Denny Morais, Partner Pre-sales Enablement Director

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

My first job was in the Portuguese Air Force as an Air Defense Radar Operator. I spent three rewarding years in this role, nearly 30 years ago. It's incredible to think that some of the friends I made during that time are still part of my life. Being very young when I started, there was a lot to learn!  
The standout lessons for me were mastering how to work under intense pressure and understanding the importance of teamwork. These early experiences honed my skills in listening attentively, continually learning, and mutually supporting my peers, which have been essential throughout my career.

How do you balance your professional and personal life, and what tips do you have for a perfect mix?

I don’t think there’s a perfect formula, and what works for me might not work for others. Life has its cycles, each demanding its own adjustments to maintain balance. It really started to click for me when I accepted the kind of professional I am, instead of fighting against it. For instance, I’ve realized that I’m not someone who can easily disconnect from work-related thoughts, and that’s ok! Sometimes, my best ideas come when I’m relaxing. It feels rewarding rather than exhausting. 

Family is crucial, and I always try to make time to listen and engage with them, especially during our leisurely weekend activities, ensuring we are always active! 

I start my days early, often before anyone else wakes. This gives me a head start on planning the day, both professionally and for personal and family activities. 

Working from home requires discipline. I keep a strict daily routine. If I'm having a tough day, I take a break, grab a coffee, or step out for a few minutes. Taking a moment to breathe in, breathe out, and accept that not every day will be perfect helps a lot. 

Overall, it's about finding what works for you, embracing your work style, and prioritizing family time no matter how busy life gets. They are our first source of inspiration and one of the reasons we wake up in the morning to accept a new day full of challenges.

What's a hobby of yours that others at work might find surprising?

I actively practice trail running, and that is no surprise, I guess! The one perhaps less well-known is that I spend a few of my Friday nights at the motorcycle club of which I am a member. It's about friendship with a great group of friends as we meet up weekly to share some fun and laughs, but also support in planning events, rides, and all activities that help raise funds to support it. It's a thrilling escape and a chance to recharge! I strongly believe having such hobbies positively influences both my professional and personal life, balancing the social connections that are missing while working from home for long periods of time.

What's something you've done that you're proud of?

I’m incredibly proud of the automation journey I led before joining DRUID. Leading this initiative was more than a job. It was about crafting a strategy for our automation business, building crucial partnerships, and, most importantly, guiding a vibrant team of young professionals. Watching these bright minds grow, develop their skills, and excel in their careers under my mentorship has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. It really filled me with joy to see them thrive! This whole adventure shaped the course of my career and left me with lasting relationships and a profound sense of achievement. I love where I am today at DRUID, and a big part of that is thanks to the journey I've been involved in before joining.

What do you find most rewarding about your day-to-day activity?

Remember I mentioned earlier how I plan my workday as part of my daily routine? Well, when things go according to plan, it's incredibly rewarding. But to be honest, that rarely happens! And that’s not a negative thing; it’s one of the reasons why working at DRUID is so exciting. There’s always something new happening that shakes up my plans!  

Day-to-day, I need to feel useful and helpful. The most rewarding moments for me come from knowing I've made myself useful. Whether I'm supporting a team member, assisting a client, or aiding a partner, nothing tops the feeling of being helpful. It’s these contributions that really make my day worthwhile and fulfilling: the consistency of doing something meaningful.

What’s the most unexpected skill or hobby you bring to the sales table?

Someone once said, “we are all in sales, right?” My resilience and ability to navigate long, sometimes unpredictable sales cycles might not seem like an unexpected skill, but they are crucial. I don’t give up easily; I stay on the course and maintain focus, even when the end goal seems distant. And yes, sometimes the momentum demands that we read the room and adjust our strategy on the fly. What is life without some risk? Additionally, my passion for technology drives me to bring this enthusiasm to the table every chance I get, which energizes discussions and sparks creativity in a sales approach. 

Why should someone join the DRUID team?

Join DRUID team if you're eager to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking environment. This is the place for you if you want to ride the wave of high technology and are looking for a space where you can truly explore and develop the best aspects of your professional self. However, think twice before joining if you expect an easy ride! DRUID is not for those who aren't passionate about their work. Passion is essential here. It’s what enables us to build trust with colleagues, partners, and clients. Also, even if you're a top star, remember that DRUID values team players above all. We believe that we go nowhere alone, and our success is built collectively. So, if you’re ready to push the limits and contribute to a team that aims to innovate and excel together, DRUID could be the perfect fit for you!