#46 The Creatives - MARK VAN DEN BERGH

My name is Mark Xolile van den Bergh. I have extensive experience across a variety of businesses in South Africa, and abroad. Part of my experience lies in digital marketing and compliance and this has led me to have vast experience in small to large enterprise business operations. I have contributed to the success of many organisations by entrenching myself into problem solving and collaboration on projects, with clients and non profit organisations.

My interest in creating digital platforms and presences began in High School (King’s School Bryanston) and I have always been highly driven to achieve outstanding results. My studies led me to explore a creative outlet through Art and Design while abroad on a GAP Year to London and Edinburgh. Leith School of Art saw my initial interest

From initial brainstorming and design sessions, I try to holistically understand what the client needs – oftentimes this is something they are unable to voice themselves as they do not know what is digitally possible. I work closely with teams that I am in to ensure that their expectations are met, and that future long-term business relationships are not only possible, but ensured – believing in the longevity of integral business relationships. The process of developing these initial designs into a working and successful model has enabled me to maintain good relationships and continue to grow or augment online offerings.

Alongside my personal drive to always produce quality digital experiences, I am equally motivated by working within a team. I am a natural leader and pride myself on the professional and encouraging relationships I foster with my team members. I enjoy upskilling and training members of the team, and have an unwavering patience (I do live up to my Xhosa name). I believe that the success of a team lies in the ability for the leader to create a well-communicated, clear and concise project brief that the team are then able to follow, develop and implement with the least amount of misunderstandings. When this process is correctly implemented in a team, the flow and success of each member is evident. It also easily highlights members of the team who may need further upskilling.

Currently I head up a UX/UI team and am a Product Manager overseeing a development cycle in an award-winning marketing business. Using an in-house platform we provide solutions that enable engagement and position businesses through a multi-layered approach, focusing on mobile-first technologies. I also run my own digital systems company, Mobile Moment, with a few clients, both enhancing currently deployed systems that automate work-process and leveraging my experience with IOT technologies to bring about simple automations for complex solutions.

On a more personal note, I believe in a mindful and balanced lifestyle, and part of achieving this for myself is to pursue regular running, cycling, gardening and home maintenance. I'm a DIY-kinda-guy who loves the challenge of renovations, restorations and more – never shying away from hard-work! I also give back to my community by being part of a Men's Mentorship program. All in all, I want to be a good ancestor and leave behind a better work environment, world and situation when I need to step aside or leave.

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