Here are the 29 Growth Mentors of October 2025

1. Aaron Marco Arias

Describe yourself

I’m a founder and strategy consultant with 8 years of experience in the tech industry. I started working at the intersection of content and brand before AI search made it cool. I’ve worked with founders from all around the globe, at all stages of growth, both venture-backed and bootstrapped. In my work and in my life, I focus on human connection, honesty, experimentation and pragmatism. Solve problems fast, take chances, and don’t forget that users are people.

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

I want to meet new founders, help them think through their challenges, and volunteer my experience, so they can learn from both my wins and my mistakes.

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

A growth mindset is about using mistakes as learning experiences; it’s about staying radically optimistic and curious.

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

Positioning. I’ve worked with many founders that had great ideas but didn’t really know who they could bring the most value to or why. I really enjoy going from the seed of an idea to something that feels fresh, urgent and exciting.

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

When working through the root of a problem, I ask a lot of questions. That has always been my method when doing consulting as well. Some of the best solutions I ever designed came from actually listening and letting my curiosity guide me. That makes problem-solving feel like play, and in that relaxed state, you simply come up with better ideas.

View Growthmentor Profile

2. Amir Shahzeidi

Describe yourself

I’ve spent 7+ years scaling Uscreen from a bootstrapped startup to a PE-backed $30M+ ARR company, building the entire demand gen function from scratch and living through every stage of that growth.

Now I help B2B SaaS founders and marketers figure out how to scale marketing while maintaining strong unit economics.

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

After spending 7+ years scaling Uscreen from a bootstrapped startup to a PE-backed $30M+ ARR company, I want to help other B2B SaaS founders navigate the same challenges I’ve solved firsthand.

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

Being willing to fail, but failing better each time. A growth mindset means taking calculated risks, minimizing downside while maximizing what you learn/upsides. You’re going to be wrong often, but the goal is to be wrong faster, cheaper, and with more insight than the last time.

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

Building and scaling a demand generation engine.

Because it’s the difference between random growth and predictable revenue. Most founders and marketers either spread themselves too thin across every channel or go all-in on one before understanding if it actually works for their business.

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

Gathering as much information and data as possible. Analyzing the information, fact-checking, and visualizing the problem. Consulting with stakeholders and talking to folks involved. Developing a hypothesis. Aligning with stakeholders on possible solutions/hypotheses. Testing, validating the hypothesis. Socializing results. Deciding on the next steps from there.

View Growthmentor Profile

3. Ben Zatrok

Describe yourself

I’m a small business IT plate spinner, but my employers preferred to call me a CTO. I’ve spent the last 10 years helping people figure out what they need (software, workflow, new talent, what have you) and how to execute on it. My contributions power the webshops and apps of several Dutch, German, and US companies.

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

Challenge myself and grow through helping others do the same

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

I’m not a believer in endless growth; much rather maximize return and minimize effort. I’m more of a ‘make the most of your 2 employees and software’ guy instead of a ‘how to scale to 100 employees in 6 months’.

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

I’d say rapid prototyping software. I spin up new software and sites for fun to put in front of others fast and iterate. I’d try to get the mindset across that testing your idea within a day is better than planning and building for a month and ending up with something that nobody wants.

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

First, understand what the goal is. What do you want to achieve & why? If I understand that, then we can move on to mapping out what we have & break down the problem. What are the components and the desired workflow? Let’s walk through it, see where we diverge from what is desired.

View Growthmentor Profile

4. Chris Bauer

Describe yourself

I’m Chris Bauer, Community Director at MassChallenge, where I design national strategies that connect startups with the mentors, partners, and resources they need to scale. After a career spent building inclusive communities—from student programs to startup accelerators—I know how to turn genuine relationships into rocket fuel for growth. If you want to tighten your community flywheel, amplify partnerships, or level-up engagement, let’s chat.

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

I love supporting founders, and want to grow my impact.

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

To me, a growth mindset is the conviction that every result is simply feedback for the next iteration. It means leaning into curiosity, treating skills as muscles instead of gifts, and asking “What did we learn?” before “Who’s to blame?” That outlook keeps me experimenting, sharing knowledge as it evolves, and celebrating progress over perfection.

