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Mai Ton

Mai Ton

HR Consultant; Author; Thought Leader on the Future of Work; Change Agent

Location icon New York, NY, USA

About

As an HR consultant and change agent, I am committed to helping shape a more equitable and sustainable workplace. Over the course of my career in tech startups, I’ve guided leaders and teams through intense growth, mergers, and restructurings, with a special focus on building inclusive cultures and forward-thinking HR practices. Equity in startups isn’t just a perk; it’s a powerful lever for systemic change. This belief guides my work at EMP HR Consulting and underscores my vision for a future where diverse founders and leaders—especially women and underrepresented groups—have the opportunity to unlock generational wealth. In my book, Come Into My Office, I offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life in Silicon Valley from an HR leader’s perspective, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building people-first cultures in high-growth environments. As today’s tech landscape evolves and the initial “magic” of Silicon Valley fades, I remain inspired by the potential to create workplaces where equity is fundamental, not incidental, and where leaders can drive real, lasting impact.

Notable Roles

Founder & CEO, EMP HR Consulting
Chief People Officer, Fabric
VP of People Operations & Culture, HelloSign

Job Categories

Consulting
Human Resources
Executive Leadership

Industries

Technology
Human Resources
Consulting

Top Skills

Strategic Change Leadership
Equity and Inclusion in Leadership
Talent Development and Strategy
Organizational and Cultural Transformation
Future of Work Initiatives

Special Interests

Equity and Inclusion in Leadership
Future of Work Innovations
Sustainable Growth
Resilient Culture
Flexible Work Policies
Available
Clock icon
Part-time
Contract
Fractional
Remote

A
Advising
C
Consulting
F
Fractional Leadership
M
Mentoring
S
Speaking
T
Teaching

What I Offer

With a focus on strategic HR transformation, I provide consulting services that empower leaders to create equitable, people-centered workplaces. My work enables organizations to navigate change confidently, fostering environments where both employees and business objectives can thrive.

Advisory Services

Strategic, personalized guidance for HR transformations aligned with resilience, equity, and growth.

Leadership and Culture Transformation

Expertise in fostering high-performing, inclusive cultures and values-driven leadership.

Change Management Program

Full-cycle support for navigating M&As, IPOs, and organizational changes with a human-centered approach.

Ask Me About

Change Leadership and Communication
Cultural Transformation
Leadership Coaching
Mentorship
Equity and Inclusion
Talent Development
Strategic HR Guidance
M&A Integration
Organizational Alignment
Future of Work Policies
Employee Experience Design
Performance Strategy
Compensation Strategy
Workforce Planning

Executive HR Advisory

Personalized guidance to help CEOs and HR leaders align HR practices with business goals, fostering growth, resilience, and employee engagement

Leadership and Culture Transformation

Support for companies scaling or redefining their culture to build inclusive, high-performing teams rooted in shared values.

M&A and IPO Readiness

Expert guidance for organizations navigating critical transitions like mergers, acquisitions, or IPOs, ensuring seamless integration, clear communication, and employee alignment.nment.

Future of Work Strategy Development

Strategic consulting for leaders ready to implement innovative workplace policies like flexible schedules, equity-driven practices, and employee-centered initiatives.

Wisdom at Work

Areas of Expertise

Change Leadership with Purpose

I guide organizations through high-stakes transitions—IPOs, M&As, and restructuring—with a focus on aligning strategic goals with cultural and people-centered outcomes, ensuring clarity and confidence during change.

Inclusive Leadership and Culture Building

My experience as one of the few women and minorities in executive roles has shaped my commitment to fostering workplaces that empower diverse voices and create a sense of belonging, setting a new standard for leadership and inclusivity.

Visionary for the Future of Work

Committed to reimagining modern work practices, I help companies implement progressive policies, from flexible work arrangements to equity-centered initiatives, positioning them to attract and retain top talent in an evolving market.

Key Achievements

M&A and IPO Strategy and Success

Integral to several M&A transactions and one IPO, where I emphasized transparent, people-centered communication to maintain morale and focus during high-stakes transitions.

Global Expansion and Cultural Alignment

Led HR strategies across five regions, building a unified, culturally aware framework that reinforced organizational goals while honoring diverse perspectives.

Award-Winning Workplace and Culture Programs

Recognized for developing high-performing, inclusive cultures with programs that inspire, engage, and retain talent, helping organizations achieve their best possible outcomes.

Wisdom is...applied knowledge.

Summary of Skills

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Mai Ton is a member of OpenWater Group — a trusted community and platform where seasoned professionals reimagine success through shared wisdom and meaningful connections.
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