mHub Mentorship

mHUB’s mentor networks is comprised of a broad base of industry leading experts. Our mentors have backgrounds ranging from technical to business development. They provide support to our members in areas that include but are not limited to manufacturing innovation, IoT, electronics and other cutting-edge technologies, business development, sales and marketing, various areas of the law, and financing.

We value diversity of our mentors, not just in terms of skills and expertise but also diversity of race/ethnicity, gender, experience, and thought. Our mentors hail from Chicago, the Midwest, and across the US. They volunteer their time and expertise to offer guidance and leverage their networks in support of mHUB members. These generous contributions directly impact the success of our members.

Mentor Commitment

Mentors commit to a four-month period with four one-hour sessions per month. Mentors are selected based on the skill set and knowledge demands of mHUB's member community.

Interested in Becoming an mHUB Mentor?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Click here to apply today.

Meet our Mentors

Sort and filter to see mHUB mentors with various areas of expertise:

Gail Ludewig

President, TotalWorks, Inc.

Skills:

Advertising/PR/Communications/Marketing
Business Strategy
Financials: Budgeting, Accounting, and Risk Management
Organizational Development and Human Resources
Sales and Marketing
mPOWER Cohort

Gail Ludewig

President, TotalWorks, Inc.

Skills:

Advertising/PR/Communications/Marketing
Business Strategy
Financials: Budgeting, Accounting, and Risk Management
Organizational Development and Human Resources
Sales and Marketing
mPOWER Cohort

A successful set of professional board and executive experiences delivers a valuable perspective to mentoring. Skilled in thriving during challenging market and financial situations. A passion for leadership development and gender inclusion are an extra dimension. Important to give back to the community knowing it provides me with benefits as well.

What are the financial metrics to keep me on track?

What sales channels are best for my products and how do I best utilize them?

How best to market and manage my product information, including e-commerce?

Hari Kanagala

Group PM - AI/ML, RB Global

Skills:

Business Strategy
Fundraising and Investor Strategy
Product Design Engineering
Software Development
Software-Hardware Integration

Hari Kanagala

Group PM - AI/ML, RB Global

Skills:

Business Strategy
Fundraising and Investor Strategy
Product Design Engineering
Software Development
Software-Hardware Integration

Coming from the world’s most populous country, I’ve been driven by the challenge of meeting global energy demands through innovative clean-tech solutions. This passion has led me to develop multiple HardTech and software-driven products across startups and large organizations. With over half a dozen granted patents in cooling and heating products, my innovations have scaled to serve over a million customers. My research on heat transfer in nanofluids has also been published in leading scientific journals.

Recognizing that software accelerates hardware innovation, I transitioned to building AI and Machine Learning products, applying predictive analytics and computer vision to complex engineering problems.These AI/ML solutions have reduced operational expenses for companies and unlocked millions of dollars in value for customers through optimization, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Through my MBA from Chicago Booth, I honed my expertise in entrepreneurship, strategy, and scaling deep-tech ventures, strengthening my ability to drive innovation at the intersection of AI, hardware, and cleantech. At mHUB, I see a thriving ecosystem where hardware-driven startups tackle complex challenges through technology. With over a decade of experience in product development, product and market strategy, and scaling deep-tech solutions, I’m excited to mentor and support founders in transforming breakthrough ideas into commercially successful products.

How can AI and ML functionalities enhance and scale the impact of your HardTech product?
How can you turn a HardTech idea into a functional prototype using Design Thinking and Lean Startup principles?
What are the best strategies to validate market demand, achieve product-market fit, and unlock revenue potential?