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

Because the right community turns every user, mentor, and partner into a force multiplier—accelerating acquisition, retention, and brand advocacy without ballooning spend. I love guiding founders through the playbook: clarifying the “why,” mapping early evangelists, layering programs that reward participation, and tying everything back to measurable business outcomes. Seeing a startup’s flywheel click into motion—and knowing it will keep compounding long after our call—is the most rewarding part of mentoring.

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

I start by listening—collecting perspectives from the people closest to the pain-point to surface observable facts, not assumptions. Then I map those facts into a simple cause-and-effect tree and run a quick “5 Whys” on each branch until I land on factors I can control or influence. Finally, I validate the suspected root with a lightweight experiment (often just a rapid data pull or pilot change) so we solve the real issue, not its symptoms.

View Growthmentor Profile

5. Colin Chapman

Describe yourself

I’m not just another “passionate sales professional”. I’m the kind who’s made every mistake in the book and lived to tell another day. Now, my mission is to help others skip the trial by fire and master sales that actually last. If you’re tired of high-fiving short-term wins and ready to build something that sticks, let’s trade secrets. Bonus points if you can spot a buzzword from a mile away.

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

I am busy setting up my go-to-market consultancy. I have some free time and am brimming with ideas that I have been toying with. I’d love to share these ideas for free.

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

Growth means understanding your market and adapting to it as it changes. Being able to clearly identify your ideal customer and making sure you are targeting only the right prospects. These are two of the most important aspects of growth. If you get them right, you will grow.

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

go-to-market strategy

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

Question everything, look at new perspectives. Legacy thinking might be holding you back. If that fails, break the problem down into its fundamental parts and start by fixing the basics and working up from there.

View Growthmentor Profile

6. David Frisbey

Describe yourself

I help founders, investors, and leadership teams get a clearer picture of their finances so they can grow with confidence. With experience across fintech, SaaS, consumer products, and emerging industries, I focus on financial modeling, cash flow, and strategy—making sure companies have the runway, structure, and insight they need to scale and create value.

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

I enjoy working hands-on with founders and business operators to create plans for growth and sustainability.

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

Having a growth mindset means that you are always thinking about how you, or your business, can be better at what you do. You need to constantly think about how your product, service, customer experience, or employee experience can be better today so that you remain relevant for tomorrow.

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

Most founders overlook the importance of managing their cash flow and the impact it has on building a sustainable business. I want to help founders understand that although revenue is important, without cash, your business can cease to exist.

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

My approach is to ask the business owner, “What is it that they are trying to achieve, and why they feel they have not yet been able to do so”. This allows the business owner to explain in their own words what is going on with their company. This way, I can ask probing questions to first identify the actual problem, and then get into the actual root cause.

View Growthmentor Profile

7. Denis Balitskiy

Describe yourself

I launched my first product at 23 and failed miserably for years. A few mentors helped me along the way. Later, I became a strategist for multiple companies. Helped an AI app hit 15M users, scaled a crypto startup from $0 to $800M in TVL, and built GTM strategies across 7 industries.

Today I want to give back.

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

I launched my first product at 23 but failed miserably for years. A mentor helped me at one point, and today I have grown multiple companies, so I want to give back.

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

Growth is not about flywheels or viral loops. It’s all about failing fast and learning faster.

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

Growth strategies for young startups. I’ve helped an AI app hit 15M users, scaled a crypto startup from $0 to $800M in TVL, and built GTM strategies across 7 industries from zero.

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

Every problem has a symptom (where it hurts) and “the problem behind the problem”. Most people will ask where a certain metric is breaking down. I’ll look for the one thing that needs to be fixed to make the pain irrelevant.

View Growthmentor Profile

8. Erin Anacker

Describe yourself

I’m a seasoned product leader who combines my human-centered design and development background with a love for building mission-driven products. As a 2x founder, I’ve built products that have had a lasting impact on people’s lives, through personal insight and the power of community. At WholeStory, my second startup, I built and sold a marketplace SaaS platform that made the hiring process more effective and more human. I am energized by the 0 to 1 process and want to see impactful products gain traction.

