This monthly series spotlights an amazing member of the team here at Neato. We take a moment to get to know the people behind the scenes, the robots and the business…Let’s meet our NEATONIANS!

Donna Valji is our Sales Operations and Marketing Specialist EMEA based in London, proving her hard work and dedication for three years here at Neato. Donna is at the forefront of ensuring order during Neato’s period of company growth, whilst continuing a sustainable infrastructure in which Neato’s sales can grow. Here we learn a bit more about what makes Donna tick…

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

I think I’ve learned a lot of things through life, and what I’ve found is that life is all about the good and the bad experiences. It’s important to always have fun in the good ones and learn from the bad. Always persevere and pass through the bad, so you can fully experience and live the good.

What are your three most overused words/phrases?

I don’t think I have any…I try not to hang onto words.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I love the people I work with, and the product that we have. I joined the company in the first place because of how much I loved the product, and seeing it grow and develop has been amazing. The team is absolutely great, they’ve been so warm and welcoming from the very start.

What books are at your bedside?

I have no books by my bedside, I use an iPad. At the moment I’m reading Wild Swan, which is all about Chinese history and how three generations of women survived from the First World War.

What do you always want to try and never did?

A couple of things, I’d like to backpack around the world at some point in my life. I’d also love to go skydiving at some point as well. I would be terrified but that’s the whole point of it – it’s overcoming your fear, you’ll look back on the experience and enjoy it.

What is your favorite thing to do in the wonderful city of London?

I really like to just to sit by the water and pass the time with friends, eating and drinking. I love to go to the theatre and experiencing new places with my friends too. Generally, just walking around and experiencing London.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear would have to be heights (or slimy things!).

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would love to learn new languages, I already speak Hindi and recently went to Japan and learnt some Japanese but I would love to be fluent. Also in other languages like Spanish and Italian.

What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?

I see AI as the most important trend today. In 5-10 years this will have a massive impact on peoples’ day-to-day lives, so it’s imperative we capitalise on it now and develop it as much as we can.

Other Thoughts

I love walking and exploring, I recently did the Yorkshire three peaks in one day. I’m also interested in charities, one day I’d love to join a group of doctors going to rural and remote places to help people.