A conversation with Mai Kand, Head of People at Ampler
Meet Mai. She’s spent the last eight years in HR, guiding teams through change and growth. When she joined Ampler 1.5 years ago, she didn’t just step into a role, she stepped into a company that needed to rebuild trust from the ground up.
In 2022, we took a bold leap by launching our most ambitious line yet. But we moved too fast. The new tech added unexpected complexity that we hadn’t given ourselves enough time to test properly. Looking back, that rush led to bikes that didn’t meet our standards reaching customers before they were mature. As issues emerged, the trust we had carefully built over the years began to fade. The promises we made fell short, frustration grew, and we lost touch with the values that once built our name.
Let’s start at the beginning. What was it like stepping into Ampler at such a turbulent time?
Mai: When I arrived at Ampler, the atmosphere spoke for itself. People were tired. There had been layoffs, leadership changes, and a lot of unfamiliar faces coming with them. Beneath the day-to-day work, there was a quiet uncertainty for, “Am I next?”
What made this rebuild particularly difficult on the human side?
Mai: One of the hardest parts was bringing two very different worlds together. The OG Ampler team had stayed through the toughest years – loyal, tired, and understandably cautious. The newcomers arrived with fresh energy but without the same history. And with most of our leadership team also new, we had to build trust entirely from the ground up.
What helped rebuild trust? Was there a turning point?
Mai: There wasn’t one big moment. It happened slowly, in small, consistent moments. We focused on being present, listening, caring and having real, deep conversations. Our team didn’t need big speeches, they needed to feel heard, supported, and included. We stayed transparent, even without all the answers, and kept asking feedback. That made all the difference.
What stood out to you most about the team during the most challenging times?
Mai: Their resilience, without a doubt. Even in uncertainty, people kept showing up. Not just to work, but with a deep sense of commitment. They supported one another and never lost sight of what Ampler could become. Most would’ve walked away. But our team? They moved mountains. Ordinary people would have left. But we have extraordinary ones – determined, loyal, proud. Through the chaos, they didn’t just stay. They lifted Ampler with determination, pride and care.
And now? How would you describe Ampler today?
Mai: It feels like we’ve finally found our own rhythm. We’re not trying to blend old and new anymore, we’ve built something of our own. It’s a mix of bike lovers, tech geeks, storytellers, dog moms, moms and dads of many, and people who changed industries because they believed in this mission. And today, I’m especially proud that two-thirds of our leadership team are women.
It’s not a typical setup for a bike company, but it works well. Even in the tough periods, people still show up with good energy and humour. And I think that says a lot about who we are.
What people’s practices helped the most during the rebuild?
Mai: Definitely quarterly planning and clear role expectations so everyone knew what they were responsible for and how their work contributed to the bigger picture. And moving into a shared office-factory space also really shifted the energy. It made the communication between teams smoother and brought the team spirit back in a real way.
How did you know that the work is starting to pay off?
Mai: People started smiling again and the mood in the office felt lighter. You could feel the tension lift. We’ve also seen it in the numbers too. Our internal Employee Happiness Score has been steadily rising over the past few quarters, which makes me really happy.
Any last words to the team?
Mai: Thank you for your trust, your patience, and for not giving up, even when it would’ve been easier to. Without this incredible team, there would be no Ampler. So, I am so proud of every single person here.
This is Ampler. This is our new beginning.
Thank you, Mai, and thank you to the people behind every ride. Your resilience is the real motor behind Ampler’s comeback.