Welcome Erum Hasnain

We are thrilled to welcome Erum Hasnain to the ghSMART team!

Erum brings a rare blend of intellectual curiosity, commercial discipline, and a deeply human-centered approach to everything she does. Her career has spanned investment banking, private equity, brand management, and entrepreneurship – all rooted in a passion for understanding people and helping them thrive. We’re excited to have her join us and bring this unique perspective to our work.

A Career Built on Curiosity, Strategy, and Connection

Erum began her career at Goldman Sachs, where she advised clients on strategic transactions and developed a strong foundation in financial analysis. While the fast-paced, analytical environment was formative, she was eager to apply those skills more creatively – leading her to pursue roles that paired operational ownership with a consumer-focused strategy lens.

Her next chapter took her into brand management at Colgate-Palmolive after completing her MBA at Wharton. At Colgate, she led the strategy and performance of some of the company’s most iconic brands, managing P&Ls and leading cross-functional teams. There, she discovered the power of blending data with empathy – using both analytics and human insight to shape brand narratives and drive consumer engagement.

Her time at Colgate also revealed her talent for navigating ambiguity and solving complex challenges, often balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day decision-making. These experiences helped solidify her belief that the most successful organizations are those that invest deeply in both their people and their purpose.

From there, Erum expanded her impact in private equity and venture capital, where she worked closely with founders and executive teams navigating high-stakes inflection points. She brought a clear-eyed, people-first approach to these roles – building trust quickly, identifying opportunities for growth, and helping teams execute with focus and clarity.

Most recently, Erum served as Head of M&A at Intrinsic, a venture-backed company focused on acquiring and scaling women’s health brands. In this role, she shaped investment theses, led deal execution, and partnered closely with founders during transitional moments. Her ability to connect with people, especially during times of change, reaffirmed her desire to work more deeply at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and human behavior. Her contributions played a key role in the company’s growth and culminated in a successful exit – marking a pivotal milestone for the business.

A Throughline of Leadership and Mentorship

Erum’s commitment to leadership extends far beyond her professional roles. Since her undergraduate days at NYU – where she earned a degree in economics and minored in math and computer science – she’s been passionate about building inclusive communities and supporting others’ growth.

As a student, she co-founded the Stern Women in Business organization, creating a space for students across disciplines to collaborate, connect, and grow together. She also served as a resident advisor, mentoring students and fostering environments where they could feel safe, seen, and supported.

These early experiences helped shape her leadership style – one rooted in empathy, active listening, and an unwavering belief in people’s potential. They also instilled a lifelong commitment to mentorship that continues to this day. Whether advising founders, supporting peers, or guiding early-career professionals, Erum consistently creates space for others to thrive.

Why ghSMART?

For Erum, joining ghSMART is the culmination of years spent exploring how people and performance intersect – and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. She was drawn to the firm’s reputation for deep impact, the caliber of its clients, and its culture of generosity and collaboration.

At ghSMART, Erum saw an opportunity to bring together all the elements that have defined her career so far: analytical rigor, a love of problem-solving, and a profound respect for human potential. She looks forward to partnering with CEOs, founders, and investors during some of their most pivotal leadership moments – helping them unlock clarity, navigate complexity, and lead with intention.

A Life Full of Discovery and Joy

Outside of work, Erum is a natural explorer – whether she’s traveling to a new country or wandering through New York City in search of hidden coffee shops and art galleries. After nearly two decades in the city, she proudly considers herself a New Yorker, drawn to its energy, ambition, and endless sense of possibility. That said, no matter where she is, she’ll tell you: home is wherever her dog is.

Her curiosity, warmth, and enthusiasm for life shine through in everything she does. Whether she’s mentoring others, leading a deal, or planning her next adventure, Erum brings a thoughtfulness and joy that inspires those around her.

Please join us in welcoming Erum Hasnain to ghSMART! We're excited to have her on board - learn more about Erum here.

‍