Mentorship sits at the heart of every healthy innovation ecosystem. Throughout my career, as a clinician, systems facilitator, and nonprofit leader, I’ve been lucky to learn from those “up the road a little.” I’m committed to paying it forward so early-career professionals, women in STEM, intrapreneurs, and social innovators have an easier path to impact.
Early- and mid-career professionals navigating health, technology, or cross-sector roles
Young leaders scaling projects, nonprofits, or tech-enabled ventures
Women aiming to move up or across in male-dominated spaces
Academics, clinicians, or students seeking systems-oriented, real-world advice
Anyone hitting a plateau or big uncertainty in their changemaking work
Finding your path in health innovation, moving between sectors, and building a portfolio career.
Working effectively with government, private sector, NGOs, and communities in complex environments.
Translating big ideas into actionable plans, managing implementation, and learning from failure.
Building influence without authority, leading through ambiguity, and growing as a systems thinker.
I take on a limited number of mentees at a time to ensure I can give meaningful attention. Here's what to expect:
Initial Conversation: We'll start with a 30-minute call to understand your goals, challenges, and whether I'm the right fit.
Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins (monthly or as needed), specific problem-solving, and strategic thinking together.
No Hype, Just Honest Advice: I'll share what's worked, what hasn't, and help you build your own judgment rather than just giving answers.
Practical, honest advice: I listen first. If I don’t know, I’ll say so, but I’ll open my network if I can.
Project review: Feedback on proposals, frameworks, or roadmaps you've developed.
Decision support: Thinking through career pivots, partnerships, or tough project tradeoffs.
Group mentoring: Occasional masterclasses or roundtable conversations on systems change, building networks, or resilience in frontline work.
What I don’t do: Job placements, detailed business development, or long-term technical tutoring. My goal is guidance, encouragement, and helping you find clarity and confidence.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes you just need a sounding board, a nudge, or to see your story from a different angle. If you’re putting in the work and want honest, empathetic feedback, let’s connect.
Write to me on hello@ruchisaxena.com with a short note on your goal, background, and what you hope to get from a conversation.
I typically offer one pro bono 30-minute call per quarter; priority for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds or urgent public good contexts.
If there’s a fit, we’ll schedule a session or add you to the waitlist for group events.
All conversations are confidential.