Here are the 14 Growth Mentors of August 2025

1. Adrian M Odgers

Describe yourself

I lead enterprise transformation and growth by focusing on customer-centric and AI-enabled strategies to deliver operational excellence, growth, and scale for Fortune 500 companies and scale-ups. I’ve helped companies triple revenue, achieve an NPS of 9, significantly cut costs, and increase speed to market by 40% by architecting smarter, scalable working methods.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

As an advisor and mentor to startups globally, I am passionate about leveraging my expertise in customer-centric growth and operational excellence to guide future leaders and support the startup ecosystem.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

Having a growth mindset means committing to lifelong learning and recognising that success is a journey, not a destination. It’s about being open to feedback, celebrating progress over perfection, and cultivating an environment where creativity, collaboration, and personal growth can flourish.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

If I could mentor someone on just one topic, it would be customer-centric growth strategies. With over 20 years of experience driving digital and CX transformation, as well as operational excellence, I’ve seen firsthand how focusing on customer needs and behaviours can unlock sustainable growth and a competitive advantage. I’m passionate about helping founders and teams understand their customers deeply, align their strategies to meet those needs, and ultimately build businesses that grow and scale by delivering real value.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

My root cause identification process centres on combining human-centred design principles with data-driven analysis.

I start by observing actual user behaviours and business operations, and then examine the data to gain further insights and identify disconnects between expectations and reality.

This approach, refined through my work with global organisations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, enables me to identify hidden friction points that quantitative metrics alone may overlook.

Based on the hypothesis, I develop and then validate findings through targeted experiments (minimum viable test) that gain valuable feedback before finalising my recommended solutions, ensuring we’re solving the genuine business challenge rather than treating surface-level symptoms.

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2. Alexey Leybov

Describe yourself

I help B2B tech companies build demand generation that drives real results — not just leads for the sake of leads. Right now, I lead demand generation at Cast AI, and before that, I helped scale Similarweb and Semrush. I enjoy helping teams cut through the noise and focus on what actually drives pipeline and revenue.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I believe sharing my demand gen experience can help others save time, budget, and frustration while building predictable growth.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

For me, a growth mindset is all about staying curious, staying open, and constantly iterating — try, learn, improve.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

Demand generation in B2B

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

I break problems down, challenge assumptions, and keep asking questions — in demand gen, what looks like a surface-level issue is often just a symptom of something deeper.

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3. Alison Rooney

Describe yourself

I am a fintech expert who recently headed Google Cloud’s Financial Services Partnerships organization. I am passionate about supporting early-stage founders have done so since my early days at Columbia Business School. My expertise includes partnerships, business development, and coaching founders in executive leadership forums.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

Share knowledge, support founders, and grow community

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

A growth mindset means you are learning continuously.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

Building partnerships in fintech and AI.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

I like to read/prep in advance to understand the current scenario. I like to ask questions and listen to understand. Then, I propose some ways to approach, and we can unravel the issue together.

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4. Badru Kasule Jr.

Describe yourself

Results-driven product leader with 15 years of experience driving growth and success across multiple industries. Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams, leading product launches, and translating insights into actionable strategies. Skilled in GTM planning and execution, launching 0-to-1 products, and data analysis. A proud graduate of Columbia University, I’ve leveraged my academic foundation to build a diverse career spanning P&G, Hearst Media Co., BlackRock, and Meta. I’m excited to leverage my expertise to mentor and empower others.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

As a seasoned professional with 15 years of experience in tech and finance, I’m passionate about leveraging my expertise to empower others and help them grow in their careers.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

A growth mindset to me means embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, learning from failures, and being open to new experiences. It’s about recognizing that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, rather than being fixed traits. This mindset allows me to approach problems with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt, ultimately leading to continuous improvement and self-improvement.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

If I could mentor someone on just one topic, it would be “Navigating the Early Stages of a Career in Product Management and Product Marketing.”I believe this is a crucial area to focus on because many professionals struggle to find their footing in these roles, especially when transitioning from other industries or functions. As a mentor, I would share my own experiences, insights, and best practices on how to:

• Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and market trends
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, and sales
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including executives, customers, and team members
• Stay up-to-date with industry developments and emerging technologies

By mentoring someone on this topic, I hope to help them avoid common pitfalls, accelerate their learning curve, and set themselves up for long-term success in their product management or product marketing career.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

When it comes to pinpointing the root cause of a problem, I follow a structured approach that involves a combination of critical thinking, data analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. Here’s my step-by-step process:

1. Defining the Problem: Clearly articulating the issue and its impact.
2. Gathering Information: Collecting relevant data from various sources.
3. Analyzing Patterns and Trends: Identifying correlations and narrowing down potential causes.
4. Conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Using tools like 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagrams to drill down to underlying causes.
5. Collaborating with Stakeholders: Validating findings and gaining additional insights.
6. Evaluating and Prioritizing Potential Causes: Assessing likelihood, impact, and feasibility.

