Founders Future

The Power of ‘Working Mentorship’—And Why It Beats Traditional Coaching

Closers.io

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Ammar Elm, Johanna Ottolinger, founder and CEO of WIT Advisory & Consulting, shares her mission to redefine tech consulting by fostering gender equality and mentorship. Drawing from her 20 years in the male-dominated tech industry, Johanna discusses how her experiences with imposter syndrome and leadership roles inspired her to create a unique advisory model—pairing senior women advisors with emerging talent to deliver real-world solutions while keeping services accessible for small businesses.

Johanna delves into the challenges of scaling her platform, the importance of overcoming self-doubt (or the "monkey mind"), and her vision for a more inclusive tech ecosystem. She offers candid insights on resilience, the power of authentic networks, and why traditional consulting needs reinvention—providing actionable advice for founders navigating uncertainty and aligning their businesses with their values. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of work, mentorship, and equitable innovation.