Driven by the need to be productive, Mark de Jong creates solutions.
What’s your story?
I have a background in computer science and business administration. I can go from strategic conceptual ideas to execution while not losing myself in the itty gritty details. I love creating solutions, specifically by means of digital automation. In my career I evolved from being a consultant to managing big projects for customers to building my own SaaS company and running it as the CEO.
What excites you most about your industry?
It’s the dynamics. IT and professional services are constantly on the move in delivering solutions for customers. You need to continuously adapt to customer demand, market trends and emerging technologies. There is never a dull moment and that makes it a lot of fun and challenging at the same time.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
I have a strong need to create and to be productive. I need to produce. A lot of people are good in just one of these domains, but I need to be in both of them. And I love speed. Going swiftly from idea creation to execution is what I find very satisfactory. This is where I come into the ‘zone’.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The skill to craft a message and communicate it effectively to the right audience. Personally, I love to give presentations. This is a skill that was polished during my career as a management consultant at PwC. I got trained in a specific methodology and it was the best training I ever had. Since then, I love to get on stage and I’ve also helped others in refining their presentation skills. The big take-away here is to always answer for your audience: “What’s in it for me?”.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Be flexible. When my son was on the way, one of my customers said: “Ah, you are going to be a father. That’s good for your flexibility!”. That remark always stuck with me and he was right. It taught me that with a young child, you will not be able to control the situation as you see it. You have to let go. Adapt and then go from there to reshape the situation and change your ambitions. Be flexible in every thing you do, both in private and business life.
Who inspires you?
My sensei at Tai Ki Ken, the late Jan Kallenbach, was a great inspiration in my life. He was truly a great teacher. As an arrogant young guy I could never accept any mentor, but I accepted him instantly as my master. He taught me the way of the budoka and in doing so I learned how to approach life. Being calm and spontaneous in the moment where it truly matters.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
“Game Theory” by Professor Jiang. He applies strategic thinking and game theory frameworks to geopolitics, macroeconomics, social structures, and technology. He ties it to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. That blew me away. The key question is: “Do you believe in the shadows?”. Or in modern Matrix terminology: will you take the red or the blue pill?”.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would not do anything differently because I have no regrets. I always made conscious decisions at the time based on information available to me. I would make the same decisions again. Yes, I made mistakes, but they were crucial to learn about life. I also believe that everyone needs to make mistakes, otherwise you don’t learn anything. So my main advice would be: it’s ok if things go wrong. Just get on your feet and try again. This is the way.
How do you unwind?
I meditate each day and once a week I train Tai Ki Ken. Next to that I play bass guitar in a band. Creating and playing music is very fulfilling. Next to that I love travelling, especially in nature.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
You are not as free as you think. I started working as an independent consultant and later on I founded a product company, because I was seeking ‘freedom’ to do whatever I want. But you are responsible to take care of the interests of your customers, employees and investors. At times you will find this feeling of being responsible will have your ‘freedom’ for breakfast!
Everyone in business should read this book:
Story Brand by Donald Miller. Being in business is all about providing a product or service to your customer. The Story Brand methodology breaks it down into a couple of elements that every story has. Get these elements right and you make a huge leap. Spoiler alert: you are not the hero, your customer is.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
As a CEO at Timewax, I’m building AI resource planning agents for services companies. Next to that I host a podcast for the Visionary Board where we talk about challenges in the boardroom. As a board member I help companies turn a fuzzy value proposition into a sharp one so that customers know why their solution is valuable.
How can people connect with you?
The best way to connect to me is through LinkedIn.
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpdejong/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.