Why did you decide to become a mentor?
After over 20 years in the tech industry—17 of which I’ve spent building communities internationally in Europe, Silicon Valley, and beyond—I realized there’s more value in knowledge when it’s shared. Mentoring allows me to give back to both individuals and businesses, especially fellow expats and community builders who want to amplify their influence or grow in unfamiliar markets. My career has taught me that guiding others isn't just about sharing insights; it’s about empowering people to strategically approach their next steps, understand their unique value, and navigate cultural nuances. Each mentoring relationship becomes a two-way learning process, continuously refining my approach and broadening my global perspective
How did you get your career start?
My career journey started at the grassroots level—delivering fish at dawn and hustling as an office-boy. I earned my way into an internship at Intel, where I quickly gained the momentum to manage digital projects, leading me to MRM/McCann. But my true leap came when I took a risk and moved abroad, joining a digital agency in Ireland before landing a role at Zynga. My time at Zynga, Dropbox, and VMware was transformative, with each position pushing me to innovate community strategies on a global scale. At Dropbox, I built the super-user program from the ground up, enabling scalable community support for millions of users. Leading community initiatives for brands like Wix and my current role at a top-tier startup have been the ultimate growth experiences, refining my expertise in B2B community strategy within a PLG motion. I’m continuously excited by what’s next and how these experiences shape my current and future mentoring.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
My mentees come to me for actionable, tailored advice that delivers quick, tangible outcomes. For individuals, this might mean guiding them through career transitions, international moves, or up-leveling to more senior roles. I provide a structure that focuses on immediate steps, offering high-impact insights that accelerate results in weeks or months. I believe in a mentorship approach that builds momentum rather than dependency; we work together intensively, then part ways, allowing them time for independent growth before reconnecting as needed. Companies, on the other hand, often seek me out for community strategy consulting. Many have tried and struggled with community initiatives, and my role is to realign their approach—whether it’s short-term strategic guidance or full project delivery. I’ve been privileged to support a range of companies, including several Fortune 500s, though confidentiality agreements often prevent disclosure.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of the most fulfilling parts of mentorship is seeing my mentees achieve breakthrough results and take the time to share their successes with me. From career pivots to international job offers, their stories reflect a shared investment in their growth. I’m also thrilled to see startups I’ve advised and invested in succeed. When they leverage insights from our work together to scale and thrive, it’s a testament to the power of strategic community-building. These moments underscore the ripple effect of mentorship, which often impacts far beyond our initial expectations.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Mentoring is incredibly rewarding. Watching individuals and businesses transform, thrive, and even surpass their expectations leaves a lasting sense of purpose. Beyond the personal satisfaction, mentorship keeps me sharp, refining my leadership and enhancing my adaptability in a constantly evolving industry. My goal is to leave a legacy of shared success, knowing that I’ve contributed to creating resilient, thriving communities and supported individuals in unlocking their full potential.