What really drives global commodity markets? And what does it take to lead in that space for over two decades?
In this episode of Calculated Conversations, I spoke with Mr. Martijn Bron, a commodity trading and recruitment expert with over 26 years of experience, most notably as the Global Head of Cocoa Trading at Cargill. Today, he helps companies solve complex challenges in trading, risk, and hiring, and shares his insights through the Strong Source podcast and his writing.
We spoke about what drew him to trading, the realities of the commodity industry, and the traits he looks for in top talent. Mr. Bron also shared his views on economic volatility, personal success, and the principles young professionals should understand early in their careers.
Here is what he had to say.
1. You’ve had a long and successful career in commodities, especially during your time at Cargill. Looking back, what initially drew you to the trading and risk management space, and how has your perspective evolved over the years?
I had seen the movies Trading Places and Wall Street and liked the excitement and energy of trading and financial markets. During my interview for a traineeship at Cargill I saw the trading floor, which reminded me of the movies, but also of the friends I hung out with during my student days, so I felt at home immediately. I did not know much about how trading worked though…
Later on I understood the importance of commodity markets and their vital role in feeding, building and powering the world and its global economy. How it all works, and making money in it is a intellectual challenge, and it never gets boring.
2. What do most people misunderstand about the commodity industry, especially when it comes to how global economic events or crises impact what happens behind the scenes?
How hedging works, the importance of speculators, traders and commodity processors, in essence how important it is for the world, see 1. and how much risk is involved, working in complex places.
3. Through your podcast Strong Source and your writing, you’ve become a public voice for the industry. What has surprised you most about sharing your insights so publicly, and what conversations are you most excited to spark?
Not so much surprised, more happy that it is so much appreciated. I did not have access to that information as easily as people have now. I like conversations with young people, but also guiding them to the podcast, which is a conversation which you can scale.
4. Recruiting for top talent in such a technical and fast-paced space can’t be easy. What do you look for in standout candidates, and what advice would you give to young professionals trying to break into commodities?
This is covered in depth in the Strong Source podcast and in many LinkedIn posts I made about this topic. The interest in financial and commodity markets needs to be genuine and natural. In short: intelligence, energy and integrity.
5. The global economy has faced some major shocks recently, from inflation to tariffs . How do you think these changes are reshaping the commodity space, and what signals do you personally pay the most attention to?
Nobody knows at this stage as the playing field is constantly changing. I watch the news like everybody else, stay calm and rational, with a long-term view. We’ll be fine and don’t bet against America.
6. Many professionals struggle to find balance between ambition and fulfillment. Having led global teams, mentored others, and now building your own projects, what does success look like to you at this stage in your journey?
I really like being independent, having no boss, no meetings, no commute, running my own agenda and making my own decisions. Determining who you spend time with, on what and when is success in my mind.
7. Lastly, you write about money, markets, and investing in your Quote columns. In your opinion, what’s one principle about markets or finance that more people, especially younger audiences, should understand sooner rather than later?
Some principles: nobody is bigger than the market, the market is usually not that nice to you when you need the return, the days are long but the years are short, the only ones who recall you were always in the office are your kids. Risks are high on the short term, but low on the long run. And in trading the game is to survive, not to shine.
Key takeaways from our chat:
- Real passion drives career longevity. In high-stakes industries like commodities, curiosity and conviction can’t be faked.
- Risk is everywhere. Your edge is how calmly and consistently you respond.
- Integrity, energy, and intelligence still beat fancy résumés.
- Success isn’t about meetings or titles. It’s about agency, freedom, and choosing how you spend your time.
- The market owes you nothing. But with patience and perspective, it can reward those who play the long game.
Thank you, Mr. Bron, for sharing your decades of experience with such clarity. Your insights are a masterclass for anyone interested in trading, risk, or building a purposeful career in global markets.
Want to learn more about the realities of commodity trading and career building?
👉 Follow Mr. Martijn Bron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijnbron/
What’s one insight about risk, trading, or career freedom that’s stayed with you? Let’s keep the conversation going.
