Insights from the Trading Floor: A Conversation with Time2Market

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining the Time2Market podcast to talk about my journey in the energy industry, the evolution of trading, and the exciting future ahead. It was a great opportunity to reflect on how far things have come, starting from my early days in journalism and leading up to my current role in trading at SmartestEnergy. I also had the chance to share some of the lessons I've learned along the way.

From journalism to energy trading: my journey with SmartestEnergy

The energy industry continues to welcome professionals from diverse backgrounds, offering exciting opportunities to contribute and grow. My own path into energy trading was anything but conventional. I began my career in journalism, working at Dow Jones where I published energy fixtures. That role introduced me to the world of energy trading, and I was instantly captivated.

At the time, energy markets were still developing. The UK electricity pool was in operation, and the atmosphere was one of innovation and possibility. I remember calling traders on ski slopes in Geneva to get their deals for the day. It was a very different world from what we see now.

Eventually, I transitioned into trading itself, joining Duke Energy where I gained valuable experience in risk and portfolio management. Later, at EDF, I moved from a middle office role to the front office, starting as a risk analyst and eventually trading in real time. After 13 years in the industry, I joined SmartestEnergy, where I now serve as Vice President of Trading.

My time at SmartestEnergy has been filled with growth, learning, and meaningful relationships. Today, I focus on driving company-wide growth and helping others develop their careers in this dynamic industry. I’m passionate about empowering a greener generation and making a positive impact on the energy system.

A Customer-Centric Approach to Trading

At SmartestEnergy, trading is not just about transactions. It is about people and relationships. From the early days of energy trading, often described as the “wild west” of Europe, we’ve been committed to supporting independent generators with market access and essential services.

Today, our mission is to lead the transition to a 100 percent renewable energy system. We do this by innovating smart solutions that simplify energy and by building a community of green energy champions. Our goal is to help everyone "get green" by offering flexible ways to buy and sell renewables and by making them easier to understand.

Our trading products reflect this commitment. We offer real-time pricing, online platforms, bespoke hedge funds and green certificates. Our entrepreneurial spirit drives us to continuously improve, always guided by our customers’ needs. Our experienced trading team is dedicated to delivering expert support and exceptional service.

Fostering a diverse and inclusive trading culture

Diversity and inclusion are essential to any successful workplace. For me, it is not just about representation. It is about creating a team where different backgrounds and perspectives lead to better decisions and greater creativity.

I’m passionate about building a culture where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to be themselves. That means encouraging open dialogue, valuing every voice, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Trading floors have evolved significantly since I started. They were once quite homogeneous, and the behaviour wasn’t always what we’d consider acceptable today. While progress has been made, there’s still work to do.

At SmartestEnergy, we embrace diversity and inclusion. Our team is made up of talented individuals from around the world, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. I want people to come to the trading floor because they enjoy being there, because they value the energy and collaboration, not because they’re required to.

This inclusive culture helps us attract and retain top talent and enables everyone to reach their full potential.

Technology and the future of trading

Technology is reshaping the energy trading industry. From advanced platforms to artificial intelligence and machine learning, we’re seeing rapid innovation that is transforming how we operate.

Technology enhances decision-making, automates processes, and improves risk management. It makes trading more efficient, transparent, and accessible. To keep pace, you need curiosity and a willingness to embrace change.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future. I believe technology will continue to drive profound changes in energy trading, and I’m confident that SmartestEnergy will remain at the forefront, leading innovation and delivering even greater value to our customers.