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

Having mentorship while building startups has been absolutely critical to my success and mental/emotional resilience. I want to pay it forward, sharing my experiences and expertise, in hopes that others might learn from my mistakes and accomplishments while feeling supported in this arduous journey!

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

Knowing that I and others are capable of positive change, trusting that every challenge offers an invitation to growth and learning. At its core, a growth mindset is about humility and adaptability.

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

Go to market strategy, seeing unique connections in overlooked or unusual opportunities.

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

As a systems thinker, I am not just asking “why” multiple times, but zooming out to absorb the larger picture from a diffuse perspective. Oftentimes, the root cause is a multitude of factors; I zero in on the most impactful areas and build solutions from there.

View Growthmentor Profile

9. Erola Colón Pigem

Describe yourself

Hi, I’m Erola, a venture capital and strategy professional with over 9 years of international experience at the intersection of early-stage investing, corporate innovation, and business development. I’ve worked hands-on with startups, scaling high-impact partnerships, and supporting portfolio companies across energy transition, deep tech, and digital innovation. I thrive at solving complex problems, connecting people, and turning ambitious ideas into actionable growth strategies, all while staying curious and learning from every project and founder I work with.

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

I want to become a GrowthMentor to share my experience in startups, venture capital, and strategy to help others navigate complex challenges while learning from their unique perspectives.

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

A growth mindset is staying curious, embracing experimentation, and turning every challenge or failure into an opportunity to learn, improve, and scale impact.

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

I would mentor startups on early-stage investment decisions and corporate venture strategy, because I’ve spent nearly a decade at the intersection of venture capital, corporate innovation, and startup growth, helping founders navigate fundraising, strategic partnerships, and scaling opportunities—insights that can accelerate both their growth and long-term impact.

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 gathering data and observing patterns, then breaking the problem down into smaller components to analyze systematically. I combine quantitative analysis with qualitative insights, test hypotheses through experimentation or stakeholder feedback, and iteratively ask “why” at each layer until the underlying cause is clear. I focus on evidence-driven decisions while staying open to unexpected factors that may reveal hidden levers for impact.

View Growthmentor Profile

10. Fabien Pinel

Describe yourself

I’ve co-founded 6x SaaS startups (MarTech, SalesTech, HRTech), gone through Y Combinator(S21), and raised $6M in funding.

I love building useful software that solves real problems. I enjoy helping others find clarity, traction, and momentum in the early stages.

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

I’m passionate about helping early-stage founders go from 0 to 1, being the kind of mentor I wish I had when I started.

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

To me, a growth mindset means always looking to learn and improve, whether personally or in business. Someone with this mindset is curious and is constantly in test-and-learn mode.

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

How to validate your startup idea and find your first customers.

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

To get to the root cause of a problem, I focus on insights from the people closest to it. It helps move from assumptions to real-world understanding. I also find the “5 Whys” method always useful for digging deeper.

View Growthmentor Profile

11. Guillem Moreso

Describe yourself

I’ve helped scale B2B SaaS from 0 to $1M ARR, leading marketing and sales teams in scaleups, and now work as a fractional growth leader at a YC-backed AI agents company. I’m passionate about supporting founders and SaaS leaders on everything from product-market fit to go-to-market strategy, and exploring how AI can unlock new levels of growth.

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

I want to become a growth mentor to share my experience scaling SaaS businesses and help others avoid common mistakes while accelerating their growth.

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

To me, a growth mindset means staying curious, trying new things, learning quickly from what doesn’t work, and always looking for smarter ways to grow.

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

I’d mentor on choosing the right go-to-market and acquisition channel.

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

break problems down with data, talk directly to customers or the team closest to the issue, and keep asking ‘why’ until we uncover the real root cause instead of just fixing symptoms.

View Growthmentor Profile

12. Jonas Bertelsen

Describe yourself

Early growth is the most uncertain stage, with too little budget for consistent paid channels, too few customers to know what’s working. What organic channels even work anymore? Most of the time, you’re running on hunches, chasing faint signals in the noise. I’ve been there, and I love helping others navigate that fog.

