We’re back with our final Employee Spotlight for the year! We’re joined by our Product Owner – Suffyan Saiyed. Since he joined the team back in November 2021, Suffyan has been working across the Lean Library products and enhancing our portfolio of services for librarians and students.

Read on to find out more about Suffyan – including an Escape Room visit, why he loves working in the product team and House of the Dragon!
Can you tell us a bit about what you do at Lean Library?
Hello, traveller! I am the Product Owner which is – you guessed it – part of the product team! I am responsible for identifying the requirements for our product and preparing them for our development team. It’s an exciting role especially when it involves working on creating and enhancing our product features and goals.
What is your favourite thing about working at Lean Library?
Without a doubt it’s working with my team! Being able to collaborate with such creative thinkers and problem-solvers who share the same goal and vision is truly something else! They are by far some of the most exciting and energetic bunch of people I’ve ever come across and they make it a pleasure to be a part of the Lean Library family.
What is your favourite Lean Library value and how have you seen it put into action?
It would be pioneering! Our team is always coming up with new ideas and pushing the limits of new methods and techniques to achieve our goals.
What’s the best day you’ve ever had at work? Is there a particular project or milestone you are proud of?
The best day I’ve had at work would be when we had a team get together and all took part in an Escape Room activity. This was the first time I’d met everyone in person and it was an awesome way to test each other’s team-working and problem-solving skills! We completed the escape room just a few seconds short of the timer! It was great fun. 😊
What three things are always on your desk?
My notebook for taking lots of notes, a Rubik’s Cube for brain training and my Canon camera lens coffee mug.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently and why?
I’m not much of a reader and I’m more of a movie/TV show fanatic. I’m currently watching House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel. No spoilers, please!
Is there a quote or mantra that you live by? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard?
“Learn something new every day. Have the mindset of a student. Never think you are too old to ask questions or know too much to learn something new.”
It’s your day off. What do you have planned?
On my day off I’ll be going to the gym!
If you didn’t work at Lean Library or in your current role, what would you want to do?
I’d run my own business in the fields/areas that I enjoy, either as a Personal Trainer, or setting up a Technology Consulting business or Auto Repair Centre.
Look out for more team stories in next month’s Get to Know Lean Library post.