#WeAreArity Wednesday: Val Damasky
When my friend asks me what it is that I do again, I say…
At Arity, I do whatever I can to help my leaders and their teams be focused and successful, no matter what the request. If I’m doing my job well, I hope that means they’re doing their jobs well too, and contributing to Arity’s overall success.
In your own words, what is Arity?
Besides working to transform transportation and analytics, Arity is a business that puts so much focus on its people. It’s hands down the best job I’ve ever had (and I’m not just saying that because I’m being interviewed). I’ve never worked for a place that has the people-centric culture that Arity does, where everyone feels like an equal no matter what their position in the company.
What is your work for home set up like?
I don’t really have a strict set-up. I kind of just work wherever I land – in my office, at the kitchen island, outside on the patio when the weather is good (I’m currently in Arizona, so the weather is always good). I move around quite a bit, I like to change up the scenery. (I used to do the same thing at The Mart, too.)
We all commuted into the office prior to COVID, how are you spending the extra time?
Sleeping in! Just a little bit. I’m not a morning person so having some extra time where I’m not rushing around has been awesome. I can transition into “work mode” a little more easily.
Most people don’t know
I have been taking up a lot of new hobbies during the covid lockdown. Baking, cross-stitch, guitar, Rollerblading, and catching up on a lot of reading.
The theme song of my life is…
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Would you get in a self-driving car? Why or why not?
Nope. I’m a control freak with driving and don’t even like another live person driving me around. I’d much rather be behind the wheel and fully in control of the car.
Favorite innovation pioneer?
I’m a total nerd when it comes to medical history – Joseph Lister, the “father of modern surgery.” Lister championed the use of antiseptics in surgery, which led to reduced post-operative infections and fatalities. He made it a lot safer for patients and totally transformed surgical practices. If you have a strong stomach, try reading The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister’s Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine by Lindsey Fitzharris.
