Creative Q&A: OgilvyOne's Natalie Lam is in the hot seat

How did you get into advertising?
I started as a print designer of annual reports for Fortune 500 brands. Turning the same corporate stories sexy made me interested in ideas that change people’s perceptions.

What was your first ever ad?
I don’t think I’ve ever made an ad in the traditional sense.

Which ad do you wish you’d made?
Again, not in the traditional sense, but from recent work it would be Ikea’s Facebook Showroom.

What was your worst job ever?
None so far, you always learn something.

What qualities do you look for in a prospective employee?
Drive, naïve optimism, curiosity in life, dry/ offbeat humor and taste.

What does it take to impress you?
Anything with an unexpected twist.

Where do you go to be inspired?
The world around me.

Who do you consider to be a creative genius?
Many people, especially great film directors: Éric Rohmer, François Truffaut, Zhang YiMou, Alejandro González Iñárritu. The artist James Turrell is amazing.

If you were not working in advertising, where would you work?
Film or sports. I love film, and suck at sports.

What is your guilty pleasure?
www.cuteoverload.com and hazelnut gelato. I used to pick up a pint of ice cream on my way home whenever I worked late in NYC.

What would you like to be in a next life?
A second tier pro sportsman.

What is your favourite word?
Interesting.

Worst haircut you’ve ever had?
Whenever I’m at work past 9 pm.

What’s your favourite song lyric?
Sweet dreams