Staff Spotlight – Rob Chong

 

 

In our newest Staff Spotlight entry, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Rob Chong, our Sales Manager at Sparta. Join us as we explore Rob’s career journey, highlighting his role in driving sales and expanding our market presence across Asia. Discover the insights and experiences that make Rob an indispensable member of our team. Keep reading for an in-depth look into Rob’s story!

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE

My role involves business development, identifying and understanding potential customers’ profiles. I focus on driving the entire sales cycle from lead generation to contract closure with support from our Commodity Owners and Customer Success Team. I am also responsible for managing and expanding market presence across various regions in Asia.

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

I started my career in the commodities market with a PRA (Pricing Reporting Agency) in 2013, covering Asia Pacific sales for Carbon Emission and LNG. As the Oil & Gas markets evolved, I focused on providing technological solutions to the industry. I decided to join Sparta as I believe it will be the next unicorn.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF WORKING AT SPARTA?

I feel satisfied when we help our users solve their pain points and help them to overcome their challenges. I have a great team supporting me through this sales process.

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

I am proud that I managed to try out different roles in my career, especially with companies that focused on technology.

WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON HERE AT SPARTA?

As we have just launched Sparta for Crude, it is gratifying to help provide feedback from our customers to keep improving this new vertical.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OUR COMPANY CULTURE?

We have an open culture here at Sparta where we are free to express our opinions and share our ideas in improving the product. Colleagues also contribute their support to ensure everyone works together towards achieving the company’s objectives.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS OUR COMPANY APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY

Sparta is providing a solution that solves the new demand in the Oil & Gas industry, which is live intelligence and forecasting.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I would emphasise the importance of treasuring time, as we have a limited amount in life, and missing out on opportunities or not attempting them will inevitably lead to regrets.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?

We have been more focused on our messaging to the industry and also improved on the way we collaborate with sales colleagues from different offices.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

The most valuable lesson I have learned in my career so far is the significance of adaptability and continuous learning in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of professional challenges and opportunities.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS/YEARS?

My goals for the next few years include further developing my skills, expanding my knowledge, and achieving personal and professional growth. I believe we are learning and improving until we are old.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR JOB?

One thing I wish people knew about my job is the level of complexity and critical thinking required to navigate various challenges effectively.

CAN YOU SHARE A PARTICULAR SKILL OR EXPERTISE YOU’VE DEVELOPED IN THIS ROLE THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT TO ACQUIRE?

Understanding MEDDPICC as the sales methodology and applying it in my sales process.

WHAT’S THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?

All of Jay Zhou’s songs. Too old for Taylor Swift 😀

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

I’m reading a book, “48 Laws of Power”.

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

After completing certification, I unexpectedly became a lifeguard during a break before pursuing diploma studies. I am also the swim coach of my 2 boys.

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Health, happiness, and contentment for myself and my family.

WHAT’S ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

I would like to have time to travel to countries in South America.

Rob Chong our Sales Manager here at Sparta and can be contacted at rob.chong@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