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

Early growth is the toughest stage. I want to help others find traction when it feels impossible

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

To me, a growth mindset means never assuming you have the answers. It’s about testing, learning, and staying curious, even when things don’t work out the way you hoped. Growth happens when you treat every result, good or bad, as feedback to build on, not as a final verdict.

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

Early traction, figuring out how to get momentum when resources are thin and certainty doesn’t exist. That stage is brutal, but I know how to cut through the noise and turn small sparks into growth.

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

I try to ignore the obvious symptoms and look for what’s really driving them. That usually means asking uncomfortable questions, checking the data from a different angle, and running quick tests to see if the pattern holds. It’s rarely neat, but it gets me closer to the real lever to pull.

View Growthmentor Profile

13. Laura Antebi

Describe yourself

I´m Laura, a strategic mentor with +25 years of Marketing &Communication experience, trying to design mentoring experiences that inspire, challenge, and guide leaders in motion. I support people who want to grow with purpose and impact. (I´m based in Buenos Aires, Argentina).

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

I am Laura Antebi, a strategic mentor with more than 25 years of experience in marketing communications and regional leadership. I work mostly with women who want to transform their careers, connecting strategy, purpose & visibility. My value lies in my ability to blend strategic thinking with cultural sensibility & human insight. I currently collaborate as a Mentor in Vital Voices Latin America and also the Cherie Blair Foundation.

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

Inspired by Carol Dweck’s research, I see a growth mindset as believing that skills can be developed, viewing setbacks as part of learning, and helping others unlock their potential step by step.

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

Career Growth, Personal development

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

My approach starts with listening carefully and searching for the right questions to fully understand the context. I look for patterns, gather different perspectives, and analyze the data behind the issue. Once I have the full picture, I break the problem down (establish steps) to identify whether the root cause is strategic, operational, or human-related. This structured yet empathetic approach helps me address the source, not just the symptoms, and build solutions(or goals) that last.

View Growthmentor Profile

14. Lulu Minovska

Describe yourself

I’m a Senior Product Manager with 13 years of experience in the tech industry. I started my career in marketing and transitioned to product management 10 years ago, gaining experience in both large companies and small startups. I love collaborating with colleagues and vendors across the industry to help companies automate and scale their businesses, and I’m passionate about turning real customer feedback into meaningful results.

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

Becoming a growth mentor would not only allow me to give back to the tech community by sharing my experience from both the corporate and the startup world, but it would also challenge me to grow by learning from and supporting people across different companies and industries.

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

To me, having a growth mindset means always asking “Why?” and never giving up. It’s about staying curious, challenging assumptions, and continuously learning.

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 turning customer feedback into meaningful business results. I’d focus on running efficient discovery calls, asking questions that uncover the root of a customer’s problems, and turning customer feedback into requirements that drive real impact.

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 open-ended questions and listening carefully to understand the full context. I break down complex issues into smaller parts, validate assumptions, and keep digging until I uncover the underlying cause.

View Growthmentor Profile

15. Mike Pryke

Describe yourself

I’m an experienced entrepreneur and growth leader, with one exit under my belt (and the scars to prove it!) I love working with early-stage companies and the teams that are building them, helping founders and employees to build, learn, and grow.

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

I am currently building my practice as a coach and mentor to startups and am motivated to help people grow.

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

I believe that everyone has endless potential and that the best way to realise this is to prioritise learning over (almost) everything else.

For me, a growth mindset is about putting aside ego, asking endless questions, and trying to learn before trying to be right.

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

Achieving product-market-fit, growth strategy, and self-development.

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

I once led a guerrilla marketing campaign for an early-stage proptech company. We used temporary spray paint to ‘tag’ buildings across South London. The council was…not pleased (though customers loved it).

So we had to go and remove it all (it was water soluble – no big deal). We went back the next week with high-powered jet wash machines and used those to “clean” the same tags on the same buildings – no complaints for the community service of cleaning walls and pavements this time!

