Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I'd reached a comfortable point in my career, realising that my experience could genuinely benefit others. I’d often found myself naturally guiding startup founders, even when it wasn’t my defined role, and this sense of helping others through major transitions—from being a full-time employee to a freelancer, or starting their own business—gives me a real buzz. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching people gain independence and break away from relying on others for a job. Mentoring felt like the next step, letting me formalise that support and share what I’ve learned with those on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

How did you get your career start?

I got my career start in tech sales for data analytics companies and did well, but when I was offered a senior role as Head of Sales at a new startup, I realised it wasn’t the path I wanted—I just didn’t want it enough. That moment of clarity led me to take a year off, travel, and ultimately launch my own growth consultancy. Over the next few years, I taught myself growth marketing and got some big breaks, including moves to Dubai and those projects with NASDAQ-listed companies and Y Combinator-backed startups. My uncle, a successful entrepreneur who built and exited his own businesses in the UK, was a huge inspiration. His mentorship helped me break through the mental and motivational barriers of starting something new, and his guidance was key in my journey toward independence.

What do mentees usually come to you for?

Mentees usually come to me when they’re starting a new business or transitioning into a different career path and need guidance on making that shift effectively. For some, it's about regular check-ins to stay on track, while others need more hands-on support. Whichever style they prefer, I make sure they’re always taking the best possible steps forward—I’m not one to sit back and watch as they make avoidable mistakes. That said, I wouldn’t describe myself as a ‘coach’; I’m more focused on practical feedback than motivational speeches. The mutual respect I share with my mentees keeps our energy aligned, so that we’re always moving forward together.

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

One of my favourite success stories is a mentee who went from a job he didn’t enjoy to one he loved, earning double his previous salary. With the extra time his new role provided, he was able to start his own company, which now generates as much income as his main job. He’s effectively earning four times his old salary, well over $100K per year, and is thriving. I sometimes wonder if our sessions are still useful for him given how far he’s come, but he still finds value in them, and they’ve become a highlight of my week as well.

What are you getting out of being a mentor?

I've always enjoyed seeing businesses succeed and have a knack for spotting why they might fail—probably because I grew up around business people and was naturally drawn to it. Customer and problem discovery is one of my biggest strengths, and as my uncle used to say, we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Mentoring feels like a real-life game to me; I used to enjoy computer games, but now I’m more invested in guiding real people—turning my mentees' initial hopes into genuine satisfaction. Maybe it’s just mirror neurons at work, but when they reach that point, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction too.