How I Got Here: Natasha Waterfield
Why hospitality?
The buzz! The vibrancy of the atmosphere created by both our teams and customers in our venues creates a new experience every single day. I love being part of an industry that brings people together no matter what the occasion.
Tell us something you wish you had been told at the start of your career?
You can learn something from every single person you meet or interact with if you are open-minded and present in the moment.
What’s your favourite restaurant or group of restaurants (besides your own)?
Sugo Pasta Kitchen, a three site Manchester-based pasta restaurant. It offers a simple seasonal menu of authentic Southern Italian cuisine in a very relaxed, laid-back environment.
What motivates you?
Creating and enabling passion and success for other people.
What keeps you up at night?
I’m a self-critic, so I tend to think too much about what I could have done better.
Which colleague, mentor or employer has had the biggest influence on your approach to the restaurant business?
I’ve been lucky enough to have a number of amazing people influence my life and career throughout the years, from family and friends to colleagues. Most recently, working with Mark Derry as a non-executive chair at New World has enabled me to grow professionally and in tune with the business – he has been brilliant!
Which do you prefer: coffee or tea?
Coffee.
How do you let off steam?
Either singing at the top of my voice in the car or challenging myself with deadlifts at the gym.
What's your typical Sunday?
Sunday is my day for some me time. I have a lie in and then love to do a good session in the gym, followed by trying somewhere new for brunch or a Sunday roast and heading back home to watch a film (and continue to eat).
What are you currently reading?
Girl A, I love a crime thriller!
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be a lawyer or a psychologist. I kind of got a taste of both in my HR roles.
What's been your best business decision?
To do everything possible to keep the business from making any redundancies during the pandemic. We held meetings with suppliers, investors and stakeholders to secure contributions and sacrifice, so that we could all emerge from the pandemic together stronger – which we did!
And the worst?
We have an amazing open culture at New World, where we encourage all employees to try new things, go for it and if something doesn’t work out, learn from it. I’ve made plenty of ‘bad’ decisions that have led to us developing, growing and making better decisions next time.
What piece of advice would you give to those looking to climb the rungs in the business?
Say yes to every opportunity and take your seat at the table. You deserve to be there, so make sure you input and share your ideas.
If you could change one thing about the restaurant industry today, what would it be?
The Government's perception and understanding of our industry. It has such a huge impact on the economy, but it needs ongoing support to thrive.
Bio
Born in Coventry, Waterfield studied English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University and went on to a graduate scheme in HR with engineering company Parsons Brinckerhoff. She then studied a MSc in HR Law and Business Management in Manchester two evenings a week. After completing with a distinction, Waterfield secured a role in the HR team at Living Ventures and moved across to New World Trading Company as part of the Graphite Investment in the role of head of HR in 2015. Since then, she's progressed to people director and eventually chief operating officer. In November 2022 it was announced that Waterfield would be leaving NWTC in the new year to join Liverpool-based entertainment venue operator Big Fang as CEO.