The company got covered in the National and International press, and this campaign drove our quarterly growth in 10 days.

View Growthmentor Profile

16. Pallavi Borkar

Describe yourself

I’m a product marketer with 6 years in B2B2C tech, and before that, I did content strategy for 4 years. My expertise lies in scaling the product marketing function as a founding PMM, building key relationships quickly to influence roadmaps and go-to-market strategies, and in people management and leadership. I’m strategic, solutions-driven, and kind (but not always nice). And, I can’t wait to get started!

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

Mentorship is both rewarding and confidence-building, and I’d like to do it as a way to help others while building my network.

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

To me, having a growth mindset means accepting that we don’t always have all the answers, staying curious, being willing to learn, and focusing on solutions rather than problems.

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

Product marketing. Product marketers must juggle strategic thinking, execution, project and stakeholder management, and being misunderstood. While some may find this daunting, I’ve found it to be thrilling. When done well, product marketing can be the catalyst for growth.

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

It’s not mine – it’s the 5 Whys technique from Toyota. It stands the test of time.

View Growthmentor Profile

17. Pat Baals

Describe yourself

I bootstrapped Chuga from my dad’s kitchen to a 7-figure supplement brand with 50,000+ customers. I’ve been in the trenches with product development, marketing, logistics, hiring, and firing, and I love helping other founders cut through the noise, avoid expensive mistakes, and build brands that actually grow.

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

I founded a 7-figure supplement company. I want to help others.

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

To me, a growth mindset means never getting too comfortable. Seeing challenges as opportunities, not roadblocks. It’s the belief that skills, businesses, and even people can evolve through effort, learning, and resilience. I treat every mistake as data, every win as a blueprint, and every setback as fuel to get sharper and better.

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

How to practically deal with the initial problems of a young company. Proving concept, brand identity, initial traction, scaling, hiring, company culture, strategy, etc.

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

The bottom line is the bottom line. Everything’s affecting it. What needs to change to get money in the door? Is it the sales-strategy, mindset, brand identity, product /market fit…. We’ll go over the strengths of all of these areas and find the weakest link/links.

View Growthmentor Profile

18. Rich Cannon

Describe yourself

Hi, I’m Rich Cannon, located in Alpharetta, GA, and have been an entrepreneur with funding, a Microsoft B2B GTM leader, and a hired CEO for a SaaS growth company in the learning space. Today, I’m on the board of Tech Alpharetta (techalpharetta.com) and consult with venture capital, ATL, and Microsoft market leaders, and a wide range of leaders in technology companies about business model, product market fit, sales messaging, partnering, and distribution channels in B2B on a Global basis.

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

I enjoy helping entrepreneurs succeed and have a unique GTM background that has helped many find a business model, product market fit, sales message, or distribution.

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

To me, a growth mindset is also a “connection mindset,” meaning learning more deeply how to connect to one’s to know your strengths and weaknesses and how to build a team that learns and grows together to take on the next generation of big challenges.

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

Beginning with the end in mind – defining the offer and audience that will provide the most bidirectional value for the product and understanding the best route to market to get to that group, making that the north star for the product strategy tied to the targeted distribution channel.

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

I start with people as the foundation and then work the strategy to fit the team or the customer so that, as Peter Drucker says, the product is so good it “fits” both the team and the customer and becomes the natural choice for the market.

View Growthmentor Profile

19. Rodolphe Helderwerdt

Describe yourself

I’ve spent nearly a decade diving deep into app marketing, focusing on helping companies invest every euro wisely and grow organically. Over the past five years at Tandem, I focused on organic growth and search optimization, and I love sharing what I’ve learned with others. Beyond marketing, I’m someone who loves meeting new people, exploring cultures, and enjoying good moments together, whether over a meal or a great conversation 🙂

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

I aim to support and share my knowledge with marketers who are eager to expand their online presence and scale their marketing efforts.

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

It’s about always wanting to do more: constantly questioning, never settling on what’s already been achieved, and pushing to innovate.

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

If I could mentor someone on one topic, it would be organic discoverability. Big companies with large budgets can afford to do everything at once, but smaller companies often face strict budget limits.
I want to help those companies scale with little to no budget, using creativity & innovation.

