Here are the 13 Growth Mentors of May 2025

1. Adarsh Ramakrishnan

Describe yourself

I’m a founder and product executive who is passionate about products, design, and entrepreneurship. I have worked with mentees in engineering, design, and product, helping them grow their skills and careers. In addition to my professional career, I also work as a higher ed instructor where I teach product management.

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

My mentors help me grow, and I believe in giving back by taking on mentees.

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

I think of it like “humble invincibility” — the understanding that you “know” nothing, and the belief that you can learn anything.

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

Product management and entrepreneurship as life skills.

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

I like to ask “why” and explore “what if” alongside an objective assessment of “what is” (i.e., the current state).

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2. Alexandra Denisova

Describe yourself

I’m a former 3x head of Product at product-led B2B SaaS companies & 2x Growth PM, and a PLG expert and ambassador. I support similar Product Leaders to build aligned and effective product-led organizations.

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

I want to help product people become better at growth and business-driven product management to become indispensable leaders at their company and build future-proof careers

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

To me growth mindset is a commitment to understand how things truly work and why, enabling me to achieve disproportionate outcomes through a few strategic actions and truly work smarter, not harder.

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

I’d mentor product leaders in product-led B2B SaaS companies on building a performing, aligned, and successful product organization that truly moves the business forward. Because I’ve been there myself 3 times and understand the challenges of juggling innovation, growth, and organizational excellence.

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

I believe a deep and precise understanding of a problem naturally reveals both its root causes and solutions; my approach involves asking various forms of ‘why’—including ‘what if,’ ‘how does it feel,’ and ‘is it the same as’—helping people find the nuanced language to truly pinpoint what’s actually happening.

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3. Asaad Dookhy

Describe yourself

16 years of experience leading SEO programs for global brands including Amazon, Unilever, Nissan, Decathlon, & Ferrero. Proven track record of increasing organic traffic & reducing costs.
European & Global Search Awards Judge, SEMRush blogger & Speaker.

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

I want to actively teach, guide, and support others by sharing 16 years of SEO experience – across major brands such as Amazon, Unilever, and Nissan – with startups and individuals, helping them grow confidently and avoid common pitfalls.

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

A growth mindset is fundamental for SEO, and to me, this means continuously learning, testing, and adapting – staying curious, embracing algorithm changes, and turning failures into insights as the key to long-term success.

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

Integrating SEO into a company means bridging the gap between knowing what to do and knowing how to do it, because while many understand the value of SEO, the real challenge lies in execution, especially since it’s still not widely understood across all teams.

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

In SEO, 2 + 2 rarely equals 4—pinpointing an exact cause is uncommon, but correlating actions to outcomes is the best way to build confidence in understanding why something has happened.

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4. Barb Bidan

Describe yourself

I’ve spent 25 years in growth companies across varied industries, including consumer, media & entertainment, design, and HR/Productivity tech. I have strong global experience, having helped companies enter new markets in 23 countries and counting. My specialty is talent, culture, and scaling infrastructure successfully.

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

I do this already for companies around the US & Canada, but I have not yet had the chance to give back to founders where I live in Dallas!

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

Know your North Star, take directionally correct steps towards it, and learn and iterate relentlessly along the way. Move fast, fail fast, learn fast.

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

Building for scale in a way that is sustainable

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

Being curious and listening, and then starting with first principles.

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5. Bogdan Snisar

Describe yourself

I’m a hands-on technical leader who’s built and scaled systems at Revolut, Wix, and multiple startups, with expertise across financial infrastructure, machine learning operations, and engineering leadership. Having navigated both corporate environments and early-stage ventures as a CTO, I bring practical experience in transforming technical challenges into business opportunities, focusing on measurable results and sustainable growth rather than just chasing the latest tech trends.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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

Having 14 years of experience in tech (including big tech), I want to share my experience and exposure.

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

Growth mindset for me means embracing challenges as opportunities to expand my capabilities rather than signals of my limitations

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

AI Agents and their businesses value

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

By systematically asking questions to working backwards to a cause rather than assuming or guessing. In both human relations and technical problems

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6. Elena Magana

Describe yourself

I have over 14 years of experience in partner marketing, working with affiliates, influencers, and tech partners across various industries and markets. I’ve founded three companies and launched several blogs. Additionally, I’ve been working at Shopify for the past three years!

