Desirée Garagna

What was your path to get to LabAnlaysis?

Well, then...today I am a Study Director in the Department of Ecotoxicology. I tend to be in charge of the analytical side. Mainly I follow validation studies of analytical methods and then try to coordinate the group of people dedicated to that phase of Ecotox testing.
How did I get here (think, ed.) It was a lucky path, I would say. At the school level, I was a chemical expert in Busto Arsizio. Then I studied at the University of Milan, in the Lodi campus, majoring in Environmental Toxicology. With a curricular internship, in 2008 I immediately started working here in ChemService, but in the Department of Food Chemistry, because I had a strong inclination toward the subject, which was the theme of the thesis. Then I continued my path, starting to space out in the company in different departments. In the sense that maybe I would start the day with analysis in the chemistry department, then I would go to the studios, then to Ecotox...I was rotating quite a bit in short, taking advantage of the fact that different needs were gradually arising in the company.
At one point, in 2011, they decided not to renew my contract, so for six months I worked for a competitor.
In 2012 Chiara (Chiara Neri, Operation Manager, ndr) called me back, asking if I wanted to come back to ChemService. Out of pride I was tempted to say "no," because I didn't like how they had treated me, but some people made me think about the decision, for example, my mom, with whom I was living at the time. She was the one who asked me the typical question, "When you get up in the morning, are you happy with where you are? Or was it better before?" and I finally agreed. When I came back, I was placed in the Department of Ecotox, and after a couple of years I became Director of Studies, with a wealth of knowledge and experience that was constantly being updated.

What can you tell us about your role, including within the team?

Right now, I coordinate three people, three technicians, and as Director, I like to be their point person. I am not a particularly ambitious person, and I came to fill this role slowly, so I try to be understanding. At the same time, I try to remind myself of past experiences to learn from mistakes and understand the situations that come before me.
In fact, over time, there have been characters who have made my path more difficult. I also saw that what I was giving was not giving me the returns I hoped for. It is not easy to grow up in a company, and in general to deal with people, who are all different from each other. It also depends on the person you are. I, for example, here I know what my position is and I try to maintain it.
In general, however, I always try to find the positive.

Have there ever been people management courses in ChemService?

As for me, chance had it that due to the absence of another person I was able to attend a "real" people management course with a ChemService colleague. For me a very useful course, because the topics covered were very useful. In my opinion, however, it would be a case of doing some kind of refresh of the notions, because they are always current. It's those little notions that can make you feel like a more confident person-something I sometimes lack-and make you look like a better leader. One small example that comes to mind is how and how much to say "thank you." They seem like little things, but they can help.

How have you experienced the transition from old to new management in 2018?

They are two different worlds, for better or worse.
The contract change was exactly what I wanted, because before we were classified as a contract service, and now chemical-pharmaceutical, consistent with the work we do. The first impact was definitely positive. At the same time, this was accompanied by a more structured hierarchy and other changes through which the new management wanted to shape the company. In a way, when things change in the company it is a bit like touching on the staff, so it is not always easy to adapt, but it is also normal. However, these are competent people, whom I consider to be winners.
Pulling the strings, I could say that being involved in a big, important, expanding group is definitely pleasant, and it makes you feel more comfortable; at the same time, it can also become a disadvantage, because within a big group you are a small piece. This is right, but it has to be metabolized at the beginning.
To date, there is a group awareness, although direct interaction with other companies is lacking, in my view.

Does the Sports Committee tell you anything? What is there besides work?

I know about it, but I'm not a sports person. I have only recently found something that can be approached, which is yoga, and it helps me a lot. I had known and approached Tai Chi as a result of some physical aches and pains, and it helped me a lot, but then I didn't struggle to find classes to practice it, while with more ease I found and tried a yoga class and a new world opened up to me that still helps me physically and psychophysically. I try to practice it at least a couple of times a week, I find it rejuvenating, especially after a difficult day. Besides yoga, outside the workshop are friends, family, and my two kittens.

Among your affections, who has influenced you the most? And at the work level, is there anyone you would like to mention?

Uh, oh gosh, I'm very sensitive to these things. Do we have any handkerchiefs? (gets intimidated and smiles, ed.)
Definitely the "most" person is mom. There have been many changes, but she is the figure who has always been by my side.
On the work level, Erica (Erica Tediosi, Head of Ecotoxicology) has been a very important person for me. (Her voice trembles, ed.) We had entered almost together, the day I was left home, they gave her the indefinite. I was crying, but so was she. Then certainly Chiara (Chiara Neri) and Rachele (Rachele Dini, Ecotoxicology Study Director) mean so much to me at work and beyond!
Apart from Mondays, going to work for me is nice. (laughs, ed.)

What do you look for in people who can be added to the team as you imagine expanding your team?

Definitely enthusiasm, because in my opinion without that you don't go anywhere. Without enthusiasm in what you do, you don't tackle and solve the day-to-day problems. And then a kind of complicity, because in my experience it has paid off. You need, then that they are smart people.
No one is "born learned," but if one is smart and willing, one learns things. Technical skills are learned, and a little humility doesn't hurt. (laughs, ed.)

What are your thoughts about the future for you and the company?

I am hopeful about the new location in Origgio, which is closer to home for me, a new facility with more space and, I hope and imagine, fewer technical problems.
And then I believe that we are a growing and expanding company, and I hope to go with the flow. I would love to be part of the future, it means we are growing as people and as a company.

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