Photo: Jamison Weeks

NINA LAI

Founder & Principal

I'm the daughter of tech executives with roots across four continents. That childhood of constant movement and cultural translation shaped how I see communication as the bridge between intention and understanding, especially when stakes are high and context is everything.

I spent nearly two decades inside global organizations and agencies—Benefit Cosmetics, Lenovo, Emirates, Edelman, M&C Saatchi—leading communications through transformation and building functions from the ground up. My time as Chief of Staff to a CEO taught me how leaders make decisions under pressure and what breaks down when communication fails between strategy and execution.

NYL Consulting was founded to work directly with leaders at moments that define outcomes. This includes navigating crisis, building reputation that can withstand scrutiny, and providing thinking partnership when the stakes are high. Operating outside organizational politics gives me the freedom to focus entirely on what's best for the client, while my years inside those environments inform how I understand the dynamics leaders navigate.

I write and host In Between Worlds, a newsletter and podcast exploring what it means to live and work across cultures. The conversations examine career transitions alongside broader questions of purpose and belonging in a global context.

Beyond advisory work, I serve as Communications Chair for Impact 100 Seattle, a women-led collective giving organization, and mentor with the Asian American Professional Association.

"Her strength lies in crafting strategic, stakeholder-focused messaging that resonates across the organization, from the C-suite to frontline employees. Nina excels in navigating complex communication landscapes and commands respect with clear, concise presentations and a deep understanding of business priorities. She translates data into actionable insights, ensuring executives are well-informed and engaged. Nina's strategic approach, stakeholder focus, and commitment to inclusivity make her an invaluable asset to any company and team."

— Chief of Staff to COO, Lenovo Data Center Group

"She tactfully managed the senior executive team while providing leadership on internal communications. Her international experience brought us fresh perspectives and her ability to connect with the people around her on a deeper level fostered a culture of trust and inclusiveness.”

— VP, HR | Global Head of Learning, Visa Direct

"Nina helped me translate decades of family business and governance experience into a sharp market position. She pressure-tested my thinking on differentiation and provided the outside strategic perspective I needed to make confident positioning decisions. Her work gave me the framework to build this practice with the right strategic focus."

— CEO, Insightline Consulting