Women In Marketing 2024 Edition ft. Nash Koosialee from VML

Nash Koosialee, a Client Service Director at VML, recently shared her journey in this segment of Women In Marketing. Born in Durban, Nash has always fancied herself as a great event planner. Her career is a testament to hard work and determination, starting from humble beginnings as a receptionist. Over the years, she climbed the corporate ladder, earning her stripes through dedication and perseverance. Nash’s story is an inspiring example of how grit and passion can lead to remarkable success in the marketing industry.

Personal Background:

Thanks for taking the time to participate in our ‘Women In Marketing’ feature. Where were you born, and what childhood memories stand out for you?

I was born in Durban. I moved to JHB when I was 3 years old. A memory that stands out is that my mum was a homemaker; each day, when I arrived home from school, there was a hot plate of food waiting for me … so I was lucky that I got a cooked meal every day. Growing up with 2 older brothers, I was a bit of a tomboy. We often played cricket and soccer outside until the streetlights came on.

Describe your high school and college years. You were the coolest one, right? 

I was definitely not the coolest in high school. I was a bit of a nerd. In fact, most kids thought I was anti-social because I used to like to sit and read novels…I just loved reading! High school was filled with great memories. I made some friends who are still my friends even at present. College was a big wake-up call, and I think I did a lot of growing up in an environment that was not as sheltered as the one I grew up in.

What’s your favourite meal that you wouldn’t share with anyone?

I love Chinese/Asian food. I would probably share my food. However, I’m a cake addict and might not share that.

What would be your plans for a sudden $10 million windfall if you were to receive it tomorrow?

I’m booking first-class tickets for my family and me to Disneyland…sure there are responsibilities like bonds, school fees and such. But with that amount of money, some self-care comes first. 

Can you share an interesting fact or hidden talent not found on your LinkedIn profile? Previous Women in Marketing candidate Anastasia Hamel says that she can breathe fire!

I am great at planning events…I think the fact that I am on the edge of OCD helps with this. If I was not in my current role…I would probably be a wedding planner. Events also bring out a bit of my creative side.

Career and Work:

How do you typically start your day, and are you #TeamCoffee, #TeamTea, or both?

I first check my phone (to check any important messages and respond), then get dressed and proceed to a prayer and meditation routine… before logging on to work #teamcoffee.

What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing? Didn’t the “I want to become a doctor” bug bite you?

To be honest, marketing found me. I was a receptionist at an ad agency, and working at reception didn’t motivate me much, so I started offering help to anyone who needed it. I used to help with any admin-related tasks that came my way; this got the attention of one of the Client Service directors. She hired me as her PA. Due to being understaffed, I was given client service work – that’s how it all started. I basically started at the bottom and worked my way up.

You hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the AAA School of Advertising (You Go, Girl!!). Considering the rise of online educational platforms like Coursera and Google Skillshop, how do you foresee the future of tertiary-based education?

Whilst I don’t see traditional in-person learning ever falling away completely, online learning is pivotal in tertiary education due to the flexibility, accessibility and personalisation that it offers. The educational landscape is changing; online learning has advantages. The future of tertiary education will most likely be hybrid learning models that will provide both in-person interaction and online learning.

Many industries had to create systems overnight that would enable their respective workforces to work from home due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s your perspective on remote and hybrid work, and how have you dealt with its challenges? Do you have a preference?

It’s up to the individual. Some people love going into the office as they thrive in a social setting. Others, on the other hand, prefer working remotely for various reasons. I don’t think there is a right or wrong option; it is entirely up to the person and the business. I am very blessed to work at a company that respects and allows us the flexibility of hybrid work. I prefer working remotely and only going into the office when required. This is because I get more done without the disruptions emanating from the office. 

Furthermore, it enables me to be around for my kids when I need to be there. Remote work is not immune from any challenges. One may feel disconnected from people as you don’t often see them. 

AI is the hot topic of the day, most specifically, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. How do you address the challenges you face in your day-to-day responsibilities? Any specific tools you’d like to plug us with? 

My days are always filled with challenges. I would say I first try to remain calm and objective. I listen to the problems at hand to understand the challenges at play before trying to solve them – it’s crucial to gather all the information to find a resolution.

In terms of tools – Google’s speech-to-text is a great tool. Another tool which I utilise daily is Power BI. 

According to the WEF, the pandemic caused a 4.2% reduction in women’s employment compared to 3% of men (from 2019 to 2020). How can organisations better support women and mothers, especially in light of the pandemic’s impact on women in the workplace?

A supportive work/life balance in terms of remote working and flexible hours is a must for me. The world of work is evolving; more needs to be addressed to accommodate women, particularly those who are mothers. Health and wellness programmes should also be offered. Much progress has been made in this regard. Companies are offering such services post-pandemic. Lastly, I would say mentorship programmes that provide real training and development opportunities that actually help women advance in the workplace and ensure they can stay competitive in the job market.

How can organisations ensure equal opportunities for women to advance into executive positions?

Having inclusive policies that ensure gender equity in the workplace and endorsing fair and equal opportunities can go a long way in addressing past hindrances. 

2024 and Beyond:

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self? 

Have more fun! 

Yes, success precedes hard work. But if all you do is work, when will you enjoy the benefits of your hard work! Life is short. Make yourself happy!

What are your personal or professional goals and aspirations for the future? We hope to see you on Forbes’ Most Influential CMOs list. No pressure!

I want to be a good person. I want to be a good mum and be present in my kids’ lives, which in our industry is sometimes difficult. Lastly, I WANT TO BE FINANCIALLY FREE! Professionally, I want to continue to grow in my career…so who knows where that will lead? The sky is the limit. 

Who are some of your sheroes?

There are lots of incredible women who I have met in my career. They’ve had a significant impact on my life.

First, it would be my mum. She is the strongest and most capable person I know. In addition, she has had a lot of knocks in her life but always has a smile on her face and addresses each day with optimism and positivity.

Another notable mention would be Jane Austen since I am a bookworm at heart. The women characters portrayed in her books were intelligent, funny, fierce and brave – they spoke their minds. Her books challenged mindsets in a time of tradition.

What are you currently reading, and how do you consume your content?

I am a paperback reader. Yes, I like to feel the pages…and currently, I am reading ‘It Ends with Us‘ by Cathleen Hoover.

What are you currently streaming that you’d recommend?

I’m a true crime and documentary watcher… I recently watched “Under The Bridge” on Disney. I thought it was great. There are real-life lessons there for kids to learn as well as learnings for parents to understand the social pressures our kids face.

You wake up one day, and before you know it, you are nearing retirement. What would you like your professional legacy to be? Furthermore, what do your colleagues and superiors admire about you the most?

Here’s how I imagine my legacy to be: 

I empowered other women and gave them opportunities as I was given and that I was a kind person. I think people forget how important and simple it is to be kind. My colleagues admire my commitment and dedication. They know that I will get the job done. I’m reliable and always willing to help a team member.

Share a unique message for young professionals in the marketing industry.

If you love what you do, the job will be easy! This industry is tough. Some days will bring you to your knees. To get through it, you must have a passion for the role that you play and the impact that you have! Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything!

Thank you for your time, Nash. We hope this interview will inspire future leaders and other Women in Marketing. How can people follow you and your company on social media? 

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