This rock, flying through an endless void, started it's journey as a spark.
- everything started with a spark -
Hello my name is Mark
welcome . . . . .
Here I choose particular words on purpose, then arrange them in ways to SPARK the pink squiggly stuff in your skull in hope that you see a little of my essence
Work blah blah
As an accomplished General Manager with over 20 years of leadership experience, I bring a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, operations management, and financial performance. My career spans diverse sectors, including hospitality, tourism, retail, and trade, where I have consistently demonstrated my ability to drive business growth and operational excellence.
I am passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences, particularly in Hospitality and Tourism., where attention to detail and a commitment to quality are paramount. My approach to hospitality and tourism is rooted in crafting memorable moments that not only showcase the unique beauty and culture of a location but also ensure every guest feels valued, welcomed, and engaged.
My strategic thinking and business planning skills have enabled me to effectively forecast and manage budgets, ensuring financial success and sustainability. I excel in influencing others, motivating teams, and developing staff, all while maintaining a focus on achieving strategic goals and delivering outstanding results.
Throughout my career, I have worked in various regions, including Victoria, NSW, QLD, Tasmania, and South America, gaining a broad understanding of different markets and cultures. This global perspective has enriched my ability to lead diverse teams and foster an inclusive work environment.
I am dedicated to inspiring others and fostering a culture of excellence. I believe that true leadership is about taking on the responsibility to do more, guiding teams towards success, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. My commitment to operational excellence, financial management, and team leadership has consistently driven the success of the businesses I have managed.
Ultimately, my goal is to connect people with extraordinary experiences that enhance their lives, and I am committed to leading by example, building strong relationships, and ensuring the continued growth and success of the organizations I serve. am a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set and extensive experience in sales, marketing, hospitality, tourism, and business management.
I am passionate about building memorable customer experiences. Hospitality and tourism are about creating lasting impressions that resonate with visitors long after they’ve returned home. It's about showcasing the unique beauty and culture of a location while ensuring every visitor feels welcomed, valued, and engaged. This industry is not just about destinations, but about crafting stories and experiences that people will cherish for a lifetime.
Having traveled extensively, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with diverse individuals and witness both exceptional and toxic leadership. This firsthand experience has reinforced my belief in the profound impact that good leadership has on people's lives. My ultimate goal is to inspire individuals to achieve their best and thrive under my guidance.
I recognize the importance of interpersonal connections and the collaborative nature of human interaction. I understand that none of us are entirely self-reliant and that everything happens when we work together with others. By creating enjoyable interactions, I strive to build strong relationships and encourage people to engage with me willingly and frequently.
Career Summary:
General Manager The View Function Centre previously De Grandi's
General Manager - De Grandi’s Winery - Traralgon East / Jun 2023
Sales and Marketing Executive – Narkoojee Wines Gippsland / Jan 2021 Jun 2023
Digital Marketing Consultant – CloudTask /Remote Role / March 2020 – Nov 2020 (through COVID)
General Manager - Higher Ground / La Paz Bolivia / April 2017 – March 2020
Hotel Manager (live in) - Rendezvous / La Paz Bolivia / 2014 – August 2017
Tours & Operations Manager – Gravity Downhill / La Paz / October 2011 - October 2016
Franchise Business Manager Vic/Tas Inspirations / Melbourne / May 2006 - Jan 2011
Marketing Manager Artisan Recruitment/ Melbourne / March 2005 - April 2006
General Manager Paint-Right Australia / Melbourne / Oct 1997 – Dec 2000
General Manager Porters Paints Australia / Melbourne / Oct 1997 – Dec 2000
Business Development Manager / CSR Syd & Bris/ April 1993 – October 1997
Me blah blah
While everything in the above blurb is true, here's how I would describe myself
- I believe how we live on this planet is in many ways absurd but in more ways impossibly beautiful. I believe life is an incredible gift, I am constantly amazed at how life bursts forward and works as well as it does.
- I believe that despite the widespread doomerism, we're on the precipice of a regenerative renaissance, and technical revolution in the way we live and work
- I am a big believer in the power of 1:1 conversations, colaboration, group jams, and authentic storytelling to change the world. All of these things have changed my life again and again. I believe we must learn how to connect in a human level with people who are different than us and tell stories that remind us that our differences are our superpowers and badly needed to regenerate the world.
- I question everything. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate how things are. It is that I believe we must regularly turn a critical eye to culture and institutions and ponder how they can be shifted for the betterment of all. So I challenge norms and get people thinking out side the box. Doing what we have always done while expecting different results is madness, Constantly challenging norms is progressives and sparks innovation.