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

I start by asking questions to really understand the context. Then I break the problem into smaller pieces to see where things might be going wrong. I then use data to confirm assumptions and also listen to the team’s perspectives, since issues are rarely one-dimensional. Once I know the root cause, I focus on creating clear, practical solutions instead of just treating the symptoms.

View Growthmentor Profile

20. Rodrig Naska

Describe yourself

I am the owner of a product studio that has co-founded a few startups and has been hired to build a lot of products (mostly B2B SaaS). I have a great deal of experience when it comes to rolling out MVPs as quickly as possible without compromising on the user experience and perceived value.

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

I have 5 years of experience helping 40+ startups build and launch their initial products. I’d like to share such knowledge and get to know more people building tech startups.

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

Be grateful for your journey so far, but still seek to get better every day.

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

How to launch your tech startup as a non-technical founder.

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

If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. Rather than being confined by the tools/potential solutions you have at hand, try to understand the full process that’s causing said problem first. That might mean talking to more people about their perspectives or trying out a fresh approach.

View Growthmentor Profile

21. Saachi Pole

Describe yourself

Hi, I’m Saachi. I’ve helped startups grow from 0 by quickly testing and uncovering scalable acquisition channels. I’ve also tested and refined new monetization models and optimized conversions, driving 20–40% higher revenue growth. What excites me most is experimenting and testing out-of-the-box ideas to discover the right channel fit for products.

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

I love experiments, new challenges, and would love to help brilliant visions come to life.

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

A growth mindset is one where we test and learn quickly…relying on action and results over too much thinking.

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

How to find and test the best-fit channels for growth. All users come from channels. Often, it is 1-2 channels that drive the majority of growth. I’d love to help you cut through the noise and focus on what would really move the needle.

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

I like to use data and experimentation to find the root causes of the problem. If sales are declining or suddenly there is a drop in users, it’s important to use the right metrics to diagnose, and if that’s not enough, run smart experiments to find and reverse the cause.

View Growthmentor Profile

22. Sam Meurs

Describe yourself

Hello, I’m Sam – CTO @ Responsum, a SaaS for privacy and compliance teams. I have been at the crossing of Product, Tech, and Strategy for 15 years and co-founded Kosy (acquired by Kumospace). I can help you build the right things at the right pace and with the right quality.

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

I want to use my skills to create a positive impact, to learn, and to grow my network.

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

The willingness to examine your own limits over and over again.

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

How to ship faster and better (yes, both) by simplifying processes and features.

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

I love the 5 whys technique, and will often use some derivative of that.

View Growthmentor Profile

23. Siddharth Gupta

Describe yourself

Hi folks, I’m Sid. I am currently based in San Francisco. I am leading teams in Generative AI and Machine Learning platforms at AWS, including the recent launch of AWS SageMaker Unified Studio. I did by Master’s from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and have industry experience since 2014 at Yahoo, Glassdoor, Twitch, and AWS. I am the creator of the Serverless GraphQL Plugins (7.5M+ downloads, 30K+ weekly).

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

To share my experience building Data and AI products at scale while helping founders and teams turn their early ideas into impactful innovations.

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

To me, a growth mindset means believing that skills and knowledge are not fixed, but can always be expanded through curiosity, effort, and feedback. It’s about approaching challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats, and being open to iterating when things don’t work out the first time. In my own journey — from publishing research at Illinois to launching large-scale AI products at AWS — I’ve seen how staying curious, experimenting, and learning from both successes and failures drives real innovation. A growth mindset is what lets us keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

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 on how to take an early idea in AI and turn it into a real product. From my own journey—researching healthcare AI at Illinois to launching Generative AI and Edge ML services at AWS—I’ve learned that the hardest part isn’t building the model, but bridging the gap between innovation and real-world adoption. Helping someone navigate that path means empowering them to bring their ideas to life and create real impact.

