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Forward Share Network
Forward STAR Expert Operators
Get Matched →The Forward STAR Network
214+ pre-vetted executive operators — fractional CXOs, GTM leaders, board-ready operators, and functional specialists who have built, scaled, and exited companies like yours. Every STAR has been through our 5-point curation process: operator track record, functional depth, stage-fit, availability, and coachability.
What Is a STAR Expert Operator?
A STAR (Strategic Talent and Resource) operator is a senior operator who has earned the right to advise, consult, and coinvest in companies at your stage. They are not consultants who theorize — they are operators who have done the job, at the level you need, in the conditions you face.
- Fractional Executives — CRO, CPO, CFO, CHRO, CMO, CTO who embed 1–4 days/week
- Board Advisors — former operators who hold structured advisory roles with equity or retainer
- Scoped Consultants — project-based engagements for specific deliverables
- Angel Coinvestors — operators who invest alongside their advisory role, aligning incentives
Spotlight: Active STAR Expert Operators
These operators are fully vetted, onboarded, and available for matching through the Forward Share Network.
★★★★★ Saral Doshi — Product & GTM
Helps tech-led organizations transform from chaotic product experiments to repeatable growth engines — scaling 0→1 and 1→10 journeys through pragmatic product strategy and GTM execution.
Stage fit: Seed–Series B | Functions: Product, GTM, Growth
★★★★ Faz Besharatian — Product Design & UX Strategy
20+ years helping organizations invest in design as a strategic capability — reducing complexity, accelerating growth, and building lasting user trust across FinTech, Healthcare, and the public sector.
Stage fit: Series A–C | Functions: Product Design, UX Strategy
★★★★★ Roven Drabo — Engineering & Platform Transformation
Leads enterprise-scale technology transformations — from monolith to microservices and from ad-hoc ops to disciplined SRE/IT governance. Deep expertise in cybersecurity and platform modernization.
Stage fit: Series A–C | Functions: Engineering, IT, Security
★★★ Angela Yee — Product Leadership
Helps founders scale B2B SaaS from early traction to enterprise — combining deep product operating experience across Series A, pre-IPO, and growth-stage companies.
Stage fit: Seed–Series B | Functions: Product, Product Strategy
★★★ Martín Sagastume — Engineering Leadership
Builds and scales high-performing tech teams, establishes strong engineering culture, and drives product delivery from early-stage to disciplined execution across B2B SaaS and deep tech.
Stage fit: Seed–Series B | Functions: Product Engineering, Team Building
★ Ben Klein — GTM & Sales Strategy
40+ ventures across technology go-to-market — helping startups move from concept to traction through systematic sales, RevOps, and product-led growth strategies.
Stage fit: Pre-Seed–Series A | Functions: Sales, GTM, RevOps
★ Morgan Williams — People & Talent
Scales founder-led, high-growth companies by building people strategies, systems, and leaders that turn messy, rapid growth into sustainable performance.
Stage fit: Seed–Series B | Functions: People Ops, HR, Talent
The Full STAR Network — 214+ Expert Operators
Our network spans Product, GTM, Finance, People, Engineering, and Operations at every stage from Seed to pre-IPO. New STAR operators are activated on a rolling basis after completing our full vetting, onboarding, and activation process.
Get Matched to a STAR Operator
Tell us your stage, your gap, and your timeline. We match you with 2–3 STAR operators within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What does STAR stand for, and why does it matter?
STAR stands for Subject-matter, Track-record, Available, and Real. It’s the credentialing framework Forward Share Network uses to verify that every operator has genuine operating history in the domain they advise on – not just adjacent experience or coaching credentials.
How does the STAR credentialing process work?
Every operator goes through a structured vetting process: a function-specific intake interview, evidence review of their STAR proof points (concrete outcomes in prior roles), and a reference check with at least one founder or executive they’ve worked with. Operators who pass are listed with verified STAR case summaries.
What’s the difference between a STAR-verified operator and a regular advisor?
A regular advisor may have held the title. A STAR-verified operator has documented outcomes. The STAR framework requires evidence of specific results – revenue milestones, retention numbers, engineering scale metrics. If an operator can’t produce STAR evidence, they don’t get listed.
How many STAR operators are in the network today?
Forward Share Network has 200+ expert operators who have completed the intake process, with 214 accepted after the initial curation pass. The network spans GTM, product, engineering, finance, people ops, and chief-of-staff functions.
Can I browse STAR operators by function before applying?
Yes. The network is organized by function – GTM, product, engineering, finance, people ops, and cross-functional. To get matched, founders submit a brief through the contact form and receive 2–3 operator recommendations within 48 hours.
Ready to match? No prep needed. 20 minutes.
Get Matched →How It Works
Tell us your gap
20-minute read with Vish. We map the function, stage, and urgency — no deck required.
We match in 48 hours
You receive 1–3 STAR-verified operators matched to your exact situation — reviewed and accountable.
Deploy in days
No contract lock-in. Start with a sprint or ongoing engagement. Cancel any time.
How We Compare
The honest breakdown — what separates a Forward Share expert operator from your other options.
| Criteria | FSV Expert Operator | Staffing Agency | Full-Time Hire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to deploy | 48 hours | 3–6 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Commitment | Cancel anytime | Contract-locked | 12+ months |
| Track record | STAR-verified outcomes | Resume-screened | References only |
| Cost model | Engagement-based, no fee | 20–30% placement fee | Base + equity + benefits |
| Quality | Top 5% — curated from 400+ | Available candidates | Best hire at this stage |
| Risk | Low — no long-term lock-in | Medium — fee non-refundable | High — mis-hire is 1.5–2× salary |
Find Your Expert in 48 Hours.
No prep needed. 20 minutes. You'll leave with a clear read on your gap — and the right operator to close it.
STAR-Verified · No Placement Fee · Cancel Anytime