Meet Doron Seo

With a background in talent and management, Doron brings a broad and global perspective to his work, partnering with private equity firms and corporate clients to empower individuals, strengthen teams, and build lasting capabilities. Driven by a belief in the power of versatile skills, he’s passionate about crafting tailored solutions that address his clients’ most complex challenges with precision and care.

In this conversation, Doron shares what inspires him in ghSMART’s dynamic environment, how he balances career and home life, and his vision for the firm’s growth in the decade ahead.

From Investment Banking to People-Centered Leadership

Doron’s career began in investment banking right after college – an intense but formative start that gave him first-hand exposure to business fundamentals and the chance to work alongside talented colleagues. The pace was fast, the learning curve steep, and it sharpened his technical skills while giving him an early appreciation for how capital, strategy, and people come together. Still, something felt missing: “While I wouldn’t change my experience in finance for anything, I wanted to be closer to the strategic decisions shaping businesses and the people driving them.”

That pull led Doron to McKinsey, where he worked as an engagement manager. There, he discovered a passion for the human side of business – especially around talent, people, and culture. The work gave him the chance to advise leaders across industries, tackle big problems, and build a toolkit he still draws on today. More than anything, it showed him how much organizational health matters for lasting performance.

During an internal training program, Doron had an “ah-hah” moment. Participants were asked to define their “north star.” The exercise felt a little cheesy, but it stuck. He wrote: “unlocking the potential in talent – for individuals, teams, and organizations.” Looking back, that was the point he realized he wanted a career where this idea wasn’t just part of the job, but the center of it.

Finding the Right Fit at ghSMART

As Doron was considering his next step – and the kind of firm he wanted to join – ghSMART found him. “I was looking pretty broadly at the time, and then ghSMART reached out. My first reaction was, ‘Who are these guys?’”

As he dug in, what he learned struck a chord. The firm’s mission and culture lined up with what he’d come to see as his own purpose. “I realized this was a place where I could do the work I care about, with the freedom to shape my own path,” he says. That alignment, combined with the people he met and the emphasis on flexibility, made the decision easy.

With ghSMART’s support, Doron found a way to thrive both professionally and personally. “I get to have an uncompromising professional career doing what I love, while also being the parent and husband I want to be,” he explains. “For example, Friday morning ‘monkey music’ is my favorite class with my kid – I always make a point of going. In many firms that just wouldn’t be possible. Even being home for those precious couple of hours before bedtime – it’s a magical time for any parent. I have the flexibility to consistently build that into my schedule.”

This support enables him to bring his best energy to work that truly matters – helping leaders achieve their goals and make a broader impact.

Expanding Impact Globally

For Doron, success means doing meaningful work with clients around the world while still being present for the moments that matter most at home. Today, he manages a broad client portfolio, working with private equity and corporate clients across Asia, the US, and Europe. Staying true to his guiding purpose, he focuses on helping clients unlock potential by developing talent and building high-performing teams made up of unique individuals.

Recently, Doron relocated to South Korea to further explore opportunities in the Asia Pacific region. “Moving to Korea has been an exciting and seamless transition thanks to ghSMART’s support,” he says. “Even though we didn’t have an office here, the firm fully backed my decision – allowing me to live in a new country with my family while continuing to do impactful work without compromise. That level of flexibility and support is rare, and it perfectly captures what makes ghSMART unique.”

Looking ahead, he’s excited about the firm’s global growth. “Our roots are in North America, then came Europe, and more recently Australia. Now, with the Asia Pacific region, there’s incredible untapped potential, and I’m thrilled to bring our expertise to APAC markets where we can make a real difference.”

A Culture That Enables Growth

That support has been a defining feature of Doron’s journey, and he believes it’s vital for anyone joining the firm. “Joining a new organization always involves change, especially when moving from a traditional consulting background into ghSMART’s distinctive culture,” he notes. “What makes the transition successful is the firm’s commitment to your growth and the support of your colleagues. You’re given mentorship, the skills you need, and meaningful opportunities to truly thrive.”

For Doron, the combination of meaningful work, supportive colleagues, and a flexible, growth-oriented culture is what makes ghSMART a place where he can thrive – professionally and personally.

Doron’s full bio can be found here.