James Kim

Founder and CEO, 551 Consultant LLC

Skills:

Business Strategy
Organizational Development and Human Resources
Product Testing
Sales and Marketing
Leadership and Team Building

James Kim

Founder and CEO, 551 Consultant LLC

Skills:

Business Strategy
Organizational Development and Human Resources
Product Testing
Sales and Marketing
Leadership and Team Building

With over 25 years as a strategic innovation leader in the medical device field, I specialize in connecting engineering ideas with clinical and technological adoption. I've helped launch more than 30 medical devices worldwide, managing a portfolio valued at over $100 million. I take pride in navigating complex regulatory landscapes like FDA approval, employing human-centered design, and crafting commercial strategies to ensure products not only enter the market but also see active use. I had the privilege of leading a diverse team of engineers, scientists, product managers, physicians, and investors as a director overseeing a P&L. One of my most rewarding experiences was co-producing the BBC technology show “Bang Goes The Theory,” akin to MythBusters on Discovery, showcasing how wearable sensors can impact our lives. I also possess practical experience in branding, positioning, and marketing for major events such as CES, Medica, and others. At mHUB, I enjoy mentoring MedTech and hard-tech founders, helping them de-risk early stages, align product roadmaps with clinical workflows, and transition smoothly from prototypes to production. Most importantly, I serve as a background mentor, supporting their efforts to achieve their goals.

How can I validate that my engineering concept fits into a real-world clinical workflow before finalizing the design?
What are the key commercial milestones I need to reach to transform this prototype into a scalable, market-ready medical device?
Who are the potential commercial partners I should explore to develop my go-to-market strategy and ensure successful execution?

Matthew Kaiser

Senior Product Manager, UL

Skills:

Advertising/PR/Communications/Marketing
Product Testing
Sales and Marketing
Sourcing and Supply Chain Management

Matthew Kaiser

Senior Product Manager, UL

Skills:

Advertising/PR/Communications/Marketing
Product Testing
Sales and Marketing
Sourcing and Supply Chain Management

I'm a Product Management professional with a proven track record of translating corporate strategy to drive product portfolio management and innovation for businesses. I conduct and utilize market research to influence business and commercialization strategy development for Supply Chain management platforms, ensuring market success and adoption, as well as promoting UL Solutions’ mission for building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable global consumer marketplace. I help to provide clear and concise success criteria and mentorship to promote internal team growth and retention.

I have experience in all phases of the product lifecycle from concept development to post-market surveillance and learning. I've managed product development teams for multiple verticals including brick-and-mortar retail, e-commerce, education, professional services, media, as well as products that utilizes emerging technologies such as AI and mixed reality. I'm a passionate learner and maker and I'm interested in solving complex business problems for the benefit of customers and the greater good.

How do I know if my service or product fits my customer's market needs and brings value to market more broadly?
How can I ensure my product will delight my customers?
How do I commercialize my business and develop my go to market strategy?

Rachel Kaberon

President, Principal Consultant, Arkay Solutions LTD

Skills:

Organizational Development and Human Resources
Sales and Marketing
Leadership and Team Building

Rachel Kaberon

President, Principal Consultant, Arkay Solutions LTD

Skills:

Organizational Development and Human Resources
Sales and Marketing
Leadership and Team Building

Rachel Brings a broad and deep knowledge of data driven decision-making and leveraging emergent technology working for Fortune 50 Consumer Finance, Media and leading/advising start-ups in EdTech, healthcare, and sustainable energy. She applies her own business and product development experience using behavioral science founding a Fintech to recognize, develop strategic acumen and deliver growth effectively and efficiently. Rachel focuses on business impact aligning core principles to help grow new teams and businesses meaningfully and sustainably.

Who is your target market?
What are your strategic strengths and capabilities how do they drive value in your business?
How aware are you leveraging the unexpected to your competitive advantage?

Shilpi Kumar

Consultant, Khoj Lab

Skills:

Business Strategy
Design for Manufacturability
Product Design Engineering
mPOWER Cohort

Shilpi Kumar

Consultant, Khoj Lab

Skills:

Business Strategy
Design for Manufacturability
Product Design Engineering
mPOWER Cohort

Shilpi Kumar has over 15 years of professional experience as a Design Strategist, User Experience Researcher, Industrial Designer, and Design Educator. Before founding her consulting firm, Shilpi worked with GE Transportation Digital and Herman Miller. She worked closely with the operations and strategy teams to define an integrated business process for new product development and align innovation ideas to company strategy.

