With a career spanning global giants like Adidas, H&M, and Philip Morris, Nicolas Baerfuss has built a reputation as a strategic thinker who blends financial acumen with human connection. Known for leading transformative initiatives across sustainability, supply chain, and business performance, he brings a rare balance of analytical precision and empathetic leadership.
Today, as Founder and CEO of Mentaa, Nicolas channels his experience into a new mission, redefining coaching and mentoring for a world that craves genuine human connection. Nicolas Baerfuss journey from boardrooms to entrepreneurship reflects a deep belief: that meaningful results begin with meaningful relationships.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “How did your professional journey begin, and what key moments shaped where you are currently?”
Nicolas Baerfuss shared, “My professional journey began in finance and corporate management, where I learned the power of structure, accountability, and human capital in driving sustainable growth. Over the years, I held leadership positions across global companies such as Philip Morris, H&M, and Adidas, experiences that shaped my understanding of how people and purpose create long-term value.
The real turning point came when I realised that true business transformation does not come from systems or strategies alone, but from empowered individuals. That realisation inspired me to transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, creating Mentaa, a platform designed to make personal and professional coaching accessible, human, and inspiring.”
More about Mentaa
Interested to learn more, we asked Nicolas Baerfuss to share more about his current role and the organization you lead or represent.
Nicolas Baerfuss shared, “I am the Founder of Mentaa, an online coaching and mentoring platform designed to connect people with coaches and mentors who inspire meaningful growth, both personally and professionally. My role blends strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in shaping the user experience, building partnerships, and ensuring our brand stays true to its mission: making coaching more human, playful, and affordable.
At Mentaa, I lead a diverse team of professionals who share a belief that development should feel empowering, not intimidating. We aim to democratise access to wisdom, empathy, and practical tools for anyone seeking growth, from young professionals to seasoned leaders.”
Core Offerings at Mentaa
We further asked, “What core services or products does your business provide, and what makes them unique?”
“Mentaa offers a digital marketplace where individuals can discover and connect with certified coaches and mentors across various fields, from personal well-being to career development and leadership growth. What makes Mentaa unique is our human-to-human approach.
We focus on emotional connection and authenticity rather than algorithms and formalities. The experience is designed to be playful, approachable, and trust-based, helping users find the right person to guide them without feeling overwhelmed by cost or complexity.
Our platform’s vision is to make coaching part of everyday life, not a luxury reserved for executives,” Nicolas Baerfuss added.
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenges are an inevitable part of every professional journey, playing a crucial role in its evolution. So, we asked Nicolas Baerfuss, “What major challenges have you faced as a leader, and how have you overcome them?”
Nicolas Baerfuss replied, “One of the biggest challenges has been balancing innovation with simplicity, building a digital platform that feels intuitive and human while integrating the right level of technology. Another challenge has been navigating uncertainty, whether it is in shifting markets, evolving user behaviour, or building credibility for a new brand in a competitive space.
I have learned that transparency, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose are key. Surrounding myself with passionate people who share Mentaa’s mission has made all the difference.”
AI as a Revolutionary Force
The digital revolution has been transforming the way businesses operate across industries. To learn more, we asked Nicolas Baerfuss, “How do you see technology — especially AI — influencing your sector?”
Nicolas Baerfuss reflected, “AI is reshaping how people learn, connect, and grow. In the coaching and mentoring industry, AI can enhance accessibility, from matching individuals with the right coaches based on personality and goals, to providing actionable insights that support human conversations. At Mentaa, we view AI not as a replacement for human wisdom but as a partner that amplifies it. The future of personal growth lies in a synergy between human empathy and intelligent technology, ensuring that data supports self-awareness rather than defining it.”
Envisioning the Future
To learn the perspective of Nicolas Baerfuss on the future of the industry, we asked him to share the same.
Nicolas Baerfuss explained, “We are witnessing a shift from formal, corporate coaching to personalised, purpose-driven development. People no longer seek just performance improvement, they are looking for balance, clarity, and fulfilment. The next few years will bring mass democratisation of coaching, powered by digital platforms that blend accessibility with authenticity. Those who combine human connection with smart, ethical technology will define the future of this industry, and that is exactly where Mentaa is heading.”
Words of Wisdom for Beginners
Lastly, we asked, “What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or professionals aiming to create impact?”
“Start with clarity of purpose, know why you are doing what you are doing, not just what you are offering. Be prepared to iterate, learn, and fail forward. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and complement your strengths. Most importantly, stay human. Technology, markets, and trends will evolve, but empathy, authenticity, and integrity never go out of style. Impact is not about building something big, it is about building something that truly matters,” Nicolas Baerfuss mentioned.
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