Founder & Chief @ Beliyf
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Creator of the CORE Difference™ framework
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Advisor to 100+ growth-stage founder CEOs
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Relentlessly curious about the unique spirit behind every company
Who I Am
In 2010, I started hating my own business.
It was successful. It attracted blue-chip clients and generated consistent 7 figures. But as the years went by, I realised: this company no longer reflected me. It didn’t embody my values, my why, the reason I’d founded it altogether.
I walked away — and discovered a career-changing truth that has shaped my lifelong exploration.
What I Do
I look at business through the lens of identity
Beyond what you sell, who are you?
For 15 years, I’ve been a trusted counsellor to ambitious founders of growth-stage ventures, typically £1M-£10M in revenue, and 8-80 people in size.
Over 100’s of engagements, I’ve witnessed that every great business has a beating heart — and distinctive spirit.
I explore that spirit — through my writing, speaking, and advisory work — and study how organisations can preserve this uniqueness, even as they grow.
I unpack who companies are, beyond what they do: why they exist, what they believe, how they behave — who belongs with them, and who doesn’t.
How I shine a light
See the wood for the trees
I help founders ask big questions — then lean into the answers.
As their thought-provocateur and critical friend, I spark vigorous debate — and reveal transformative answers.
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How do we separate ourselves from the competition?
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What is the bigger purpose for our company, beyond making money?
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How do we preserve our vibe as we add more people?
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What needs to change in our proposition, so we attract a better-fit client?
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How do we explain what we’re about in a clearer, more compelling way?
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How do we ensure that our values are more than just ‘words on a wall’?
Kind words
What people say about me…
As an advisor
I’ve worked with Mark for a number of years and still look forward to our next conversation. Very few people can see through the fog like Mark can. His clear insights and tangible advise truly benefit my business. He approaches challenges in business without judgement or bias and responds with concise analysis before setting out an effective strategy. On top of that Mark always brings humour and character to conversations. Simply put, we’re a better business because of Mark.
As a partner
I have worked with Mark for many years now, particularly with one of the Partners I manage through my work with IBM. From the outset Mark made his goal to really get to know me, to create a sound and valued relationship, which it was and is to this day. He has a fantastic ability of drawing out new ideas, and to have a positive impact in all projects he undertakes. Mark’s unrelenting enthusiasm and drive is contagious and the advice he has given me over the years, professionally and personally is truly valued. I not only consider Mark to be a professional confident, mentor but now a friend. If you are a business reading this, don’t hesitate in working with Mark, he will do wonders for your organisation in so, so many ways.
As a speaker
I really enjoyed Mark’s impactful and insightful presentation about culture and values last week. Loads of new learnings for me, supported with real-life examples (and some classic quotes!) which strongly reinforced the importance of getting culture and values right - and the painful consequences to a business of getting them wrong. Highly recommended.
As a manager
I thoroughly enjoyed my time working for Mark. I admired the way he would always put the customer’s needs first beyond anything else. As a manager I found Mark to be very amicable and understanding. His leadership skills are second to none which gave the team a sense of value and pride. I have learnt much from Mark from a business and networking perspective and I like to think that I have not only made a valuable connection but a good friend too. I hope that I get the opportunity to work with Mark again.
Advisory
specialisms:
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Organisational culture
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Go-to-market strategy
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Value proposition design
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Positioning & differentiation
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Company purpose
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Strategic narrative
90%
of what you do is the same as everybody else.
10%
is uniquely yours and is entirely unstealable.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to join me on this journey.
I feel seen, Mark. Can we talk?
