communications Advisor

Tallinn Stock Exchange
12.2001 - 02.2004

Communications Lead

AS Ösel
11.2000 - 06.2001

Journalist

Äripäev
06.1999 - 11.2000

News Reporter, Financial Markets

Baltic News Service Ltd.
04.1997 - 10.1998

Bachelor's degree - International Business Administration

Estonian Business School
09.1996 - 06.2002

Master of Arts - Contemporary Art, Photography Pathway

Estonian Academy of Arts
9 2014 - 6 2019
Kristel RaesaarResearcher, writer, problem solver