Ad Land’s Young Guns: Needa Natterwala, Kulfi Collective

Needa Natterwala is a Talent Acquisition Business partner, who has worked extensively in the media and advertising space. Currently, she is working as Senior Lead - Talent & Community Management at Kulfi Collective, where her role is to hire Talent who can be a part of the company’s mission to make the world (wide web) a brighter place, one meaningful story at a time.

In conversation with Adgully, Needa Natterwala speaks about her journey with Kulfi Collective, icons she looks up to, long term career in Human Resource, future plans, and more.

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

I believe I have a knack for finding what really motivates and pushes a person. I look forward to discussing their passions that drive a person to do anything in their career. Once you know that, you can easily help someone level up in their career by making them an offer they can’t refuse!

How did you join your current organisation?

I have been following and falling in love with the work Supari Studios does. I got into Kulfi Collective through a referral. My ex-boss - The current Head - People and Culture referred me here.

Icons in this field whom you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?

I have been really lucky to have worked with some incredible mentors, ones who want to change the way HR/ People and culture is looked at. Not to see it as a backend function, but more so as a brand ambassador for everything a company has to offer. Heather Gupta, Ex Chief Talent Officer of 120 Media Collective helped me shape my definition of what HR stands for. At my current place, Advait Gupt, Co-Founder, Kulfi Collective; Farah Kapadia, Head - People & Culture, along with the entire Management Committee are the people I look up to.

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

  • I create a to-do list the night before, to start the day with an agenda in place
  • I have an ongoing 'Brain Dump', which takes notes if there are ad hoc things happening that need to happen. This helps me re-prioritise my day - if needed.
  • I maintain a gratitude journal, this is either done in the morning or at night.
  • I go for a run in the evening (recently, enjoying running in the rain)
  • Spending time with friends and family

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

A 100% Yes! Human Resources is the foundation of every great organisation. India still has a long way to go and I want to be there for the ride.

In my way and for my company, I look for best practices that can be incorporated. This is a booming field for great minds to help it move up.

What does it take to succeed in this career?

It takes a lot of empathy and compassion. You have to remember that you can be an important stepping stone in someone’s career. Having a disciplined, self-driven attitude is a must-have.

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

Patience and curiosity.

Keep your eyes and ears open, great talent is right here - you need to put in efforts to find and nurture them.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I want to start my own Executive search firm, specifically for the media and advertising industry, I want to create a model, which will allow me to get into an organisation to learn it's culture, it's roots so as to recommend and hire a talent who just doesn't do the current job, but can also help you achieve the company's vision and mission.

At this firm, we will not just hire but also mentor young recruiters to learn the tricks of the trade and hire exceptional talent for any company they work for.

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

Netflix.

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