Shilpi teaches graduate students at the Institute of Design at Illinois Tech Chicago called ‘Corporate Innovation Effectiveness’. She specializes in taking an inclusive approach with an eye on bringing diverse perspectives from people across the organization. This approach helps innovation and strategy teams understand the whole view of innovation, draw on existing organizational strengths, and enable quick adoption of innovations. By framing the right questions to users, customers, and internal stakeholders, she can get to the root of the problem, figure out what to make next, or how to re-imagine a brand. Most importantly, her expertise is prioritizing organizational initiatives to align with where the market is heading and what customers need.

Shilpi has a Masters of Design Methods from the Institute of Design at Illinois Tech Chicago with a focus on Innovation/Design Research/Strategy, a Masters of Design from the Industrial Design Center at IIT Bombay, India, and a professional BArch from BIT Mesra, Ranchi, India.

Who is the customer?
What is the problem your offering is solving? What value does your offering bring to society and your business?
What's your strategic roadmap for how you position your offering?

Stuart Bernstein

Chief Problem Solver, Solve For (X)

Skills:

Advertising/PR/Communications/Marketing
Business Strategy
Customer Discovery and Development
Financials: Budgeting, Accounting, and Risk Management
Fundraising and Investor Strategy
Organizational Development and Human Resources
Sales and Marketing
Leadership and Team Building

Desireé Arcisz

Founder & Counsel, Desireé Esq. LLC

Skills:

Legal

Desireé Arcisz

Founder & Counsel, Desireé Esq. LLC

Skills:

Legal

I'm Desireé, an attorney who helps small businesses thrive through practical legal solutions. After law school and passing the Indiana and Illinois bar exams in 2016, my diverse career path through document review, recruitment, HR, and the VC/PE space gave me unique insights into business challenges.

As the owner of Desireé Esq LLC, I provide comprehensive legal support tailored for small businesses and entrepreneurs. My services cover incorporation, employment policies, contract creation and negotiation, governance, and risk management - essentially everything entrepreneurs need to build solid legal foundations while focusing on growth.

My approach makes complex legal concepts accessible and actionable, delivering the guidance small businesses need without traditional law firm overhead. I'm excited to share my expertise with mentees interested in small business law or building client-centered professional services.

What legal considerations should I keep in mind when starting a small business?
How can I protect my business from potential legal disputes?
What do I need to know about HR practices and compliance as a small business owner?

Ethelbert Williams

Head of eCommerce, US Customer Development Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health

Skills:

Business Strategy
Financials: Budgeting, Accounting, and Risk Management
Organizational Development and Human Resources
Product Design Engineering
Sales and Marketing

Ethelbert Williams

Head of eCommerce, US Customer Development Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health

Skills:

Business Strategy
Financials: Budgeting, Accounting, and Risk Management
Organizational Development and Human Resources
Product Design Engineering
Sales and Marketing

Ethelbert Williams has more than 20 years of global commercial leadership experience in consumer and B2B sectors. He is currently Director of Ecommerce at The Boston Beer Company. Ethelbert previously drove go-to-market and channel expansion for the personal and facial cleansing category at Kimberly-Clark Corporation. He has held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, L’Oreal and Unilever. Ethelbert is also an active investor and advisor to exceptional entrepreneurs. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University where he also severs as an Adjunct Professor leading collaborative learning for digital marketing, media and innovation curriculum.

Ethelbert's 3 main areas of focus are:

B2B integrated marketing & sales strategy
eCommerce channel development: direct to consumer & marketplaces
Integrated Marketing, PR, and Communications

As you look to commercialize your business, do you have a differentiated and winning brand strategy?

Which sales channels can best support your go-to-market strategy?

Is your go-to-market strategy set up for success if selling through direct-to-consumer e-commerce or at online marketplaces?

