Name: Natalia Horvath

Title: Head of Customer Marketing & Omnichannel Development, Global Reserve

Organisation: Diageo

Natalia Horvath is an accomplished marketing leader and a fervent advocate for gender equality. Her career stands as a testament to excellence, boasting remarkable achievements at industry giants such as Unilever and Diageo. Throughout the years, Natalia has led brand marketing projects that garnered recognition at Cannes Lions for their creativity. Her work with retailers also earned the POPAI in-store excellence award.

Beyond her corporate career, she set herself apart as one of the pioneering female co-founders of a food tech startup that participated in the 2018 Y Combinator accelerator program. In 2023, Natalia received the prestigious 40 under 40 award from Retail Touchpoints, acknowledging her exceptional contributions to the CPG and retail industry.

Yet, what truly distinguishes her is her unwavering mission: to mentor and empower women. She is dedicated to dismantling barriers and forging a path toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Her message to aspiring marketers is both simple and profound: Empower women to unlock their boundless potential.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Natalia's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Managing the balance between marketing team's enthusiasm for new tech, like the metaverse, and staying focused on outcomes, not just experimenting with new tools, can be quite challenging. It's vital to channel excitement effectively.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey into leadership was driven by curiosity about the world, fueled by my international background. It's about constantly learning, adapting, and embracing diverse perspectives.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I firmly believe that a good day starts the night before. That's why I prioritize going to bed early, ensuring I get ample rest. It complements my morning crossfit routine, setting the foundation for a productive day ahead.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Recently, I've been reminded of the importance of empowering women and providing mentorship. It's not just about personal success; it's about lifting others as we climb.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss has been transformative. A former boss gave it to me years ago, and it taught me efficiency and effectiveness, invaluable for leadership.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Speak up, especially for women. Your voice matters, and advocating for yourself and others is key to making a difference.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One memorable experience is the power of resilience. When faced with challenges, I've learned that sometimes, it's about zigging when everything else zags, and that's where real leadership shines.