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5. Daniele de Paolis

Describe yourself

I’m a D2C founder who bootstrapped three e-commerce brands from scratch — including one that reached 7-figure revenue. I started with zero funding, using my apartment as a warehouse in the first year. I’ve done it all: marketing, product development, ops, and international distribution. Now, I support founders and product-based businesses as a mentor and strategy consultant. I know firsthand the struggles of building without outside funding — and I’m here to help others avoid the costly mistakes I made. Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling your brand, I offer practical, execution-driven support to help you grow with clarity and confidence.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

Bootstrapped a D2C brand to 7-figures. Now helping founders scale smarter and avoid the mistakes I made.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

A growth mindset means embracing discomfort, asking better questions, and not being afraid to start over smarter. It’s about staying curious, being coachable, and focusing on progress rather than perfection — both in business and in life.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

“E-commerce as a business owner, not as a technical operator.” I genuinely believe this is where I could help the most.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

I break the problem down into smaller parts, gather data from all relevant areas (marketing, ops, product, etc.), and look for patterns or bottlenecks. I ask “why” multiple times to get past symptoms and uncover the real root cause. Then I validate it with action.

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6. Divya Chaturvedi

Describe yourself

I’m a product leader with over 10 years of experience across eCommerce, SaaS, and energy tech. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between business and engineering—leveraging data, AI/ML, and customer insights to build scalable products that solve real problems and elevate user experience.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I want to become a Growth Mentor to empower rising product leaders with strategic clarity, real-world AI/ML experience, and actionable frameworks to accelerate their impact and career growth.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

To me, a growth mindset means believing that skills, intelligence, and success are not fixed traits—but things we can continuously develop through effort, curiosity, and feedback. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities, staying resilient through failure, and always being open to learning, evolving, and helping others grow along the way.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

If I could mentor someone on just one topic, it would be how to build data-informed products that create real customer impact, because understanding how to connect user pain points with measurable product decisions is the most powerful skill a product manager can master for long-term success.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

My approach to pinpointing the root cause of a problem starts with asking “why” repeatedly to peel back the layers — combining qualitative insights from customers or stakeholders with quantitative data to validate patterns. I then map the user journey or system flow to identify where friction occurs, isolate variables, and collaborate cross-functionally to test and confirm the true underlying issue—not just the symptoms.

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7. Federico Toscano

Describe yourself

I’m a very pragmatic thinker, and it looks like I have the ability to make others think pragmatically. I love meeting creative people; they are an incredible source of ideas, but usually not as great at executing them. It usually takes just one question, repeated over and over: “What is the problem you’re trying to solve?”

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I love solving other people’s problems

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

Someone with a growth mindset never stops doing what others do. They ask themselves, “How does this work? Why does it work? Why doesn’t it work?” As long as you’re asking curious questions, you are always growing. If the business doesn’t grow, at least your knowledge about it does.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

Probably problem-solving and how to ask yourself and others the right questions. One big part of building a startup is always assessing the risk, and knowing how to de-risk anything you’re doing, knowing what the conditions are in which something is worth doing. This applies to both tech and non-tech problems.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

It all starts with asking someone their perception of what the problem is and what they are actually expecting. Usually, the root cause is related to wrong assumptions. So, whether it’s about chasing a bug or preparing some product work, I usually guide the person or the group of people through their own assumptions. More often than not, they realise that they never had the conversation where they set shared expectations

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8. George Trakas

Describe yourself

I’m a tech-savvy sales and consulting professional with 15+ years of international experience, helping Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups across the U.S., EMEA, and APAC unlock revenue, scale strategically, and build lasting client relationships.

My sweet spot is working at the intersection of SaaS, strategic planning, and customer success—where tech meets human connection. From complex B2B sales cycles to brand positioning and post-sale account growth, I’ve led initiatives that drive adoption, retention, and measurable impact.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I have over 15 years of experience in the sales and marketing world and want to share my knowledge to better people looking for assistance.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

Growth Mindset means to take apart your past knowledge and be open to new ways of thinking and doing things. Having a growth mindset pushes your brain to be more creative and efficient. It’s a way of life for me.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

Branding. I have worked with a lot of organizations worldwide and believe I have the most knowledge in the personal and employment branding scope.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

Question asking. Understanding why something is a problem and if it really is an issue.

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9. Gina Sapien

Describe yourself

Hey, I’m Gina! I grew up in Mexico and now live in Taiwan. I’ve spent 10 years in marketing (5 of them remote), starting in corporate and later moving into startups. I’m a generalist marketer with a focus on growth through social, partnerships, events, and what I call ecosystem marketing. I also run The Remote Marketer, a career coaching consultancy helping marketers build location freedom.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

This is the season of giving. I’ve had amazing mentors in my career, and now it’s my turn to give back, doing what I love most: helping people grow.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

To me, a growth mindset means constantly pushing the limits of what you think is possible. It’s about not being afraid to try new things outside your comfort zone, to win, to fail, and to learn from it all.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

Social media marketing, from brand-generated content to EGC. Plus, career growth strategies for marketers.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

To identify the root of a problem, I ask questions and listen more than I speak. As a mentor, my role is to help you uncover what’s really going on by asking the right questions that bring clarity. I’m here to guide and support, not to give one-size-fits-all solutions. But if you want ideas, I’m happy to brainstorm with you.

