Natasha Bowes

CEO, Bio-tiful Dairy, on neck-breaking growth, kefir smoothies and the Coen brothers

natasha bowes bio-tiful dairy

What was your first-ever job? Teaching English to kids in the Moscow neighbourhood where I grew up.

What has been your worst job interview? In my mid-20s, I was interviewing with one of the large US banks and explained that I was leaving my preceding job partially because there was too much of me supervising financial modelling in the team I was leading. They then asked me to build a financial model during the interview!

What was the first music single you bought? Dire Straits, Money For Nothing.

What do you tell your mates you do for a living? The most exhilarating mixture of high level of flexibility and absence of free time!

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Observing the results of building a strong team where everyone helps to drive the business forward.

What is the least rewarding? Inevitable impact on my personal life.

What is your motto in life? There are always ways to do more and better! This mantra is re-affirmed through the neck-breaking growth of Bio-tiful Dairy and how we’re improving it.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Gym workouts in the middle of the day - I am an ex-athlete and I love to exercise.

Do you have any phobias? Sugary dairy products!

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? To have a clearer focus from the buyers on the quality of the products.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A freshly made kefir smoothie with tropical fruits every morning.

What animal most reflects your personality? A big wild cat - confident and attentive in equal amounts.

What is your favourite film? I’ve always loved the Coen brothers’ films.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I once accidentally left a shortlist of my job offers on the office printer at my old working place, which was picked up over the weekend by the partner I was working for at the time…

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Elon Musk - I can relate to his working style and would love to learn from his work ethic and tempo!