Giordana Mahn

Associate, Fish & Richardson

Skills:

Legal
Product Design Engineering
mPOWER Cohort

Giordana Mahn

Associate, Fish & Richardson

Skills:

Legal
Product Design Engineering
mPOWER Cohort

With a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for working with female founders and inventors, I love helping women secure valuable patent rights for their consumer products, mechanical, biomechanical, electromechanical, sex tech and medical device innovations and technologies. Collaborating closely with my clients to gain a deep understanding of their business is important to me. I pride myself on being accessible to a wide range of clients, with experience in both foreign and domestic patent prosecution, and delivering creative solutions that not only protect my clients’ ideas but also increase marketability. Public service is also a part of who I am. Outside of work, I am a certified mediator and volunteer with organizations like the Center for Conflict Resolution, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, and the Mass Defense Committee of the National Lawyers Guild.

1. What IP mistakes do you see early-stage companies make?
2. How can one discuss their prototype while protecting the concept?
3. What types of IP should I consider?

Heather Baker

Consultant, Alexander Hughes

Skills:

Advertising/PR/Communications/Marketing
Business Strategy
Sales and Marketing
Leadership and Team Building

Heather Baker

Consultant, Alexander Hughes

Skills:

Advertising/PR/Communications/Marketing
Business Strategy
Sales and Marketing
Leadership and Team Building

With over 20 years of experience in Human Capital and Executive Leadership, I bring a strategic lens to aligning people and business goals to fuel growth and performance. My expertise spans talent acquisition & management, organizational design, change management (i.e. M&A product change), executive coaching, board engagement etc. I have guided companies through every stage of growth—from early startups to public market transitions—drawing on lessons learned through both successes and challenges. I’ve worked in multiple industries including Manufacturing (including Additive Manufacturing), SaaS, and Energy/Clean Tech.

How can I think about large scale growth?
How do I align business goals to fuel growth and performance?
How do I build an effective team?

Manas Mehandru

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Skills:

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Skills:

Manas Mehandru, chief operating officer, is a strategic business leader who works to ensure the organization is running efficiently and operating towards financial success. His history of working with innovative products and solutions has been the constant thread of his career for over 15 years.

As a World Business Chicago fellow, Manas played a critical role in defining the strategy and business plan en route to developing what is now mHUB. Prior to joining mHUB, Manas worked for UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories), helping manufacturers bring safe products to market while ensuring the quality and performance of their products. He forged solutions to meet the needs and challenges of physical product manufacturers across a wide range of industry sectors. He also mentored and managed cross-functional teams. Manas led several strategic initiatives and developed a reputation for increasing productivity even when budgets shrank, and earned a UL Six Sigma Black Belt in recognition of his proficiency with a data-driven approach to process improvement. Manas is currently a member of Leadership Greater Chicago’s Fellowship class of 2020 where he enjoys deepening his engagement on socioeconomic challenges facing the city of Chicago.

Manas has a Master’s in Business Administration with concentrations in strategic management, economics and organizational behavior from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.

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Paul Luna

Associate Director of Marketing, AbbVie

Skills:

Business Strategy
Product Design Engineering
Sales and Marketing

Paul Luna

Associate Director of Marketing, AbbVie

Skills:

Business Strategy
Product Design Engineering
Sales and Marketing

Associate Director of Marketing, AbbVie

• Brand and Product Marketing
• New Product Commercialization
• P&L Ownership/General Management
• Strategy Development
• Leadership and Team Building

Paul Luna is an Associate Marketing at AbbVie , a large bio-pharma company, where he brings his marketing, strategy, and innovation expertise to multiple brand teams with products across a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas.
Paul has significant experience in the full innovation process, from idea generation through launch, in-market promotion, and business incubation. Prior to AbbVie and the biomedical industry Paul worked in marketing and innovation in the consumer products industry and previously as a licensed Professional Engineer in the energy and environmental consulting industries.
Paul was awarded a patent for a high-pressure sterilization sensor and obtained research lab experience during his engineering graduate program where he conducted applied research in respirable particle technology for a NIOSH sponsored program.
Since 2018 Paul has conducted numerous mentoring engagements across a variety of product categories at mHub and Matter, a Chicago based healthcare incubator.
Paul holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Applied Biotechnology from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University.

What should I consider in developing a marketing strategy for my product?

What is the difference between marketing, sales and business development and how do I integrate them?

How do I evaluate marketing and promotional materials and provide feedback to creative agencies?