- Women are changing trading – Their presence is growing, and diverse teams achieve better financial results.
- Diversity is strength – Women bring intuition, analytical thinking and careful risk management.
- Foodcom as an example – The company focuses on gender balance, which translates into market success.
- Strategic roles of women – They manage finance, logistics and compliance, building the company’s stability.
Trading is one of the most dynamic and demanding industries. The quick decisions, the risks, the volatility of the markets make the day-to-day work akin to a strategy game, where every decision can bring success or failure. For decades, trading was seen as a male domain – a place reserved for tough negotiators and people immune to pressure. In recent years, however, more and more women are finding their way in this world and are also enjoying spectacular success.
Women are changing the face of trading
Women who enter the industry bring a new quality to it. Studies confirm that gender-diverse teams perform better financially. Companies with more women on their boards have up to 25% higher profits than their less diverse competitors. Why? They bring intuition, the ability to think analytically and an approach based on prudent risk management – qualities that are invaluable in international trade.
Although women are still a minority in the industry – only 14% of trading professionals are female, according to the data – their presence is growing in strength. More and more companies are recognising their potential, investing in inclusivity and breaking down stereotypes. One example is Foodcom, a company that has consistently developed a working model based on gender balance and effective use of talent.
Why does diversity bring benefits?
Modern companies operating in dynamic industries such as international trade or trading need teams that can adapt to change, solve problems creatively and make decisions quickly.
The greater presence of women in prominent positions contributes to positive changes in organisational culture. Their orientation towards long-term collaboration is based on empathy and understanding, which is as important in trading as precise process management. In an environment where changing markets require flexibility, it is the different insights and experiences of the team that become a source of innovation and efficiency.
More and more companies are beginning to recognise that building diverse teams – both in terms of gender and experience – allows them to better respond to the challenges of the global marketplace. International trade needs just such a multidimensional approach to keep up with change and set new standards.
Foodcom an example of the power of diverse teams
One of the best examples of this is Foodcom, an organisation that is building its leadership position in the international market through teamwork. Trading, as one of the most important pillars of the company’s business, requires a combination of precision, analytical thinking and the ability to build lasting relationships with customers. Women at Foodcom play a special role in it, managing important business areas such as the back office and the Lublin and Wroclaw branches. They bring a keen sense of the situation and the ability to see opportunities where others see challenges.
A prime example is Inna, a trader who simultaneously manages the company’s Lublin office. This combination of roles, negotiator in international markets and regional team leader, requires a unique organisation. Inna not only coordinates the activities of her branch, but also actively works with her trading partners, representing the company internationally.
“Trading is more than numbers and transactions. It is the art of building trust and relationships that last for years. Every negotiation is an opportunity to show our value and find common ground. Managing a team in Lublin adds another dimension to this – it’s the people who drive my energy and motivation,” says Inna.
Strategic roles for women in business
When we think about the success of multinational organisations, it is hard not to see the role played by the teams that support key operations – from logistics to finance to compliance. At Foodcom, it is women who manage many of the strategic departments, being the driving force behind trading activities. Their work underpins the company’s successful operation in global markets.
Logistics is one of the most demanding areas. The teams in charge of the international supply chain have to deal with challenges on a daily basis, such as changing regulations, transport delays or volatile markets. Leading this department demonstrates every day that the key to success is the ability to anticipate problems, make quick decisions and manage the team effectively.
“Logistics is a complex process that never stands still. It requires a constant response to changing market conditions and ongoing challenges to ensure smooth operations,” – says Kamila Kozlowska, department leader. It is her team that ensures Foodcom can operate smoothly, regardless of changing conditions.
In the area of compliance, women are responsible for maintaining the transparency and compliance of the company’s operations with international regulations. Their work safeguards the company’s interests, but also builds trust with customers and partners. In turn, under the leadership of Paulina, the company’s finance director and partner, budget management and forecasting allows Foodcom to invest in new opportunities and grow steadily.
“Finance is an area where every detail matters. We have to act based on data, but also always see the bigger picture,” says Paulina Szajuk, Partner and Head of Finance, emphasising the importance of balancing precision with strategic vision.
What do women bring to the trading industry?
Women in the trading industry bring values that are invaluable in a demanding environment: determination, multi-tasking, intuition in decision-making and the ability to build lasting relationships. In a world where speed matters, their approach proves to be a competitive advantage.
Research shows that women are more likely to rely on collaboration and communication, creating more cohesive and effective teams. Their determination to achieve their goals is combined with an approach to negotiation that is based on trust and understanding.
At the same time, women approach risk in a more analytical way, focused on long-term outcomes. As a result, their decisions minimise risks and ensure stability, even in volatile market conditions.
Inclusiveness as a key to success
Women are playing an increasingly important role in industries that until recently were dominated by men. As an organisation that promotes diversity and supports women in leadership positions, Foodcom is an inspiration for other companies.
“What sets our company apart is the belief that motivation, determination and the ability to work as a team do not depend on gender. Women managing important areas of the business demonstrate every day that challenges are just an opportunity for the next great achievement,” – says Anna Nakoneczna-Liupak, Head of HR and Recruitment.
For future generations, their example is an inspiration. In every industry there is a place for those who are willing to learn, cooperate and act with passion. Trading, with all its dynamism and challenges, is becoming a space where diversity and gender balance can create new standards of success.
