Mandara

Sometimes I think I don't miss trading, but when I am on a trading floor, I feel like switching on the machines and start #trading. A trading floor is such a great and special place to be. I spent two days in the Mandara #energy trading office in London City, getting to know their team, and on my way home I was reflecting upon my impressions. I noticed I had a smile on my face. During lunch they tried to lure me into trading with them. I did feel like hopping onto one of their desks, switch my WebICE on (I recognized the familiar future order fill buzzer immediately), have a conversation about the #markets and economics and get on trading. Without much knowledge about the energy markets, like when I moved from oilseeds to trading cocoa. I knew nothing of cocoa at the time, and just jumped in. Markets and commodities differ, but trading concepts are the same and "history does not repeat, but man always does" (Voltaire). I thought, if I would have been a young trader, I would have signed up today and would be ecstatic to join them. And the thought of re-joining the trading arena in the Mandara team felt tempting too, but I really like what I do now. Mandara is a great place for senior traders too, with a different approach than the run of the mill mercenary desk hopping trader. I think that is why I felt at home on their floor. Who I met, the leadership team, the owner, the traders, and the kindness of the support staff, reminded me of the atmosphere where I thrived in at Cargill. With a bonus for candor too. A bunch of intelligent mavericks willing to achieve great things in the market. Very nice. I saw team spirit, comradery, seniors educating youngsters, diversity of background, character, thought, education, experience, attire (if lucky shorts make #money, why not?) and a shared interest in financial markets, trading and getting better. I saw the head of trading surrounded by junior traders, educating them about the correlation between crude oil flat price, the curve, and its derivatives. I carefully listened and smiled. I recognized myself. In the head of trading. He had the exact same style of explaining things, and asking relevant questions to the juniors, to test their knowledge, conceptual strength, curiosity, logic, and decisiveness under time and peer pressure. Was I that tough as well? Yes, I was, with the purpose to set them up for success quickly. And I recognized myself in a trainee who was put to the test on the spot. You realize you know little and must do your homework, the grinding, to do better next time, and don't disappoint. I always found it a bit scary that I knew so little, and sometimes I felt a bit lost and overwhelmed, but I did trust my intelligence, which kept me going. I am grateful to any senior who taught me about trading, and life. I took the trainee apart and I helped him with understanding the curve. Old school, asking "why", "what do you think"? You can join them. If interested let me know!

Thank you to Marie Pégoud-Féjoz for inviting me to speak at Energy Trading Week yesterday, and to our panel chair Mathilde de Mareuil, and fellow panellists Nathan Cole, and Barbara Galafassi. It was a such pleasure to discuss what is clearly each of our favourite topic, hosting and developing the best talent in the industry. Great to share ideas with people similarly passionate about it. #itsallaboutthepeople #ETW2023 #hiring #tradingisateamsport