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

I want to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. As an entrepreneur myself, I understand the importance of networking and how a simple conversation can shift your perspective and impact your success. Being able to contribute in this way is truly fulfilling! 🙂

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

To me, growth mindset is the ability to see and have a solution for every problem, to look beyond and find ways to do things differently with the final goal of growing and progressing!

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

Strategic partnerships – I have extensive experience in partner marketing, working with affiliates, influencers, and other types of partners. It’s one of the most cost-effective channels for acquiring new customers, and in my opinion, every company should have a strong partner marketing strategy in place!

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

I would start by gathering all the information and context available. Then, I’d analyze the data, connect the dots, and look for any inconsistencies. I also believe in involving relevant stakeholders who can provide valuable perspectives, ensuring that all angles are considered in pinpointing the root cause.

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7. Eric Bogard

Describe yourself

Hi there!

I’m a marketing leader w. 20 years of experience and am looking to give back by helping others navigate & manage their career on their own terms. Whether you’re looking to break into the field or a leadership opportunity, progress your career, pick my brain on a new thought/concept, or receive general coaching and direction you’re in the right place.

Me? Recognized 2-star home cook, travel enthusiast, animal lover.

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

Giving back is so important, and I’ve been fortunate enough over the past 5+ years to help others unlock their full potential, navigate their careers on their own terms, share what I’ve learned through experience, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

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

Embodying the spirit of continued personal growth and evolution, seeing opportunity where others see doubt, and embracing challenges as fuel for personal and professional growth.

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

How to become and build a culture of leadership at every level—where ownership, clarity, and accountability drive both growth, impact, and resilience.

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

I approach problems as opportunities, going in with an open mind and without preconceived notions, focusing on listening deeply to understand all perspectives. By being empathetic and supportive, I create the trust needed to surface underlying issues and work collaboratively toward the root cause.

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8. Ewa Lewandowska

Describe yourself

My core expertise is at product strategy and monetization, specifically, building and scaling recurring revenue streams at tech startups from 0 to the first million and beyond. I currently serve as a Director of the MBA program at GCAS, I also consult and advise AI and social impact startups the last startup I was involved in full-time was successfully acquired.

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

I specialize in monetization and growth product, and I enjoy sharing insights and what I learned with ambitious founders.

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

I believe that asking the right questions can sometimes be more valuable and illuminating than pushing for definitive answers. Growth mindset involves keeping an open mind and thriving in change and uncertainty.

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

Product monetization – selecting when, how and who to charge and how to scale the chosen approach is the factor that can make or break a startup.

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

My approach is tightly linked to the persons’ goals and core numbers associated with them (i.e. revenue targets they set). I will want to validate or disprove core assumptions already in place and reverse engineer a path towards a solution together.

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9. Melanie Calabrese

Describe yourself

Hi, I’m Mel, Founder at Metakore, a structure aiming at empowering founders, growth managers, and incubators with everything SEO in a SaaS environment. I am also the SEO lead at LearnWorlds. I aim to help you distance yourself from classic, impersonalized SEO strategies and understand what your business needs.

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

The feeling of having an impact on other people’s professional and personal perspectives by sharing my knowledge, and being useful to others.

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

Growing perspectives and visions, and going beyond and above blockers. Our only limitation is our vision.

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

SEO and more specifically SEO in times of big changes. Because this is what I am good at.

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

Usually, when people approach SEO, they go for the “replicate what competitors are doing” strategy, but most of the time, your own objectives are the way to shape the ideal strategy. Root causes come from searching for a solution outside.

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10. Nao Otsubo

Describe yourself

I’m a Chief of Staff at a growing AI and IoT startup, where I help teams stay focused, aligned, and scale with clarity. I’ve lived and worked in Japan, the UK, and now the US, and across all those places, I’ve found that the most meaningful work is about people, communication, and progress. I love building systems that empower others, and mentoring is one of the most energizing parts of that.

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

I love helping people find clarity in the chaos, and nothing gives me more energy than seeing someone unlock their next step with a little guidance.

