Staff Spotlight – Millie Cooper

Welcome to our Q&A series, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals driving Sparta’s excellence. Join us as we delve into the essence of each team member, uncovering their motivations, stories, and maybe even some unexpected surprises!

Today, we’re happy to introduce you to Millie, our dedicated Talent Acquisition Coordinator. Millie is at the forefront of our talent acquisition efforts, ensuring we find the best and brightest minds to join the Sparta family. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, with a background in customer-facing roles, a stint at Primer in the payments industry, and a passion for start-ups and scale-up environments.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE COMPANY?

I joined in July, so it’s been nearly three months. Well, I started on the third of July, so it’s almost three months now. But, as you mentioned, working in a start-up makes it feel like I’ve been here for much longer, in a good way.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE

I work as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator. In the recruitment process, my role involves assisting with sourcing and screening candidates, scheduling interviews, and maintaining communication between the hiring teams and applicants. My goal is to ensure a smooth and efficient hiring process.

WHAT KIND OF PERSON THRIVES AT SPARTA?

To thrive in any start-up or scale up, you’ll need to have adaptability, proactiveness, and a willingness to embrace change. 

At Sparta we pride ourselves in hiring ‘A’ Players. To thrive in any start-up or scale up, you’ll need to have adaptability, proactiveness, and a willingness to embrace change. Self-motivation and passion will also help you thrive here!

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERVIEW TIPS FOR POTENTIAL APPLICANTS?

The most important thing to do before any interview is your research on the company. You don’t need to spend hours doing this, but you should at least check out the website, read any blogs, visit the LI page, and become familiar with the company values.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?/CAN YOU GIVE ME A RUNDOWN OF YOUR CAREER PATH UP UNTIL THIS POINT?

My professional journey has mainly focused on customer-facing roles. I’ve always enjoyed organizing things as well. About five years ago, I transitioned into a recruiting admin role, which eventually led me to the position of Talent Coordinator at a start-up called Primer. I spent just over a year there, and it was in the payments industry. Since then, I’ve developed a strong affinity for start-ups and scale-up environments, which is how I ended up where I am now.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF WORKING AT OUR COMPANY?

My favourite aspect of working with Sparta is that we all share the same goal, that ‘North Star’. Everyone is aligned and pointed in the same direction. I also think, everyone is highly proactive and focused on getting things done, which I genuinely appreciate.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

Before joining Sparta, I had no experience in trading; my background was primarily in recruiting coordination. However, in my current role, I’m heavily involved in recruiting and interviewing. I willingly accepted the challenge and pushed myself well beyond my comfort zone. I quickly acquired new skills and knowledge, and I’ve been relentlessly pushing myself forward in ways I’ve never done before. I suppose I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in my current role.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OUR COMPANY CULTURE?

I would say transparency, quite similar to what you mentioned earlier. We prioritise maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring that every team member, regardless of their location in the world, feels heard and valued.

WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT?

It might sound a bit unusual, but what I’m truly passionate about is something I’ve been dedicated to for the past six years – beach cleaning. I’ve organised numerous events that bring people together for beach cleaning activities here in Mallorca.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Great question. I would say never stop learning. Learn as much as possible. From watching videos to reading books and acquiring new languages.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I’d probably say the satisfaction and joy I experience when successfully matching a candidate with a role. It’s not only rewarding on our end but also on their behalf. When you present an offer to a candidate, and they genuinely express their happiness, it’s incredibly gratifying.

You’re brightening someone’s day, and you could potentially be changing their life by offering them a job. You never really know what’s going on in their personal life, how much they need this role, or how long they’ve been searching for it. There are so many different aspects to it, and being able to provide that opportunity to someone is the best part.

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

I would love to be in your shoes right now, asking these questions. That’s a great question, and I had to think about it. So, my three wishes would be:

First, I’d wish for my family and myself to have a healthy, happy life, along with my loved ones.

Secondly, I’d love the ability to simply snap my fingers and be anywhere in the world. Just imagine being able to visit New Zealand to have lunch with my family and then be back home in time for dinner. That would be incredible.

Lastly, I’d wish for the ability to learn things quickly. So, think about it as clicking your fingers and instantly mastering a subject. I believe the opportunities would be limitless; the world would truly be your oyster.

WHAT’S THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?

I recently visited Sydney, and while I was there, I had the amazing opportunity to attend an Elton John concert with my best friend. It was an incredible experience. Ever since that concert, I’ve been listening to Elton John non-stop.

My favourite song of his is ‘Candle in the Wind.’ It’s such a beautiful song, and it was originally written about Marilyn Monroe. That’s my favourite, but honestly, I enjoy all of his songs.

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGE-WATCHING OR READING?

I’m currently immersed in reading a lot of technical books. However, when it comes to TV, I don’t watch it much, but when I do, it’s either ‘Friends’ or ‘Modern Family.’

WHAT’S ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

One thing on my bucket list is to swim alongside naturally occurring whales.

Millie is our Talent Acquisition Coordinator here at Sparta and can be contacted at millie.cooper@spartacommodities.com

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Sparta is a live, market intelligence and forecasting platform that enables oil traders, refiners, banks, hedge funds and wholesalers to have access to real-time and global actionable insights to capture market opportunities before others.

To find out how Sparta can allow you to make smarter trading decisions, faster, contact us for a demonstration at sales@spartacommodites.com