@AdrianaSQ is one of the beta managers who works behind the scenes to help bring new Square products and features to life for small-business owners. Learn about Adriana and how to get involved in the Beta Community.
Tell us about your Square journey.
I joined Square just over five years ago, and I’m based in our Dublin office in Ireland. My background is in restaurants. I used to be a restaurant manager before making the switch to tech. I originally came on board as part of the Customer Success team but quickly found my place as a beta manager. These days I mostly run restaurant-related betas, and I also oversee the beta program for our Spanish market. It’s been a great journey, blending my background with new challenges!
What is your favorite part about working on the beta team?
Being able to directly impact how you grow your businesses is so rewarding. It’s like we’re the behind-the-scenes crew, making sure you get the tools you need to succeed. Plus, advocating for your needs and representing your voices really feels like a huge responsibility, but also so fulfilling when we see the positive results!
What beta(s) are you most excited about right now?
I’m really excited about the new Square for Restaurants experience and all the features that come with it! We recently launched the ability to split an item, which has been a highly requested feature, along with preauthorization, scan to pay, and a super cool new orders tab. If you haven’t tried the new Square for Restaurants experience yet, I highly recommend making the switch. It’s definitely worth it!
What has been the most challenging part of helping manage betas?
The most challenging part has definitely been ensuring we get enough feedback from sellers to validate the experience. While a feature is in beta, our product teams are laser-focused on delivering something truly valuable for your business. But since I mostly work with food and beverage sellers, who are always super busy running their restaurants, it can be tough to reach them in time to make the feature better before the launch date. Getting that feedback while they’re in the thick of things can be tricky!
What makes a great beta tester?
Oh, this one’s easy! A great beta tester is all about the feedback. We want to know what’s working, what’s not, and how we can make things better for you. The more specific you can be, the better! Your insights really help us shape the experience, so don’t be shy. Share all the details!
Is there a local Square seller you regularly support?
Ooh, so many! All based in Ireland though. I get my coffee from ArtyBaker. They're just around the corner from me. For brunch, @Noshington Café is my go-to spot, especially for their French toast. It’s seriously mouthwatering. And when I’m in the mood for the best cupcakes or sweet treats, @TheBakeryRialto never disappoints.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I can never sit still! I hit the gym four to five times a week for some heavy lifting, and when I’m not doing that, you’ll find me out hiking or playing rugby in the winter. I also love yoga and am a big fan of book clubs. During the pandemic I started sea swimming — more like cold plunges since I’m in Ireland! I always follow that up with a sauna session to warm up. By the way, any good book recs? I’m always looking for something new to dive into!
Thank you, @AdrianaSQ , for sharing your Square journey with us and giving us some insight into your personal interests! To connect with Adriana and learn more about our beta programs, head over to the Beta Community.