A woman in the world of trading – the success story of Veronika Lazovik

From an early age, I knew that I wanted to work in business and have contact with people, which is why I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management in Poland. During my studies, I worked part-time at an event agency, where I first realised that I enjoyed customer contact, building relationships, and even working under time pressure, which gave me an extra boost. After graduation, I decided it was time for a ‘normal’ office job, which is how I ended up at Foodcom.

Absolutely nothing! I sent my CV, but the company description on the internet didn’t tell me anything. I didn’t know what trading was, what these people did, what they sold. I went to the interview blind, they accepted me, and that’s how my adventure began. At first, I supported two senior traders, and to be honest, I was terrified. I didn’t understand their work, the names of the products, the processes. It was very, very difficult at first.

Over time, I began to get involved in this world. Step by step, I learned about the products, the topics, how to talk to clients and what documents are needed. And unexpectedly, I really liked it. I started thinking that maybe I could try it myself. The real impetus was a conversation with my boss, who one day told me straight out that I had to start working on my own and continue to develop. I took a chance.

I was very afraid. As a sales support, I already knew how to guide a client through the entire contract process. However, I had no idea where to find these clients, how to acquire them, what to say to them at the beginning, how to introduce myself. That first step was the most difficult and stressful. But once I got started, it just went smoothly. The beginning is the worst, and then you just go with the flow.

I feel right at home here, but I won’t hide the fact that you need to have some ‘balls’ to work here. It’s a stressful job that requires quick and decisive decisions. I think that as women, we approach clients with greater care and try to look after them. I always try to find a win-win solution so that both sides are satisfied, rather than just competing. This builds long-lasting relationships and keeps clients coming back.

Definitely the moment I was promoted to senior. Crossing that magic number that opened the way to the next level was incredibly satisfying. It was my main goal for the previous year. I had been striving for it for a very long time, not because I dreamed about it, but because I wanted to prove to myself that I could and was capable of doing it.

First of all, I am a very responsible person. When I start something, I have to finish it and I don’t give up halfway through. Besides, I like to have everything organised, I’m not chaotic. This discipline and organisation help a lot. But the most important trait in trading is the ability to not give up. Even when something goes wrong, you have to calmly analyse the situation and keep going, because there is always a solution.

Never give up. Always keep that fire and belief in yourself alive. Trading is a kind of game – you just have to enjoy playing it, derive satisfaction from closing transactions and move forward with your head held high.