Meet Sandra Mercier, Head of Finance, Telf AG*, where she manages trade finance for coal sales and risk management. We all realize that working in such a responsible position is not at all easy, and reaching it through your career path is probably even more difficult. We asked Sandra some of the questions that most concern our audience.
Sandra Mercier has come a long way before starting a partnership with Telf AG. Trading attracted her from childhood, since her parents were engaged in this type of business. Immediately after receiving a diploma of higher education in the United States, she moved to Hamburg to work in the famous company Alfred C. Toepfer. After that, she gets a job in the legendary agricultural holding Louis Dreyfus, which has existed since 1851. Sandra's stunning career portfolio also includes working with Channoil as a petroleum broker and working for BNP as a public relations manager. In a leadership position, she initially tried herself at Trenaco, followed by the position of CFO at Telf Ag. The company specializes in the supply of coal and ferroalloys from Russia and Kazakhstan to the United States and Europe.
#1 What is the most memorable moment of your career before Telf AG?
This is most likely a job at BNP. At that time, I was engaged in the integration and financing of small trading companies. It was in this position that I learned many secrets of business in the field of industry, which I use now. Many thanks to Christopher Slaboshevich who gave me the opportunity to take on responsible projects, even without the proper experience in this area.
The schedule was busy, but that was exactly what I liked about this job. For example, I could catch the plane for an important client to sign a contract after I spent 7 hours negotiating at the refinery. At BNP, I learned to be the person who opened many doors. I created an impressive portfolio of projects in the conditions of fierce internal competition. Now I am proud of the achieved result and love new difficulties that every time lead me to success.
#2 What advice would you give to young professionals?
In the large trading companies in which I worked, I often saw young professionals on an internship. The main problem is that they want too much too fast. At the same time, they are not curious enough. My advice is to learn a lot and do a lot. Also, do not hesitate to start from the simplest position – it is much easier to grow in one company than to try to get a higher position in another company. Finally, enjoy your work! Nothing contributes to quick successes as a positive workplace environment.
#3 Do you have slogans that motivate you every day?
Yes, sure! I constantly adhere to several principles. First, it’s very important for me to understand that I’m doing what I love. My experience proves that true success comes only when I truly enjoy what I do. In addition, I suggest to pay attention to small things – if you notice important details and act accordingly, you will go far in your career. And, of course, be honest with yourself and with others.
#4 Do you like to perform even everyday duties at Telf AG?
Let's admit – there is a routine in any profession. Fortunately, I have it just a little bit. But what I especially like in my work is that every day is not like the other. I come to work and don’t even know what challenges I will have to overcome today. Such a rhythm helps me stay on the wave with the world and constantly maintain my qualifications as a professional.
#5 If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your career path?
No, I would do everything just the same! I have tried many different roles throughout my career and consider it my advantage. I visited different countries and each time something new came into my duties. At the moment, I have gained a wider understanding of the market and geopolitics than other narrowly specialized managers. Undoubtedly, as a result, I can solve complex problems more efficiently.
#6 Women in the trading industry are treated differently than men?
When I was just starting my career, yes, it was different. I had to work twice as much as men to build my reputation. This was especially true when working with Russian partners at BNP. It’s good that now everything has changed for the better. I hardly feel any gender differences, as do the female colleagues with whom I work.
* – Telf AG – A group of companies that provide the purchase of coal and ferroalloys from the CIS countries by large customers from Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. Telf Ag works with reliable partners in the field of logistics in order to provide the most acceptable conditions to both suppliers and customers. The holding also offers flexible financial solutions in the field of working capital.
Source: https://magazine.ampersand-world.com/8-questions-to-sandra-mercier-head-of-finance-telf-ag/
