Her Story
About Milly
Milly Loughlin is a commodity trader in recycled fiber with more than 13 years of experience. She began her career after earning a bachelor's degree in finance and a minor in economics, starting in an entry-level position at one of the largest exporting company in the United States. Loughlin advanced to become an Account Manager/Mill Buyer for a paper mill before briefly switching to fashion and returning to the industry. She manages client relationships, negotiates pricing, gathers market information from global sources, In addition to her professional work, she has served on the board of directors for the People Care Center for less than three years and previously volunteered for four years with Jewish Family Services assisting seniors during the COVID pandemic.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Milly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership. I’m constantly looking for ways to understand the bigger picture, identify opportunities, and turn challenges into results. I’ve also learned that long term success is built on credibility and knowing your business, keeping your word, and building relationships people can trust.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: your word is everything. Your reputation is built on what you say you’ll do and whether people can trust you to follow through. Skills and experience matter, but credibility, integrity, and consistency are what build lasting relationships and a career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know your numbers, know your worth, and don’t be afraid to take up space. In a relationship driven industry like trading, credibility is everything. Build it by being prepared, following through, and developing a reputation for knowing your business. Don’t feel like you have to change who you are to succeed; confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers, it means being willing to ask questions, make decisions, and stand behind them. And most importantly, build relationships with people who respect your ambition and want to see you succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My industry is navigating an increasingly complex and unpredictable market from changing supply and demand dynamics to freight, tariffs, and global trade. At the same time, I see significant opportunity in the continued evolution of the recycling industry. Companies that can adapt quickly, build strong supply relationships, and use market intelligence to make informed decisions will be well positioned for the future. I think the ability to combine strong relationships with data driven decision making will become increasingly important.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My family is the most important thing to me, and they’ve shaped many of the values I bring into both my personal and professional life. I value integrity, loyalty, hard work, and being someone others can depend on. I want to build a career I’m proud of while also being present for the people who matter most to me. Ultimately, success means more to me when it allows me to provide for my family, continue growing, and still make time for them.
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