1. You have recently joined WasteTrade as a Customer Support Representative. Can you start by telling us about your professional background and what you were doing before joining the company?
I started out in client relations for a multinational company, and that’s where I really developed my communication skills and learned how to understand client needs. From there, I moved into earth observation, using satellite imagery to detect and report things like oil spills, water quality issues, and land degradation. Most recently, I was a Weather and Crop Researcher, analysing satellite and environmental data to monitor and predict crop risks and turning that into practical advisories for supply chain teams. So, it's been a mix of technical, data-heavy work and relationship-building roles.
2. How has your previous experience shaped the way you approach communication, problem-solving and supporting customers?
Across all roles, a big part of my job was taking technical information and turning it into something clear and digestible for people without a technical background. That's shaped how I approach customer support too, breaking things down simply, staying patient, and making sure the person actually feels supported, not just given an answer.
3. Before joining WasteTrade, how familiar were you with the recycling and waste management industry, and what appealed to you about becoming part of it?
I wasn't too familiar with the recycling and waste management industry specifically, but after a few years working in the environmental sector, I knew I wanted to move more into the sustainability side of things. While job searching, I came across WasteTrade and really liked the company's mission, keeping materials in circulation rather than going to waste. It felt like a natural next step into the sustainability path I'd been hoping to move towards.
4. How did you first come across WasteTrade, and what was it about the company and the role that made you want to join?
I came across WasteTrade on LinkedIn during my job search. What stood out was how the platform actually works, by connecting verified buyers and sellers globally, with a real focus on trust and compliance. As for the role itself, I liked that customer support is really the first point of contact for clients. I'm helping people navigate onboarding and get their listings live, which felt like a great way to build rapport with users and show them what the platform has to offer, and how WasteTrade can help their business become more sustainable.
5. What were your expectations before starting, and how has your experience compared with them so far?
Honestly, I expected a lot of cold calling and chasing people who weren't particularly interested, as that's often how customer support or outreach roles can feel. But it's actually been the complete opposite. People genuinely want to hear from WasteTrade and be part of the platform, so we're constantly seeing a large influx of new customers registering and wanting to know how to make the most of our services. It's been really encouraging to see that level of enthusiasm, and it's made the role feel a lot more rewarding.
6. Since joining, what have you been focusing on, and what have you learned about the WasteTrade platform and the businesses that use it?
I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on compliance and understanding the different permits and licences needed by companies in the waste space to allow them to trade or reprocess. I’ve learned that the businesses that want to use our platform are ones that would like to dispose of unwanted materials responsibly and can see the value in waste products that could be beneficial to others if not themselves.
7. From the conversations you have had so far, what have you learned about the main needs and challenges facing WasteTrade’s customers?
From the conversations I've had, one of the challenges customers face can be not having their documents readily accessible. A lot of our customers are hands-on, working in person at their sites rather than at a computer, so tracking down and uploading the right paperwork isn't always straightforward for them. This can add time onto the verification process, though thankfully, we do have team members who can visit sites in person and see operations in real time, which helps us confirm what operations they are undertaking.
8. WasteTrade connects businesses across different countries, markets and material streams. How important are clear communication and reliable support in building trust between the platform and its users?
They are both essential. We are fortunate to have a team filled with people who can speak multiple languages, but aside from that, it’s important to show that despite a potential language barrier, we are here genuinely wanting to understand to the best of our ability, and building an environment where customers can reach out to us with any nature of query.
9. What have been your first impressions of the WasteTrade team, the company culture and the way the business operates?
The team has been incredibly welcoming from the start, and everyone has been ready to answer any questions I've had along the way. I particularly enjoy our weekly catchups, where we hear how each department got on that week and discuss what we can improve going forward. It gives a real sense of collaboration across the business.
10. From what you have seen so far, where do you think WasteTrade fits within the wider recycling industry, and what makes its approach different?
WasteTrade sits at an interesting point in the industry rather than just being a marketplace that lists materials, we act as the trusted party in the middle of every deal, taking care of logistics, compliance and payments. What I think makes it different is the level of transparency. We make sure all the details involved in a deal are clear, accessible and secure, built on verified users with official documentation, so that all companies can instil trust in our services to follow through with what we have set out to do.
11. Looking ahead, how do you think the WasteTrade platform and its customer experience will develop as the company continues to grow, and what part would you like to play in that journey?
I reckon as WasteTrade keeps growing, things will just get smoother, and with all the new EU laws and regulations surrounding recycling and waste shipments, companies are going to need more support navigating compliance. That's exactly where WasteTrade already has a head start, so I think we're in a really good position to keep expanding and become even more valuable. Honestly, I'd just love to keep growing with the team and getting better at what I do.
12. Finally, outside of work, how do you like to spend your time, and do you have any hobbies or interests that help you switch off?
Outside of work, fitness is a big part of my life. I do a bit of running, but I mostly focus on yoga and Pilates, which help keep me centred and grounded, and recharge me for whatever comes next. I'm also a bit of a history lover and enjoy getting lost in documentaries or books whenever I get the chance.
