$360 / month
4 calls per month (30min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 24 hours or less
Hands-on support
I’m Marzhana – Forbes 30 Under 30, UX Awards nominee, CPO/CDO, and co-founder of Ratio, an AI-native science platform rebuilding how science gets reviewed, discovered, and discussed.
Before Ratio, I was the founding lead designer at Pluto, helping build the product from 0 to $272M+ in processed transactions and into one of the top 50 fintech products globally. I’ve designed across fintech, AI, science, social platforms, dashboards, and complex systems – especially in 0→1 environments where design has to create clarity, speed, and business value. I also led design for 5+ Y Combinator-backed startups, spearheading design work for NASA, BMW, and McDonald’s. I mentored at Outtalent, a Y Combinator-backed startup, helping intermediate and senior designers reach the next level of their careers and land their dream jobs. I also had co-ops at Ubisoft, the City of Toronto, and more.
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I mentor designers who want to stop being seen as “UI people” and start being trusted as product thinkers.
The market is crowded. Clean screens are not enough anymore. Everyone can say they do wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and design systems. What actually makes designers stand out is product judgment: the ability to structure ambiguity, explain tradeoffs, understand business logic, work with engineers and founders, and make complex systems feel simple. That’s where I help.
I can help you with behavioral interview prep, portfolio and case study storytelling, product design thinking, UX for AI products, complex systems, information architecture, design ops, startup/founding designer skills, and positioning yourself as a strategic product designer.
Most designers lose opportunities not because they are bad designers, but because they don’t know how to communicate their thinking. Their portfolios show screens, not decisions. Their interview answers sound generic. Their process feels copy-pasted. Their work looks nice, but hiring managers still don’t understand why they should trust them.
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My mentorship is direct, practical, and high-signal. No vague advice. No sugarcoating. We’ll find what’s making your work, portfolio, or interview answers feel average – and make it sharper.
Book a session if you want sharper product judgment, stronger storytelling, and the kind of design brain people actually trust.
Mentees who work with a mentor for 3+ months reach their goals 2x faster than those going it alone. Long-term mentorship means fewer false starts, more focused sessions, and support that builds week after week.
97% satisfaction across all mentors
Personalized feedback and growth plans
Trusted by thousands of mentees
Marzhan Kabduakhitova
Chief Design Officer at Ratio Global
Enter your email and we'll let you know when Marzhan has open spots. You'll also get a link to manage your wishlist – no account needed.
Book a free intro call with Marzhan
Connect with Marzhan in a quick call (usually under 30 minutes)
One-off sessions with Marzhan
One-off sessions are a great option if you're looking for specific advice on a certain topic.
Your resume often decides whether you get the interview or get overlooked. This MentorCruise session is designed to help you strengthen your resume so it …
Sometimes the fastest way to grow is to get thoughtful feedback on the work you are already doing. This MentorCruise session is designed to help …
What's included in the trial?
Every trial is a little different–here's what Marzhan says about their trial:
We'll meet for a quick call (usually under 30 minutes) where we:
- Break the ice and introduce ourselves
- Discuss your goals and how I can support you
- Coordinate logistics like time zones, meeting frequency, and communication methods
