Denise Pereira
Sourcing Lead / Tech Sourcer (Open to Opportunity)
1. Do you remember a time when you were happiest as a child? Where were you, who were you with and what were you doing?
It was predominantly most of my childhood. We didn’t have a lot, we were a family of 5 that lived in a one-room house but my parents taught us that you can have less and still be the happiest person. There are so many good memories that I would struggle to name just one. Usually, when I feel like shit, I will look at old pictures and reminisce. I remember wanting to grow up quickly and some days I want to be that kid again, adulting can be hard.
2. Who was your favourite teacher at school? What did you learn from that person?
My sports teacher (Ms. Mobina) from kindergarten through to grade 8. She taught me what hard work, grit and determination could lead you to if you don’t lose sight of what you want. She never stopped believing in me and her support never faltered. She taught me one key thing that I live by today when you can see the best in someone, even when they don’t see it themselves, you can make magic happen
3. What habit or behaviour or belief have you recently acquired? Why is it now in your life?
To let go, I was someone that was quickly disappointed if I went above and beyond for anyone and that was not reciprocated in the same manner, time frame or energy. I would spend countless hours wondering why and it would lead to silly theories and assumptions I’d build up in my head. After a while, I realised, to let go of things I have no control over and work on the things I do. My life is a lot more at peace and I am more intentional about where and who I spend my time and energy with and on.
4. When was the last time you changed your mind about something really important? What was it and what led you to change your view?
Marriage, I was always of the view that marriage wasn’t necessary and it was a mere contract, that two people could live together without all the formalities. Last year, my thought process changed after being with my partner for almost 8 years, this was it for me. I wanted all the bells and whistles and finally proposed on the 1st of Jan 2023.
5. If you wrote a ‘user manual’ for how people should interact with you, what would be the most important point in the manual?
Be yourself, say it like it is and don’t sugarcoat the bullshit. I’ve spent way too many years not being myself. I don’t think I can handle the fluff anymore.
6. What personality trait has got you in the most trouble? What kind of trouble does it get you in?
My curiosity and inquisitiveness since a child have gotten me into tricky situations. As a kid, I wanted to see what would happen if I lit the washing machine on fire, thankfully no one was injured and nothing got burnt (mum to the rescue).
7. What is the number one thing you would recommend every person in the world to practice from now on to increase their happiness and well-being?
Let shit go, what doesn’t serve you now, probably won’t later either.
8) In current industry conversation, what is an example of ‘making a mountain out of a molehill’?
AI – and rightfully so.
9) What is that thing which is OK to ask you about, but which other people are wary to do so?
About my life back in Pakistan, I am very open about life there so feel free to ask.
10) When was the last time you felt like an outsider in a group? What/How did you learn?
Classic question, and sadly this happens very often. Going to the ladies’ toilet. The number of times I have been asked if I am in the right place or been looked at as if I don’t belong there always makes me cringe and feel so uncomfortable in my skin. I got exhausted from trying to educate people each time I walked into one so to keep my sanity and to not feel like an outsider, I either use the unisex toilet or avoid using one if I can altogether.
11) What is your most prized possession? What’s the story behind it?
Pictures of and with my dad. He passed away unexpectedly during covid, I had to get exemptions to leave the country. Two of my exemptions were knocked back whilst he was still in hospital, on my 3rd exemption I was finally able to go. I was two days away from leaving when I got the call. You never know when is the last time you take pictures with loved ones, make it count. All my letters, and cards from when I was between 10-15 years of age. Now when I read it, it’s all in good fun and for laughs but that time showed me how clueless I really was.
12. If you were a giant mega Monster what city would you rampage first? Why?
Shanghai, so I could take all the pandas and keep them with me (I love Panda’s), I’d most likely open a panda haven for myself to feel good after all the chaos I caused.
13. Aside from family & friends, if you could invite any 3 people - living or dead - to your final dinner party before the end of the world, who would they be and why?
Chester Bennington – so we could belt out to some Linkin Park after dessert, Ellen Degeneres – because she brought a lot of happiness to those that needed and it Ruth Bader Ginsburg – nothing like a kick-ass woman who pioneered women’s rights
14. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Who gave it and when?
Nothing great comes out of staying in your comfort zone – my ex-manager Anne-Marie Stenglein once said this to me and this has stuck with me ever since. I have only learnt more each time I’ve taken a leap of faith and tried something I thought I never could or would do.
15. What's a skill that isn’t on your resume, but that your former bosses would recognize as one of the reasons you are successful?
Giving sound/balanced advice
16. What role do you find yourself playing when you join a newly formed team? Can you explain why this happens?
Definitely the curious one with lots of ideas. The excitement gets to me and I relish the honeymoon period. Being a new person in the team, it’s also easier to spot gaps and sometimes my mind goes into ‘this is a gap/hindrance, let’s find a solution mode’ which isn’t always well-received as that may not be an issue for the business or they may not see it that way. My ADHD also has my mind spiralling in ten different directions and the excitement can be overwhelming.
17. What’s one industry challenge you don’t actually think will ever get solved?
Candidate care, even with all the automation in place in 2023, candidate care and experience are still lacking big time. Companies and recruiters alike are taking the talent in the market for granted. We are seeing lots of talented TA folks leave the industry because of how businesses have been treating them each time the going gets tough. As recruiters, we are in a place to make a difference but the one thing that needs a massive shift and shake-up, unfortunately, is still suffering.
18. Do you have a secret tip, tool or trick that’s contributed to your success?
I don’t think it’s rocket science, nor is it a tool or trick but definitely a life skill and that is of being a very self-aware person. I’ve had to rely on my instincts and emotions from a very young age because of some of the things I have seen and things that I have experienced. It allows me to look at things a lot more holistically and also understand others’ emotions in situations that call for us to be calm. It’s made me a lot more resilient to situations that others might lose sleep over. The downside to that is, that I might ponder over some things where I feel my curiosity is getting the better of me which causes my brain to go into overdrive.
19. If you could add a question for the next person to answer, what would it be?
If you could get rid of one mental illness, which one would it be and why?
20. Who would you recommend to do the next 20 Questions With … ?
Matt Woodard – time for him to be more vocal, I am sure he has some interesting stories to share with us
Thank you to Denise Pereira for taking 20 Questions for The Brainfood Tribune. Make sure to follow Denise on LinkedIn.