I’m passionate about helping you grow & make an impact.
ADRENALINE JUNKIE
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CAREER COACH
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CRYPTO BREATHER
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GEARHEAD
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STILL PLAYS WITH CARS
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SLOT CAR LOVER
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HUSBAND
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FATHER
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FOODIE
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KARATE NERD
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ADRENALINE JUNKIE • CAREER COACH • CRYPTO BREATHER • GEARHEAD • STILL PLAYS WITH CARS • SLOT CAR LOVER • HUSBAND • FATHER • FOODIE • KARATE NERD •
Meet Mark
I’ve been living in the Silicon Valley (San Francisco Bay Area) since 2011, before then, the beautiful island paradise of Barbados. (yep, I know, why would I leave?)
My professional background is made up of literally blood, sweat and tears, from my very first job of packing bags at the grocery, to present day where I have coached, sourced, recruited and built out world class Engineering, Product and Design Teams.
In my early days I worked in Sales, Marketing, and Finance, gaining substantial experience across many verticals; knowing full well hard work and common sense pays off. Over the last decade, I’ve had the opportunity to work for startups, small to mid, and enterprise sized companies, where I collaborated with various cross-functional teams (Leadership, Engineering, Product, Design, Legal and more)... improving and building out effective workflows for the overall mission of organizational growth.
The last 7 years of my career has been focused on Technical Recruiting and Career Coaching, where I have supported the verticals of Engineering, Product and Design. I have seen thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, sourced, recruited, and closed way too many offers. Now it’s time to share my knowledge and help leverage you in the next step of your career.
Here’s What I’m Bringing to the Table
EMPATHY
Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. As a career coach, empathy means being able to put oneself in the client's shoes, understand their perspectives, and provide guidance that takes into account their unique experiences, goals, and challenges.
FOCUS
Focus refers to the ability to concentrate on a task or goal and avoid distractions. For a career coach, focus means being able to help you identify your priorities and develop a clear plan to achieve your goals. It also means being able to maintain one's focus during coaching sessions and provide undivided attention to the client.
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency refers to the quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in communication. For a career coach, transparency means being able to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, including providing feedback that is honest and constructive. It also means being transparent about the coaching process, including the goals, expectations, and limitations of the coaching relationship.
A little more about me…
I’ve Been
In Your Shoes
Empathy and passion are at the core of what I do, I’ve seen quite a lot, so when we jump into a coaching call I will keep it real, i’ll point you in the right direction and share solid examples.
When I’m recruiting, I will source, consult and sell them on the opportunity to join your company, I will forever give your “candidate pipeline” that amazing lasting first impression, as this recruiting industry is still centered around that real “human touch.”
Growing up outside of the USA (island of Barbados - #rihanna #shamelessplug), and having been in the amazing technology silo of the Silicon Valley (for the last 10+ yrs) has taught me a lot, a lot of what I can share, teach and inspire people on, as we continue to build out and navigate this thing called “LIFE”.
Some fun things…
When I’m Not
Working
When I'm not busy during the week coaching, or sourcing your next new hire, you can find me on the many trails in the San Francisco Bay Area - (Hiking, Cycling and just having fun outdoors in general) or simply enjoying a weekend with my wife, two boys and two dogs.
Lastly, I am a crypto breather, sim racing lover, karate nerd and believe it or not - I still enjoy playing with cars (big ones of course), well not all big, as an old hobby, I build and race competitive Slot Cars.
In case you’re wondering…
Why is it called
Black Belt Talent?
Back in 1990, I started the Japanese martial art of Shotokan Karate-Do. Over the years I endured many sessions of hard mental and physical training, competing locally and internationally on the highest of stages, and successfully gaining the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt in 2018
I have also been accredited with international certification as a Coach, Instructor, Examiner and Referee. One day a dream of mine is to have my own Karate Dojo, but I think that can wait until I have a long grey beard (haha).
Lastly, its the blend of my humble approach, the perfection of character, my technical experience and knowledge of working within various industries and companies that I want to share, and hence BlackBelt Talent was launched.