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

When I’m trying to pinpoint the root cause of a problem, I start by stepping back to clearly define the symptoms and separate them from assumptions. From there, I gather data, ask ‘what’ and ‘how’ multiple times to peel back layers, and involve different perspectives to avoid blind spots. I look for patterns across evidence and test hypotheses quickly rather than getting stuck in theory. This structured but flexible approach—clarify, investigate, test, refine—helps me move past surface-level fixes and identify the underlying driver, whether it’s in technology, process, or team dynamics.

View Growthmentor Profile

24. Sofia Papoutsi, PhD

Describe yourself

I help NGOs and social enterprises get funding-ready and keep reporting simple, so teams can focus on impact instead of admin chaos. With a PhD in Law and a background in EU grants and nonprofit capacity building, I love turning complexity into clear, sustainable systems.

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

I want to become a GrowthMentor to help mission-driven founders and nonprofit leaders cut the overwhelm around funding and team capacity, so they can focus on impact.

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

To me, a growth mindset means treating every challenge as a design prompt — instead of asking ‘why me?,’ asking ‘what can I learn and build from this?’ It’s about staying curious, testing small, and turning setbacks into systems that make the next step easier.

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

If I could mentor on just one topic, it would be helping nonprofits and mission-driven startups get grant-ready because securing funding isn’t just about writing proposals; it’s about building simple systems that reduce overwhelm, improve reporting, and free teams to focus on their real impact.

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

My approach is to slow down and listen first. I start by mapping the visible symptoms, then asking, ‘What’s underneath?’ I look at the system around the problem (processes, people, incentives) and test simple hypotheses until we uncover the real friction point. From there, we can design a fix that doesn’t just patch the surface but makes the work easier long term.

View Growthmentor Profile

25. Sonya Jamula

Describe yourself

I’ve built partnerships orgs from scrappy early-stage through Fortune 200, and I know firsthand how tricky it can be to get right. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned—and keep learning from this community—so founders can scale smarter and faster.

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

I want to become a Growth Mentor to help founders get partnerships right—at a time when rising acquisition costs make them more valuable than ever—by sharing scrappy plays for rapid growth as well as the reinvestment and iteration needed to keep the economics sustainable.

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

For me, a growth mindset means staying curious, open to feedback, and willing to test and iterate—even when it’s uncomfortable. In partnerships especially, it’s about seeing challenges as opportunities to learn, adapting quickly, and building on small wins until they compound into real impact.

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

If I could mentor on just one topic, it would be partnerships—because when done right, they’re one of the most cost-effective and scalable growth channels. Too often, companies treat partnerships as a side project, but with the right strategy, talent, and execution, they can become a core revenue engine.

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 is to strip away the noise and look at the data, the incentives, and the workflows. I ask a lot of questions, listen for what’s not being said, and focus on uncovering the simplest fixes that unlock the biggest impact without creating more burden for teams.

View Growthmentor Profile

26. Susan Jang

Describe yourself

I work in healthcare as a Senior Innovation Consultant of Venture Design—which is just a fancy way of saying I help validate ideas, products, startups, and business opportunities against three critical questions: Customer Impact – What real problems does this solve for patients? Feasibility – Can you build the solution affordably and at scale? ROI – Will it actually deliver value? From maternal mental health programs for high-risk pregnancies to AI-powered tools for claim reviewers, I use my UX/UI background to tackle complex challenges in the healthcare space. And there is definitely no shortage of them!

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

I’ve had the luck of having a handful of amazing mentors throughout my career, and I will be forever grateful for their time, compassion, and advice – I want to become a growth mentor to do the same for others.

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

In one word: resilience. In more words, it’s about moving forward despite mistakes and missteps, and believing a challenge is a new opportunity for growth. Failures fuel progress!

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

I hope to help coach founders in the healthcare space on how to tackle the spaghetti mess of a world that is innovative with providers, payers, and patients. Need help understanding how to pitch to healthcare insurance companies? How do you position your product so it is feasible for hospitals to integrate it into their systems? What’s the best way to go to market so patients can find and use your solution? I’m here to help!