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

Staying curious, open, and willing to be wrong. It’s about choosing progress over perfection and seeing every challenge as a chance to learn. Whether I’m mentoring someone or figuring things out myself, I try to approach each moment with humility and the belief that we can always get better with effort and reflection.

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

It would be how to bring clarity and momentum to messy, early-stage operations. I’ve seen how overwhelming things can get when everything feels urgent and undefined, and I love helping people cut through the noise, build simple systems, and start moving forward with confidence.

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

I start by asking thoughtful questions and listening closely, but I’ve found that some of the most important insights come out after a silence. It’s often in that quiet moment, when someone feels safe enough to share what’s really on their mind, that the root of the problem starts to surface.

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11. Samantha Tanner

Describe yourself

A growth mindset is all about combining curiosity, experimentation, and a solutions-led attitude to constantly evolve the way and shorten acquisition cycles and time to value. To be able to continuously show up, adapt, and evolve the way this is done is the real growth mindset.

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

I want to help founders and marketers solve their biggest challenges and give the support I didn’t have available.

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

A growth mindset is all about combining curiosity, experimentation, and a solutions-led attitude to constantly evolve the way and shorten acquisition cycles and time to value. To be able to continuously show up, adapt, and evolve the way this is done is the real growth mindset.

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

Early-stage marketing strategy and execution is my specialty, and also where I believe that founders will need the most advice. There are lots of contradictory snippets of advice out there, but to hear from someone who’s been there and even had to pull together GTM from scratch could be hugely beneficial.

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

A two pronged approach of asking where they think the problems are and then asking questions about processes, how things are done, what’s landed and what hasn’t, then marry up the two to find out where the real issues lie and feedback where that could be and discuss why and how these can be resolved.

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12. Scott McMullan

Describe yourself

I’m a recovering growth agency owner now working in-house at a B2B SaaS tool. I’ve worked across the full funnel but have a knack for the more technical end of marketing. I love nothing more than brainstorming new channels, GTM, automations, and growth strategy. (Unless, of course, it’s surfing)

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

I love connecting and helping others in their growth journey. Now I’m in the house, not running an agency, I miss seeing the insides of other businesses.

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

1. To constantly be searching and interviewing to get useful inputs from customers.
2. Rigorous prioritisation is dependent on the business’s bottleneck.
3. Tight measurement of new activity so you know when to double down or abandon ship.

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

The growth process & strategy itself.

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

First of all, understanding the business’s growth model and where the biggest bottleneck is. Then, interviewing customers or any feedback to understand the potential “Why” behind the bottleneck. Then, finally, testing new approaches with the old to see if we’ve understood exactly what was going wrong.

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13. Toni Martínez

Describe yourself

I’m a Director of Engineering with extensive experience in building and scaling tech teams in startups and big companies. I thrive at the intersection of technology and leadership, helping teams navigate growth, optimize engineering processes, and make strategic technical decisions. I enjoy mentoring and sharing insights to help others level up in their careers while continuously learning from new perspectives.

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

I want to leverage the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career to help others grow while also challenging my own perspectives by engaging with diverse people and scenarios. Mentorship is a two-way process where both mentor and mentee benefit, and I’m excited to contribute while continuously learning from new challenges.

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

Growth mindset is about believing that skills, beliefs, and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. It’s about embracing challenges, seeing failures as opportunities to grow, and continuously seeking feedback that can prove you were wrong and not right, as one might initially think. I like to consider feedback a gift and an opportunity that should not be wasted.

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

Scaling teams up or down during different company lifecycles. I excel at building trust and empathy within teams while aligning engineering efforts with business needs. I’ve been in high-growth startup & big tech environments and understand the challenges of scaling efficiently, whether it’s hiring the right people, optimizing processes, or making tough downsizing decisions while keeping morale intact.

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

I take a systems-thinking approach, recognizing that problems exist within a broader ecosystem. Instead of treating surface-level symptoms, I analyze how different components interact to uncover underlying causes. This perspective helps me identify whether the problem is an isolated issue or a symptom of a larger, systemic challenge that needs to be addressed holistically.

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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.