Vetted Mentors in the Chicago Metro

hemant jha

Screened

Executive Design & Innovation Leader specializing in product, strategy, and sustainable systems

Chicago, Illinois25y exp

“Product/system designer focused on ultra-clean, modular, customizable work/organization environments (e.g., making stations for studios and fabrication spaces). Emphasizes rules-based interaction models, restrained structural visual language, and hands-on field research/prototyping to embed industrial constraints (tolerances, load paths, safety) into intuitive, training-free user experiences.”

“Fractional HR/People Ops leader specializing in early-stage startups scaling rapidly without existing infrastructure. Has implemented ADP HRIS, standardized onboarding/recruiting/benefits/performance systems, and built multi-state compliance foundations—driving measurable outcomes like ~40% faster onboarding, time-to-hire reductions (56 to 34 days), and +12% retention while enabling founders to run processes independently.”

“Startup operator and co-founder who helped build SmartSquash AI from pre-product, pre-revenue stage to $600K ARR in 2 months, 125+ club pilots, a PSA enterprise analytics partnership, and a $1.4M acquisition. Brings a rare mix of 0-to-1 product/GTM execution and trust-sensitive AI deployment, plus process improvement experience at Microsoft that drove major efficiency and cost savings.”

Patricia Ang

Screened ReferencesModerate rec.

Senior HR Business Partner specializing in manufacturing and employee relations

Chicago, IL5y exp

“HR Business Partner with experience across R&D, manufacturing, and corporate environments (International Paper), known for leading high-stakes change work including restructures/RIFs and workforce planning. Combines systems thinking and people analytics (RCCM, turnover segmentation) with strong leader coaching—driving outcomes like 15 months of zero turnover and improved productivity/safety metrics—plus deep employee relations investigation experience including sensitive harassment cases.”