This month’s Employee Spotlight features our 2017 Corporate Employee of the year and loyal BDSer for over five years, Lisa N.! As a Senior Client Services Manager, Lisa is not only our largest retail client’s main day-to-day contact, but she also oversees the program’s strategy, interactions with partner brands, day-to-day analytics, and data quality control, and a large team of Client Service Managers and Analysts. Read on to find out more about Lisa, her life at BDS, and how a Barnes & Noble magnet gave her the best advice she’s ever received.

Q: In three words, how would you describe yourself?

A: Dedicated, resourceful, and tired (because of my two-year old, four-year old, and helping launch a major program over the last year)

Q: What song best describes your work ethic?

“She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer

Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you were older?

I wanted to be a veterinarian. I went to Whitter College to pursue it because they had Pre-Veterinary as a major option, only to find out it was incorrectly listed and that they didn’t have it in their curriculum. Instead, I switched over to major in Business Economics and minor in Biology.

Q: Where did you go on your last vacation and where do you want to go next?

A: Our last vacation was to the Kern River, which we’ve gone to every year since I was 7, in which we had a few glorious days of solitude with no cell service. Our next upcoming vacation is a kid-free anniversary trip with my husband to Cancun.

Q: What’s a secret skill that you have?

I don’t think I have a secret skill, but one thing that I do well is evolve in my work because I’ve historically had to play a lot of roles. I started in out in the 3PL industry as an administrator, and became an analyst, recruiter, field leader, and Client Services Manager, and now Senior Client Services Manager. Having all those different perspectives from my various roles really helps me achieve in my current job.

And I also like to cook.

Q: What’s the best advice that anyone has ever given you?

A: It was a magnet from Barnes and Noble and it had the quote: “Life is not about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.” It made me feel proactive towards what I wanted to be and to take more concrete actions in achieving my goals.

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

Andy Griffith – I like to watch it when I’m stressed out.

Q: What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t already?

I would say more tangible skills. So much of what we learn is theory and strategy, and I feel like a lot of people leave school not knowing how to apply the skills practically.

Q: What is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?

It would be meeting my husband. He was my next-door neighbor at the time and was checking out the house that was going up for rent next to ours. When he came up to our house, I started yelling at him because I thought that he was going to tow my Dad’s car. It was complete luck that we met and two kids later, I still think it is the luckiest thing to ever happen to me.

I also feel very lucky to have my tea kettle and slippers.

Keep an eye out for more Employee Spotlights! Interested in becoming a BDSer yourself? Check out our Careers Page for the latest job openings.