Natallia Zholud is originally from Belarus, currently living in Poland. She studied state macroeconomic policy in colleg and has been part of the recycling industry for a over 10 years. 

When asked about why she chose this field, Ms. Zholud says, “It was quite random.” She didn't know anything about metals and recycling when she joined TRM, which was then a small company of five. “I was completing my final year in college and looking for a job which would be anywhere close to international business.” She was referred by a friend about the job. She has been a member of the Non Ferrous Division of the BIR representing Eastern Europe since 2019, and also serving as a general delegate to the board since 2021. 

“From my experience it’s harder for both men and women to trust in the professionalism of a female newcomer and so people tend to set higher standards for women. But once you pass the ‘approval stage’ - gender can be an advantage,” she says.