Introducing one of the new members to the Market Dojo Family Sophia Binns. We asked our newest addition a couple of questions to find out what makes her tick.

What made you apply to work at Market Dojo?

I found Market Dojo through a sales recruitment agency based in Cheltenham. I’ve worked in sales since I was 16 years old (much to my displeasure at the time… working in a children’s clothes shop on the weekends and during school holidays isn’t exactly a teenagers dream.) I knew sales was in my future, being one of the many things I’m good at (modesty being the other) but I wasn’t exactly sure how to get there and build a career from it.

When I was told about the opportunity to interview with Market Dojo I jumped at the chance. I had never considered a job in procurement; I didn’t really know what it was. Frantically researching the Market Dojo website and stalking the directors on LinkedIn (confessions of a wanna-be super sleuth) I realised that this was a company that would be somewhere I could grow and develop with and ultimately build a career. Market Dojo and I have a lot in common; we are quick to adapt, we maintain good relationships with people, we are resilient, honest and like the colour Red.

What are you looking forward to in your new role?

It sounds a bit cliche but after meeting the directors in the interview I was excited to work for them. They each spoke with such passion about procurement and a company they had built off their own backs. Nick and Alun saw what the procurement industry was missing and made the leap to fix it. They are inspiring and such great guys it’s hard not to get excited about starting a role within a team of people who you could actually be friends with outside of work. I was also looking forward to the chance to make a difference. Market Dojo is growing and I have the opportunity to actually make a difference in something, carve my way and leave my mark. It’s something to get out of bed for knowing you’re going to make that difference and work with great people.

What is different about Market Dojo?

The company is incredibly honest and actually wants what is best for its clients. There is no up selling for personal gain or offering the world and then not delivering. Market Dojo does what it says on the tin. No ulterior motives. You are investing in a tried and tested software that will give results and will save time and money. It is refreshing to find a company with integrity and passion.

What is the most unusual job you have ever had?

As far as unusual goes, my job history is pretty much the expected for a post-graduate who was born and raised in the countryside; babysitting, pub work and shop assistant. A cool job I have done, although I don’t remember, was when I was a baby model for Mini Boden. What can I say… I peaked early.

What is your favourite book/movie?

Picking a favourite film would be like picking a favourite child… I don’t have children. My siblings and I had a very limited film selection growing up, all of which were Disney. I still love them to this day and can’t wait for my Godchild to arrive so I have an excuse to watch them again. When I finally got to have the freedom to buy DVDs with my hard earned pocket money, I was like a kid in a candy store. I have watched too many films to count but if I had to pick a few I would say The Lord of the Ring Trilogy or Harry Potter.

What is the most embarrassing song you have on your phone?

Without a doubt the most embarrassing song I have on my phone Enya ‘Sail Away’. It isn’t embarrassing because the song is bad. On the contrary, the song is amazing. What is embarrassing is my attempt to sing along.

Where have you travelled abroad? What was your favourite country?

Due to my Dad having a fear of flying, our summer holidays were limited to France. I now have the capability to go anywhere and I have been to France 3 times this year. If it ain’t broke? Besides, the French have the best wine, cheese, architecture and scenery. Why would I not go back? I do have a travel book and a few I want to tick off in 2018 is Iceland, Bali and Austria. I would love to see the Northern Lights and the beautiful scenery in Austria.

What is one thing about yourself that you think others would be surprised to know?

I have four brothers and three sisters. It is both manic and loud but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love photography; my camera feed is full of flowers, landscapes and sunsets. My love of photography is fuelled by my desire to travel. I also love cooking. I come from a very large family and so cooking was something we all had to do to help out. It was also something we did together so for me cooking has always been a sociable time. And who doesn’t love food? I am very into fitness and am attempting to do a Tough Mudder in 2018. Watch this space.

What is your biggest claim to fame?

Growing up my next door neighbour was Princess Anne.

If you could be any animal what would you be?

A corgi in Buckingham Palace. I can imagine they live a pretty good life.

What actor would you cast to play yourself in a movie?

Morgan Freeman. He might need some prosthetics.

Find Sophia on Linkedin here

Market Dojo helps procurement professionals negotiate better with our on-demand eSourcing tools. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch or register for free and play around with our software for yourself!