Relentlessly Delivering Dara Default Solutions and Advocating for Inclusivity, Deidre Legrand is a Sagent Standout
In this series, we’re focused on the humans who make up Sagent. We’re fortunate to have a team that is constantly evolving – both professionally and personally – folks from all over the world who bring a variety of experience, education, and perspectives to advance our challenging mission. We’re excited to introduce you to some of these talented people who make Sagent a vibrant, productive community.
Tell me about your family, pets, where you live, and anything else you’d like to share about your life to help people get to know you.
I grew up in Belleville, Illinois, but I now live in Foristell, Missouri which is about 40 minutes west of St. Louis. I love the St. Louis area because there are so many things to do here. I now live down the street from my wonderful son and daughter-in-law, as I recently moved to an affordable ranch house in Foristell so that my elderly mother, who now lives with me, could get around safely. Last month, I added a new foster–to–adopt puppy to my household, and it has been such an exciting experience!
What are your hobbies?
I love hanging out with friends, going to museums and the movies, hiking, fishing, and reading. I also love a good game night or a great day at a winery. Of course, watching the Chiefs play football is my favorite fall pastime.
Do you do any volunteer work or have a soft spot for any charity in your community?
For many years, I have volunteered at numerous LGBTQIA+ resource groups in the St. Louis area. I also occasionally volunteer with a woman’s shelter and a crisis nursery. Currently, I am training to volunteer at an animal rescue in my area. However, I am most proud and excited about my volunteer efforts with Sagent PROUD. PROUD is a Sagent business resource group (BRG) for LGBTQIA+ employees, families, and allies that aims to provide a space to discuss issues affecting LGBTQIA+ employees, foster a PROUD community at Sagent, and shape Sagent’s future processes to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive. I, along with three of my amazing coworkers (Sam, Nick and Kassie), organize PROUD events, activities and information to achieve the group’s mission and goals. The BRGs were started about a year ago, and since then we have established ourselves by collaborating and leaning on each other to build up this important program.
What are your favorite movies, music, or TV shows?
I enjoy most movies genres, so I have too many movies in my favorite’s list to be able to name just a few. I listen to podcasts including Crime Junkies, Smartless and Armchair Expert. My most frequently watched TV shows are all over the map and include Law & Order, FBI, Game of Thrones, House of Dragon, Big Bang Theory, Ghosts, Call the Midwife, Mrs. Brown’s Boys to name a few.
If you ever need a movie theatre buddy or a good binge friend, I am your person!
Tell me about any notable accomplishments that you’re proud of.
The accomplishments that I am most proud of are my son and the amazing man he has become, my fulfilling career at Sagent, and my recent home ownership journey.
Do you have a role model? If so, tell me about them.
I have had many role models over the years, but the person that comes to mind is my former colleague Destinee Pratt. She is one of the most knowledgeable people that I know in mortgage finance and has so many connections in the industry. I am always amazed by how informed she is and how quickly she understands a new regulation, new information, or a new system. Destinee is also so incredibly kind and caring and one of the calmest people I know. She cares deeply for her team members and does what she can to help them. I aspire to have her team management skills and her wealth of knowledge!
What was your first “real” job?
My first “real” job was as a Parts Salesperson at Auto Shack. I started as their holiday elf (yes, I was in a full elf costume) and worked my way up to become the youngest Parts Sales Manager in my area!
Tell me more about your career journey and how you ended up in mortgage fintech. Highlight a particularly positive or negative experience and what you learned from it.
I got into mortgage fintech completely by accident. My first introduction to the industry was my time in a temp admin position for a mortgage servicer’s Default Attorney Network Manager. From this position I was able to work my way up to Default Attorney Network Assistant Manager. This role allowed me to work closely with the default information systems vendor who provided us with a case management system, an invoicing system, and a trustee system. When they opened a position for an Account Manager that would handle my company’s account, several wonderful people worked together to move me into the role. I was eventually promoted to Vendor Manager, managing all vendors and their needs on default systems until the company was sold. I was then hired by ISGN for Vendor Integrations and later joined the team at Sagent. Currently, I am a Business Analyst for Dara Claims within the Dara Default Team.
A particularly positive experience that stuck with me occurred when I was an Account Manager. I had a weekly call with the other Account Managers and the VP that oversaw us to discuss client issues and potential solutions. On one call, the VP stated: “We never seem to get to Deidre, and she manages one of our biggest clients, but I am not worried because I know that she knows how to survive and will not give up.” I repeat that statement in my head when times get tough professionally or personally.
What does your “day to day” look like in your role at Sagent?
My day is filled with a wide variety of activities. Most days begin with morning check-in meetings with my team where we discuss ongoing projects and any challenges that are blocking progress. Throughout the day, I collaborate closely with the product team, developers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, create stories for issues and enhancements, test newly released items, and develop new solutions. A significant part of my day involves working with clients, which I enjoy tremendously. I meet with them to understand their needs, gather feedback, provide updates on project progress, and conduct training. Additionally, I frequently coordinate with other teams within the company to facilitate the smooth roll out of products from Sagent to the consumer.
What about your job motivates or challenges you?
Being able to meet clients’ needs by creating and improving products is motivating for me. It is satisfying to see a newly designed or improved product roll out to clients. It is exhilarating to watch a client start using a product and to see that it works exactly as intended. I am more motivated when I have to pull together and work through a project plan. I find checklists helpful in keeping my momentum and staying on track.
But without a doubt, the biggest motivator at my job is the people on the Dara Claims team. In addition to my immediate team, I must also give a shout out to my larger Dara Default team.
When you think about Sagent’s values of “Relentless, Relevant, and Reliable” which of those resonates with you most?
Relentless resonates with me the most, although reliable is a close second. A short time ago, I did a deep dive into the meaning of relentless. I was so moved by the definitions I found that I created a little poster for my desk. My poster reads “Aspects of being Relentless” and lists consistency, resilience, focus, adaptability, and proactivity, with brief descriptions of each. When difficult days cloud my view, I read my little poster and my “It’s game day” attitude is recharged.
What is your experience with Sagent’s culture?
Since joining Sagent, I have found that there are no limits to what we can accomplish. It is a very exciting and innovating time to be a part of America’s $14 trillion servicing industry.
I find Sagent to be a very collaborative environment filled with amazing teammates and colleagues. I always try to emphasize to my team that no idea is dumb, I encourage them to present all ideas, and we will vet it out as a team. Everyone on the team has ownership in our successes and in the not-so-successful. We work to make each other better. I appreciate how Sagent works to create a culture where everyone has a voice, particularly through the introduction of Business Resource Groups, like Sagent PROUD.
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We like to ask our Sagent Standout’s colleagues for insights into what it’s like to work with them. Kassie Dover shared this about Deidre:
“The way Deidre brings energy into every discussion makes working with her so enjoyable! She has the ability to navigate hard topics with a wonderful balance of tact and levity. Deidre is so focused on helping others and her contagious spirit to serve makes it impossible to not jump in right beside her! The leadership, comradery, passion, and life experience she brings to our Proud BRG is so appreciated and respected! Deidre is the best!”