Staff Spotlight – Stephen Ong

In our latest feature of Sparta’s spotlight series, we shift our focus to Stephen Ong, our accomplished Senior Sales Manager. Come along as we delve into Stephen’s journey within the sales domain, uncovering what makes him tick at his role at Sparta and revealing the special qualities that make him stand out. Let’s celebrate Stephen’s contributions and get to know him!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE COMPANY?
My Spartan journey began in January of 2023, so it has been 13 months.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE?
My role evolved as the Singapore office grew. It started with building on existing relationships with existing users, raising awareness of Sparta and growing our presence in Asia, which included introductory meetings to value discoveries and eventually to close.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?/CAN YOU GIVE ME A RUNDOWN OF YOUR CAREER PATH UP UNTIL THIS POINT?
I was fortunate enough to enter the brokering industry in March of 2008. My main focus was on middle and heavy distillate derivatives from the year 2018 through the end of 2022. When this opportunity arose, I took it on and did not look back!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF WORKING AT SPARTA?
It is being able to witness the technological breakthrough of commodities intelligence and forecasting. On top of that, being a part of that advancement is definitely beyond my wildest dreams.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
I am proud to be free of compliance breaches throughout my career!
WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON HERE AT SPARTA?
Last summer, we began working on an Excel add-in at Sparta. It was a new venture for us; we had never tackled anything quite like it before. However, when we executed it for the first time, witnessing our system seamlessly integrate and provide real-time data in Excel… It was an incredible feeling!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OUR COMPANY CULTURE?
We have a very open culture. What surprises me most is that we have colleagues who would go above and beyond to help others (even outside of their departments) to fulfill their roles better. That promotes a high degree of collaboration.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS OUR COMPANY APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY
What sets Sparta apart is that we are nimble; anyone could walk up to their manager with their suggestion without fear of being ridiculed, and the suggestion would be taken into consideration and to action very quickly.
WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU HAVE WORKED ON HERE AT SPARTA
Interesting is coordinating calls before a product launch, between our commodities owners and clients/prospects to better understand what different traders and analysts would want and expect out of our tool. I find it fascinating to experience the smart minds at work!
WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Rome wasn’t built in a day! While it is important to set big goals, breaking up the action plan into bite-sized ones matters just as much.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS/YEARS?
Career-wise, to refine my ability to find the right solutions for our clients. And outside of work, to lower my golf handicap into the high teens.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR JOB
The sales cycle is much longer than what you would expect, and it does not move in one direction as imagined. There are moments where it bounces around a few particular stages, more often with the complexity of a deal.
CAN YOU SHARE A PARTICULAR SKILL OR EXPERTISE YOU’VE DEVELOPED IN THIS ROLE THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT TO ACQUIRE
That would have to be SaaS Sales as a skill. I never would have thought that when I started out as a broker.
WHAT’S THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?
Interestingly, it’s something out of my playlist, but you asked for last – Lil Boo Thang.
WHAT, IF ANYTHING, ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGE-WATCHING OR READING?
I am binge-watching New Amsterdam.
WHAT’S ON THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT
I had a fear of swimming and the sea due to a drowning incident when I was 4. I only learned to swim in my late teens but still, I was afraid of the sea. I finally overcame my fear of swimming in the sea after taking part in my first-ever triathlon in my late 20s.
IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
I wish for success in life and career, vanilla? I know. The ability to eat all to my heart’s content and not put on any food weight. Wish in all that I do, I would be and continue to be the man my family will be proud of.
WHAT’S ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
To play a round of golf at Pebble Beach.
Stephen Ong our Senior Sales Manager here at Sparta and can be contacted at stephen.ong@spartacommodities.com
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