Her Story
About Mai
Mai Kruvi, MBA, serves as Chief of Staff at Tower Group in New York, where she operates across three affiliated entities spanning fleet leasing, lease-to-own services, and consumer lending. In her role, she oversees a broad range of responsibilities including strategy, operations, regulatory compliance, legal coordination, marketing, HR, and payroll. Known for taking ownership of complex challenges, Mai has led major initiatives including securing a California Financing Law license, launching a new Los Angeles-based entity, transitioning insurance carriers for 4,000 drivers, and developing operational dashboards that support fleet inventory forecasting and insurance reporting.
Mai joined Tower Group as a Personal Assistant in 2024 and advanced to Chief of Staff within six months. Before entering the automotive and financial services space, she spent nearly four years as General Manager of Zula Mediterranean Eatery, managing the daily operations of a restaurant generating more than $2 million in annual revenue while completing her undergraduate and graduate studies full-time. Her ability to navigate fast-paced environments, build relationships, coordinate across functions, and turn complex information into actionable systems has become central to her leadership approach.
Mai holds an MBA with a concentration in Sustainability Studies from Bard College, where she and her team won the 2023 Turner Impact Portfolio Challenge hosted at the Wharton School, developing an investment portfolio for an ESG-conscious investor. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Resource Management. Driven by integrity, accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous learning, Mai thrives in environments where ownership is meaningful and no two challenges are alike, bringing a practical, adaptable approach to creating lasting operational impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mai
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to mentorship, opportunity, preparation, and perseverance. My CEO recognized my potential early and gave me opportunities to take ownership and grow from an entry-level role into executive leadership. I have built my career by approaching complex challenges with strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and sound judgment, whether managing regulatory licensing, new-market expansion, insurance transitions, forecasting, or legal coordination. Most importantly, I remain humble, adaptable, willing to learn, and committed to following each responsibility through to completion.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to say less and listen more. When important decisions are at stake, I’ve learned to gather all the facts, understand the situation fully, and think carefully before responding or revealing information. Moving from fast-paced hospitality into my current role taught me the value of slowing down, listening, and making informed decisions.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in your capabilities and give yourself time to grow into your role. Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of gender, but with experience, those feelings often begin to fade as you realize that everyone is learning and navigating challenges together. Trust yourself, stay patient, and remember that you belong in the room.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see tremendous opportunities for women to expand their influence in industries where leadership has traditionally been male-dominated. The challenge is navigating complex, fast-moving environments while continuing to build confidence, expertise, and credibility. For those willing to learn, adapt, and step forward, there is tremendous potential to create new opportunities and help redefine what leadership can look like.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, trust, accountability, and professionalism are the foundation of how I approach both my work and personal life. I value collaboration, clear communication, adaptability, and continuous learning, while having the courage to take ownership when something needs to be done. Above all, I believe in treating people with respect, pursuing excellence, and leading with purpose while maintaining balance and authenticity.
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