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10. Mike Zaitsev

Describe yourself

I have spent over a decade building and leading global communications strategies for fast-growing tech companies across Latin America, Africa, Asia, the US, and Europe. I’ve scaled PR functions from scratch, managed international teams and agencies, and helped drive growth from 10 to 50+ million users by making PR a powerful acquisition channel.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I want to become a growth mentor to help founders avoid costly mistakes and accelerate global expansion by sharing the strategies and insights I’ve gained from scaling companies across 30+ international markets.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

To me, a growth mindset means believing that skills and outcomes can always be improved through learning, experimentation, and resilience — it’s about treating challenges as opportunities to adapt, grow, and create better results.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

I would mentor someone on how to use PR as a growth engine for international expansion, because I’ve seen firsthand how the right communications strategy can take a startup from a few local markets to 30+ countries and millions of users.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

I approach problems by breaking them down into smaller components, collecting data and input from stakeholders, and looking for patterns to identify the underlying factor that drives the issue. This helps me design solutions that fix the cause, not just the surface symptoms.

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11. Peter Song

Describe yourself

Hi, I’m Peter — an award-winning marketer with 17 years’ experience driving growth in tech and gaming. I help early-to mid-stage teams build full-stack marketing, from brand strategy to execution and GTM launches.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I had a call with Ryan Turner, and he spoke to me about his experiences with Growth Mentor. I just recently started creating content, and in my 2nd month and one of the reasons why I started is because I want to help people.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

I believe a growth mindset means being coachable, open to feedback, and willing to put in the effort to improve and grow.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

marketing and/or advertising

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

Listen to their problems and go through their issues step by step

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12. Samuel Ficek

Describe yourself

I’m an SEO specialist with experience working for brands like Royal Mail, Uber Car Share, and Canva. A couple of years ago, I left full-time employment to go solo as a consultant, helping fast-growing startups and businesses with large, complex, and/or international websites scale their organic growth.

Lately, I’ve been diving into how LLMs and conversational search are reshaping SEO and how brands can stay visible as the landscape shifts. I also run an e-commerce business in the home improvements niche, which I bought in 2023. It’s been a crash course in everything from logistics to customer service, and it’s given me a new appreciation of the challenges my SEO clients deal with every day!

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I enjoy sharing my knowledge

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

Being curious and willing to embrace new opportunities

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

SEO and how search engines work, because I geek out about it

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

I find it’s important to be able to zoom out, look at the bigger picture, then, using my experience, zoom in on the most likely issues to find the right one.

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13. Stacy Larkin

Describe yourself

Hi, I’m Stacy — a people strategist, executive coach, and organizational psychologist at heart. I’ve spent 17+ years working in and leading HR and people functions at startups and large global companies, helping leaders navigate the messiness of growth, culture, uncertainty, and change. Today, I run Synergy Leadership Solutions, where I partner with leaders and companies to tackle the people side of business strategy. I love being a thought partner for founders and leaders, figuring it out in real time, and I’m excited to be part of this community.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

I would love to use my hard-learned lessons and experience from 17+ years leading HR and people strategy to give back and help others navigate and overcome the organizational challenges that come with working in/scaling a business.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

A growth mindset is the belief that you can always learn, change, and improve. Failure and success aren’t black and white – most things in life are learning opportunities.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

If I could mentor founders and leaders on one thing, it would be leadership dynamics — how to manage relationships, power shifts, and tough people decisions as your business scales. The technical stuff is teachable, but the people dynamics are what make or break your leadership.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

My approach starts with active listening — not just hearing the issue, but picking up on the emotions, assumptions, and patterns behind it. I ask open, thoughtful questions to help the mentee unpack what’s really going on and explore what might be driving the challenge beneath the surface. Rather than jumping straight to advice, I aim to help them connect the dots and arrive at the insight themselves. I’ve found that the best solutions stick when people feel ownership in uncovering them.

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14. Tjitte Joosten

Describe yourself

I’m the founder of RevFixr, and I help founders with pricing and packaging.

In just one sentence, why do you want to become a growth mentor?

People are constantly approaching me for pricing and packaging advice, but startup founders are always scared of the fees. I want to show that I can help for free.

In your words, what does a growth mindset mean to you?

A willingness/skill to constantly set hypotheses and (in)validate. Aka iterative learning.

If you could mentor a startup on one topic, what would it be?

Pricing and packaging. That’s all I do with my company.

Describe an out-of-the-box solution to a complex problem that made you proud of yourself.

Questions and, more importantly, follow-up questions

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Interested in becoming a growth mentor?

What we’re looking for:

• Growth marketers, product managers, and designers, with extraordinary track records of success
• Inspirational founders that have “been there and done that.”
• Friendly people that take joy in helping other people.
• At least 5 years of demonstrable experience working in growth.
• GrowthMentor is a #givefirst platform. You should be cool with mentoring for free until you have three reviews.