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

I’ve seen that, more often than not, founders and innovators don’t have a tech problem – but they do have a business or product strategy problem. Sometimes, it’s overestimating how much a customer might be willing to pay for their product (in which case we need to do price testing), or it might be their product isn’t solving the highest priority problem (direct customer interviews and co-design sessions help this), or it’s been a few years and they’ve burned through investment money (time to regroup and take a hard look at their business model). Regardless, my approach is to use a lean startup framework to validate and correct assumptions that might be causing issues in their business.

View Growthmentor Profile

27. Tim Doughty

Describe yourself

I’m an entrepreneur at heart who founded my first business in my first year at university, and since then, I’ve built a career spanning startups, consulting, and private equity. I thrive at the intersection of product, strategy, and execution, and I’m passionate about giving back to the startup community by helping founders turn vision into traction.

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

I want to be a mentor to give back to the startup community, because I’ve seen first-hand that ‘if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together,’ and mentoring is how I can help founders go further.

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

For me, a growth mindset is about seeing every challenge as a chance to learn and improve—something I’ve lived from starting my first business at university to working across startups, consulting, and private equity. Whether it was scaling a product, supporting friends launching ventures, or navigating setbacks, I’ve found that progress comes from curiosity, iteration, and resilience rather than expecting perfection from the start.

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 product strategy—how to turn an idea into something scalable and impactful. From founding my first business at university to transforming financial products and advising startups, I’ve seen that success comes from balancing vision with execution, and I’d love to help founders navigate that journey with confidence.

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 is to step back, ask the right questions, and combine data with real-world context. Whether it was scaling a financial institution’s loan disbursement 10x or supporting friends with their early-stage startups, I’ve learned that problems often look like technical issues but are usually rooted in process, people, or clarity of vision. By breaking challenges down, testing assumptions, and iterating quickly, I get to the heart of the issue and unlock practical solutions. Thinking outside the box is essential, too, to ensure you think of solutions that may not seem rational but could be transformational.

View Growthmentor Profile

28. Tugba Yalinkaya

Describe yourself

I’ve been helping lifestyle and e-commerce brands grow for over a decade, from finding their positioning to running campaigns and scaling internationally. I also built my own e-commerce brand from scratch, so I know the ups and downs firsthand. I love digging into data and numbers to cut the guesswork and make things clearer.

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

Because I scaled lifestyle and e-commerce brands myself, I want to pass on what I learned so others can grow faster and with more confidence. Since I already know people mentoring here, I’d love to contribute too.

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

To me, a growth mindset means being open to learning, testing, and improving all the time. It’s about seeing setbacks as lessons, staying curious, and knowing there’s always a smarter way to do things.

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

If I could mentor on just one topic, it would be building a growth engine that combines brand, campaigns, and data. Because once founders get this right, they stop guessing and start scaling with confidence.

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

My approach is to strip things down. I look at the data. I talk to the people involved. I map where the signals and gaps are. So I bring the invisible but obvious to light. I make it tangible, easy to digest, and ready to act on. It’s a mix of strategy and hands-on work.

View Growthmentor Profile

29. Vanessa Zambaldi

Describe yourself

I have 15 years of experience as a Statistician and Strategic Planner, specializing in revenue operations for leading technology companies. I am passionate about using data-driven insights to fuel business growth and innovation, and I specialize in developing go-to-market strategies that enable organizations to scale efficiently.

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

I want to be a mentor because I genuinely enjoy helping others succeed and am passionate about sharing my experience to make a real impact on emerging entrepreneurs.

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

To me, a growth mindset means staying curious, embracing challenges, and always being open to learning. It’s about believing that skills and abilities can be developed through effort, feedback, exploration, and seeing every experience as an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.

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 use data to make informed decisions and generate actionable insights. I believe mastering this skill is fundamental to effective strategic planning and business success.

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

When I’m trying to pinpoint the root cause of a problem, I like to start by really defining what’s going on and collecting all the relevant data. From there, I break things down step by step, asking “why” multiple times and mapping out the process until the patterns or bottlenecks become clear. This way, I’m not just addressing surface issues, but actually getting to the heart of what needs to change for a real fix.

View Growthmentor Profile

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.