Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I have been very lucky, that I have always had people around me supporting me. Sometimes it has not always gone to plan and sometimes I have not always listened. However, I have done very well and Mentorcruise was my way of giving people access to me that usually would not be able to get the access. I think its important to give back to the eco system but also make sure you have your ear to the ground of whats happening.
How did you get your career start?
Kevin Doyle , my first boss at Chase in NY when I was 21, was also my first mentor and now my business partner for the past 16years at Pario. Along the way, I have met many people that have helped me and influenced me. I won Linkedin Business Leader of The year some time ago and even ended up with Reid Hoffman as my mentor. I started life in software dev and testing. I was lucky enough to work on Web first of type companies, at 25, Commerce One did a $22bn IPO. I was bust by 30 and started again. Have sold a few companies and also done some pretty good startup investments.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Don't just expect to have calls with me. I like to get my hands dirty and in on the detail. So lots of emails and not just chatting. Expect me to be frank but always have solutions. Expect me to give a shit as well. For me its all about seeing founders do well and if I can be even 0.0001% of benefit on that journey then its all good. I think every situation is different and you as a mentor have to have an open mind. But also know you can add value and that both sides are enjoying the journey.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
Wow have helped people in all different areas. A market place for facelifts to existing companies with turnover just dealing with the usual challenges scaleups etc face. One of my favourites which is current has been something so far out of my area and comfort zone, a Pray app in the United States. Have loved seeing it go from idea, to built product and about to go live. Also nice as going to invest as well, as I have some other mentorships I have done.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Its a great feeling to see someone do well. Its a great feeling to know you might have added one thing that helped that. I also just like to win, seeing companies win, founders win. You never know at the start where the journey is heading. I have ended up with mentee being god father to one of my daughters. Been to weddings, birthdays. Been there the time they exit, invested in them, seen them also sometimes not always get the fairytale.
