Natasha Naik is the Commercial Director for Atul Kochhar's Kanishka in Mayfair. She was born in London and spent much of her childhood in Mumbai during her Summer Holidays. She grew up in North-West London and went on to study New Media Journalism at University.
Post-graduation she went on to work for global brands in their Marketing departments; Starbucks Coffee Company, Burger King, Pizza Express to name a few before settling where she realised, she felt most content, working for Fine Dining establishments and helping them grow their portfolio from the ground up.
Questions:
Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel most at home in Mumbai, India. The reason for this is because I visited my family in Mumbai a lot as a child and my happiest memories are from my holidays there. From Sharma Sandwich man opposite our flat, Hanging Gardens up the road to the shopping in Colaba - it simply is amazing!
What are your proudest achievements?
Preserving a career in the food and beverage industry and always striving for more, never settling until I am fully happy.
What inspires you?
The biggest inspirations in my life have been my mother; Maya Naik, and two Aunties in Mumbai Rupa Naik and Bebe Desai. Their tenacious everything has a solution and positive attitude to all aspects of life have moulded me into the person I am today. I use their guidance from childhood into my everyday work life consistently.
What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
The biggest obstacle I would say would be my need to stay close to my family. There were a lot of opportunities in my 20s abroad that I declined due to my need to be close to my Niece Aimee and Nephew Shivam.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
This is without a doubt the two people I am working for today; Tina English ( Managing Director ) and Atul Kochhar ( The first Indian Chef to receive a Michelin Star). They challenge me daily, push me out of my comfort zone and provide ample opportunities for me to keep growing. In addition to this they have taught me how to manage a team happily and commercially
What is the best aspect of your current role?
No idea is too big or too small and every idea is worth a trial. I have worked at many places where the phrase 'oh we've tried that before - it didn’t work' was always used in meetings, at Kanishka we embrace and encourage ideas from all team members and trial them - because why not!
And the worst?
This is definitely a hard one, as I genuinely do love my job. Ask anyone! However, I would say my work-life balance isn’t always translated well to my friends who are in the typical 9am - 5pm job roles.
What are your long-term goals?
My long-term goal has always been the same; to be happy and spread happiness.
If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
So many things in terms of education in the UK... introducing life skills or equivalent subject from a very young age. I would also enable schools to increase the amount of 1:1 interactions students have with teachers - the main reason for this is because I know I benefitted a lot from some absolutely amazing teachers giving me a lot of extra time and support in school and I would want the same for everyone.
If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Two answers for this one…on a personal note. 1. My Grandmother; Kalavati Naik who I only had the chance to be with for 3 years of my life prior to her passing away 2. Margaret Thatcher as Britain's first female Prime Minister.
