Known for her approachable leadership style and her fearless embrace of disruptive industries, Amrapali Gan has charted a career path that challenges conventions. From her time as CEO of OnlyFans to her latest venture, Hoxton, she exemplifies a modern approach to leadership that is dynamic, inclusive, and attuned to the possibilities of the ever-evolving digital landscape.

As a woman in tech leadership, Gan prioritizes authenticity and accessibility. She believes that leadership doesn’t have to conform to rigid hierarchies. “I don’t believe in the stereotypical executive persona,” she explains. This mindset has not only made her stand out but also allowed her to foster collaboration and innovation across her teams. Her non-traditional background has given her the tools to navigate complex and often controversial spaces, driving her ability to lead with creativity and purpose.

Through Hoxton, Gan and her business partner Kailey Magder, are working with a range of businesses to support growth, strategy, and marketing to support scaling and awareness. She remains active in the creator sector through supporting clients with building community and as Growth Advisor and Strategic Partner for the platform Communia. While utilizing her extensive background in large-scale businesses such as Quest Nutrition - where I personally first met her over 10 years ago.

She reached out to me and asked that I come out to the (at that time, very young, start-up company's) office which doubled as their multi-purpose manufacturing facilities also.

We started to work together on influencer seeding and 'what's in their bag?" type stories for some of the talent I represented, featuring the brand in American and Global magazines.  I watched her navigate and help push that start-up company to be one of the most widely known sports brands on the planet, valued at over a billion dollars. 

Ami moved next to Red Bull, where I had the pleasure of working with her as she pioneered an LGBTQ+ marketing initiative focused around Pride Month and her core ethos of unfailing innovation at pushing corporate inclusivity, and then to cannabis company Lowell Farms before she took the reigns as CEO of OnlyFans, a tech company which has challenged the very basis of the creator world, and the new revenue model for celebrity remuneration itself. 

While many have misinterpreted her vision as solely rooted in the creator industry, Ami is a leader who does not allow notions to define her identity. She still sees endless opportunities in that space and hints at exciting developments to come, promising to push the boundaries of what’s possible for creators.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Gan finds inspiration in her personal passions. A lover of music and travel, she values the experiences that come with exploring new destinations and cultures. Having lived in multiple cities throughout her life, she draws on those experiences as a source of creativity and perspective. Whether building a playlist or a global business, her approach is grounded in connection and curiosity.

Gan’s career is a testament to what can be achieved when authenticity meets ambition. As she continues to lead the charge in the creator economy, she is shaping industries and rewriting the playbook for leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the digital landscape.

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Rhiyen Sharp: ​Your career journey has been anything but traditional. How has this shaped your leadership style?

Amrapali Gan: My non-linear path has taught me to embrace adaptability and view challenges as opportunities. I’m drawn to disruptor industries- whether in cannabis, or the creator economy, I’ve leaned into industries that challenge norms, and that perspective has shaped a leadership style that values creativity, inclusivity, and purpose-driven innovation. These pillars are at my core and applicable daily. 

Rhiyen Sharp: ​As a woman in tech leadership, what have been some pivotal moments in your career, and how did you navigate them?‍

Amrapali Gan: Taking the helm at OnlyFans was a defining moment, where I also publicly represented the innovative platform. I focused on staying true to my vision of empowering creators and leaned heavily on collaboration to steer the company through rapid growth under a global lens. 

Through HOXTON, I’ve been able to be a bit more behind the scenes with the companies we collaborate with - we joke that we’re like a secret weapon or Swiss army knife for clients as they navigate growth.  

​Rhiyen Sharp: ​​You’ve described yourself as an approachable leader. How do you maintain that balance while leading in high-pressure environments?

Amrapali Gan: Approachability comes from being authentic and transparent no matter the role. I find staying connected by asking my team about their weekends, talking about music or shows, and most importantly, listening to their perspectives builds trust and creates a sense of collective accountability - all highly important under pressure. 

Rhiyen Sharp: What inspired the launch of HOXTON?

Amrapali Gan:HOXTON was born out of a desire to find a way to collaborate with companies while actually making an impact. Everything we do for clients is very bespoke and we’re regularly coming up with creative solutions for problems to support a company’s goals to achieve growth and increased revenue. We’ve worked with a range of businesses from Fintech to CPG and have found unique approaches to helping clients stand out in front of their audiences. ​​

Rhiyen Sharp: You’ve hinted at exciting new projects in the works—can you share more about what’s next?

Amrapali Gan:Without giving too much away, I have something in the works that reflects my background in both creator and culture. More to come… 

​​Rhiyen Sharp: ​​Living in different cities has clearly been a source of inspiration for you. How has that influenced your work and outlook on life?

Amrapali Gan:Every city I’ve lived in has given me a new lens to view the world, which has been invaluable for creativity and being able to relate with people. The name Hoxton came from living in East London (an area that I love). The subway of New York is one of the most eclectic experiences you’ll ever witness. LA will always have a large part of my heart and is a true exporter of trends within the zeitgeist. 

​​Rhiyen Sharp: ​​What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles in tech or disruptive industries?

Amrapali Gan:Be unapologetically authentic and lead with confidence. Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about creating impact by staying true to your values. 

​​Rhiyen Sharp: ​​How do your personal interests, like music and travel, intersect with your professional life?

Amrapali Gan: I find work and play sometimes blend when you're an entrepreneur. It's a unique way you're representing yourself and have found opportunities happen more organically. I draw inspiration from travel, music, nature, and other experiences when thinking about professional endeavors. 

​​Rhiyen Sharp: ​​Where do you see the future of platforms and tools for creators in the next five to ten years

Amrapali Gan:I envision a future where platforms are more collaborative with creators to better tailor features to their needs while helping them build community. It’s about creating ecosystems that empower creators to own their work, and foster real community to build sustainable success.

​​Rhiyen Sharp: ​​​What legacy do you hope to leave with your work at Hoxton Projects and beyond?

Amrapali Gan:I have a lot of what I call, ‘blind confidence’ which is something more people, especially women, should have. If you believe in something and think you can do it, then you should try. Having a different perspective is what makes you valuable and I feel my journey (which is still unfolding) is a reflection of that. 

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