Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I have worked as mentor for startup founders in accelerators since the early part of my career, and later helped many product managers to develop into their role. In my work as a product advisor (and freelancer myself), I guide founders in building and marketing their ventures. I shine when I teach, explain, listen and give back a condensed version of what hear, that can help my mentees to move forward. They can then benefit from what took me many years to learn.

How did you get your career start?

I started in generalist business analyst roles. It was a challenge for me to move into tech and into more vertical (and better paid) positions. Then I have found the product management discipline. While working on building my own startup in a company builder, I had the pleasure to be mentored by my manager, exceptional expert in product matters. Thanks to his support, I went from IC to a Director role within 3 years, after joining a Ycombinator company.

What do mentees usually come to you for?

I work with people going through a significant work-life transitions. This requires a holistic approach, where professional elements cannot be separated from deep emotional considerations. Typical cases include:

1. Entering tech from a different industry
2. First job as product manager (already hired, or looking for it)
3. Developing as a freelancer (USP, positioning, GTM)
4. Changing career trajectory

What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

Working with Nicola, a freelance marketing professional. He is an expert in growth and customer acquisition. We worked on his Value Proposition and target market, so he could shift away from smaller companies and focus on bigger clients. And, to use his words, “LIvio helped me to boost my energy level and motivation too.” This allows him to refine his website, find new clients and start a new phase in his career.

What are you getting out of being a mentor?

Being a mentor allows to combine my passion for teaching, understanding and pattern recognition. I can really leverage my sense making muscle. Through my activity as a mentor I could realise that teaching is the highest form of knowledge. When I teach and mentor something, I always learn something new. It’s also a great way to meet new professionals genuinely interested in developing themselves.