Our first Employee Spotlight of 2022 is with Denise Brage, our Library Services Consultant. Denise joined Lean Library back in April 2021 and is a vital part of our North American Sales team.
Read on to find out more about Denise – including her furry office assistants, antique shopping and creating new spaces for libraries to exist!
Can you tell us a bit about what you do at Lean Library?
Sure, my official title is Librarian Services Consultant which translates to Sales Representative. I basically get to learn about lots of libraries and meet some wonderful people at the same time! It’s my job to learn the goals and strategies of libraries and match that up with Lean Library’s technologies.
What is your favourite thing about working at Lean Library?
Lean Library is using new technologies and it’s super fun for a customer to have an ‘ah hah’ moment when they understand how our browser extension tool can literally change the way that a library can interact with their patrons. We’re creating a new space for libraries to exist!
What is your favourite Lean Library value and how have you seen it put into action?
I would say Collaboration. In a previous role, collaboration did not really exist, and I saw how the absence of such had a negative impact. l believe that employees have important voices, and everyone should get a chance to share their ideas. I love that Lean Library’s company culture values views from everyone!
What’s the best day you’ve ever had at work? Is there a particular project or milestone you are proud of?
I’d say that my best day would be my first day as I was very grateful to be invited to join such a wonderful work team. It’s a privilege to work in an environment where we’re offering state of the art technologies to our industry and making a positive difference. More best days are ahead as I’m in the process of onboarding new customers – I can’t wait to learn about their success stories!
What three things are always on your desk?
Hmm, well let’s first start with what’s under my desk – it’s usually my two furry four-legged office assistants, Bitsy and Ste. Hilde. Otherwise, a glass of celery juice (or tea in the afternoon) and pictures of my family.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently and why?
I typically like to read historical fiction, but most recently I read Bad Blood by John Carreyrou – I couldn’t put it down! It’s a real-life account of the recent downfall of Silicon Valley’s Elizabeth Holmes.
Is there a quote or mantra that you live by? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard?
I’m a straightforward person so for me it’s ‘Be curious, learn and love often and have faith‘!
It’s your day off. What do you have planned?
I usually plan way more than I can accomplish, but it might include shopping (to a thrift or antique store), floating on a raft in a pool, a walk with my dogs and a nice lunch or dinner with my husband and three daughters. Plus, I want to mention that I have two really cute grandbabies – I might have to stop at their house and get a Nana hug!
If you didn’t work at Lean Library or in your current role, what would you want to do?
I can’t imagine not being in the library industry as it is a good fit for me. However, I do spend a lot of time learning about eating healthily so I imagine that I would spend more time in the kitchen trying new ‘clean’ recipes – I’m a big fan of Anthony William’s work!
Look out for more team stories in next month’s Get to Know Lean Library post.