Bably Negi.
In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Havas's senior people and talent advisor, Bably Negi.
Time in current role:
I have just stepped into my new role as a Senior People and Talent Advisor, one month going strong!
How long have you been in the industry?
I have just hit my three-year anniversary at Havas.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Short answer: absolutely not.
I studied International Business and Management at Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington), convinced a Big 4 career was my future. Instead, I became one of the twenty-seven thousand Kiwis who moved to Australia in 2023 and found myself in tech sales recruitment. On paper, it felt like the right move, but something was missing.
Growing up in an Indian family, I was raised by a village (literally), one where contribution and community mattered above all else. In tech sales recruitment, people too often felt like numbers in a pipeline, and that never sat right with me. Relationships and care have always been my north star.
A huge shout‑out to Tania Teurquetil, whose guidance helped me pivot into People and Talent which led me to a new Village at Havas.
Who is your right-hand person?
I’ve been lucky to have had many incredible right‑hand women along the way, particularly, Michelle G and Janet Cole - my real-life fairy godmothers who supported and championed me from the very start.
Nowadays, my right-hand person has to be Mathilde Perrais, my fellow People and Talent team member, AKA my ride or die, and very occasionally, my French translator.
What is the best thing about the industry you work in?
The people. It sounds cliché, but this industry genuinely attracts some of the smartest, kindest and most creative people I’ve ever worked with. There’s a real sense of community, collaboration and creativity, and you’re constantly learning from people who care deeply about what they do.
Working with everyone from Interns to CEOs, there’s a genuine ability to connect across all levels. People are approachable, and there’s a strong sense of community compared to other industries.
And the biggest challenge?
Balancing pace with people. The industry moves fast, and while that energy is exciting, it’s important we don’t lose sight of wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable ways of working. Creating space for people to thrive while still delivering great work is an ongoing challenge and one, I’m deeply passionate about solving.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
My manager, Candice Veasey.
Professionally, her leadership and honesty is something that I can only aspire to emulate.
Personally, the empathy and care she has for her team and the people in the Havas Village continuously reshapes how I want to show up for people.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
The people in my life are an endless pool of inspiration. My sisters, flatmates, friends, French VIEs and you name it. I love to meet new people and see the world through their eyes.
Above all, my biggest inspiration is my dad. He built a successful business despite not speaking English fluently and leaving school after Year 10. Growing up, I watched him turn determination into reality. He is living proof that anything is possible if you truly want it and he remains my constant source of inspiration.
My favourite advert is:
L&P – "It Aint Famous" (World Famous in NZ)
Peak Kiwi self-awareness. It celebrates small-town pride with humour and confidence, and it still feels relevant years later.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I speak three languages (Garhwali, Hindi and English) which means my music playlists and Spotify wrapped are just as multilingual.
When you see me walking through the doors of Havas with my headphones on… no one really knows which language I’m vibing to that day
In five years’, time I will be:
Continuing to do work that meaningfully shapes culture and peoples experiences.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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