- I believe the only consistent in life is change, nothing stays the same. I enjoy being a change agent.
- Big believer in measuring what we do, what can be measured can be benchmarked and improved. I work well with KPIs Key Performance Indicators and CPIs, Continual Process Improvement
- I have experienced many significant set backs and challenges that have had a profound impact on my life. I have no regrets about any of them, they have shaped my life profoundly.. I am reesliant, tenacious, passionate, I am a great manifester. The greater the challenge the more determined I am.
- I LOVE LIFE! I have been blessed with some of the most amazing experiences! As serious as I can be I certainly have an equally lively, endearing and fun loving side with a wicked sense of humour. I strongly believe that to build bonds, collaboration, creativity and resilience at the workplace, we allow ourselves the chance to have a good laugh.
- I am drawn to authentic people, people with integrity, honesty, and say what they mean and mean what they say.
Testimonials...
The thing about Mark is that he is a true collaborator. A solid listener as he is a storyteller and working with him was, literally, an adventure. On top of his great ability to communicate and inspire, I was always impressed by his ability to adapt especially in a country where his lack of fluency may have hindered a lesser professional. Mark saw past that, connected on common ground, and let his actions speak louder than words. He's clearly poised to be an asset to any team and a great mentor to boot.
- Mauricio La Paz Bolivia.
Mark has the creativity and vision to recognize a market opportunity and build it, combined with the manage skills to grow it. I witnessed the way he fostered a culture that grew to attract many distinct clients in La Paz (a traditionally conservative market). His keen attention to detail and emphasis on quality and service contribute to an unparalleled experience.and success of Higher Ground, .
- Barret Wellemeyer Lead Design Engineer
Mark is a professional and effective manager in his time at Inspirations Paint. He achieved significant growth outcomes for his Vic and Tas stores and helped to implement many national initiatives on the ground in these two states. As Head of Marketing, I dealt directly with Mark over the six-year period and would not hesitate to recommend him for any future role –
- Joel Goodsir Head of Marketing. Inspirations Paint
Mark is a really smart guy. He knows his craft and produces incredible results. I could not recommend him highly enough. You're on to a good thing with Mark.
- Michael Broderick owner/CEO Artisen Recruitment.
Mark encapsulates what it means to be a true leader, he is a talented and tenacious guy who somehow, despite the day to day pressures of his role, with a smile delivered outstanding results. He set a challenge to fit out and relocate our head office while managing the complexity of organising our National Conference. Both were an incredible success and stand as testament to his unwavering commitment and ability.
Paul Roche Director of PaintRight Australia.
I was extremely impressed with your product, and more so your people. You have done a sterling effort to create such an extraordinary facility with such an amazing talented professional team. This coupled with your own enthusiasm and energy will ensure success.
- David V Clarke CEO CSR America.
Bright Sparks
Sparked Actions
What Sparks Me
Here are some of the brightest of sparks.
These people are responsible for the podcasts or books that continually spark my interests and shape my thoughts and my life.
Noam Chompski
&
any number of TEDTalks
What Sparks Me
Sparked Actions
What Sparks Me
We Are Here to Solve Problems
Life doesn't always go the way we planned; it has a way of testing our resolve. It's through solving problems that we discover our true potential and push the boundaries of what we believe we can achieve.
Embrace Both Victory and Defeat
When we win, it's important to remember that the next time we could lose. It's through our defeats that we gain the wisdom and experience to achieve our future victories.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Life's setbacks are not meant to keep us down but to challenge us to rise again, stronger and more determined. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep moving forward despite the difficulties.
The Spark of Tenacity
Tenacity is the relentless pursuit of our goals, regardless of the obstacles that stand in our way. Tenacity is about never giving up, staying focused on our objectives, and persevering through challenges and setbacks. It's this unyielding spirit that sets us apart and propels us towards success.
Never Give Up
Life will throw many challenges our way, but it's our response to these challenges that defines us. Every great achievement was once considered impossible until someone refused to give up. Be that someone.
Sparked Actions
Sparked Actions
Sparked Actions
Trekking through the Highlands of New Guinea: In his 20s, Mark embarked on an adventurous three-week trek through the highlands of New Guinea.
Project Managing an Award-Winning Design and Display Centre: Mark successfully led a design team to manage and construct an award-winning, state-of-the-art Design and Display centre.
Cycling Across the Andes: Mark undertook a challenging cycling adventure across the Andes, covering over 800 kilometers from Arica, Chile, to La Paz, Bolivia. The route included a total climb of 10,800 meters, with the highest point reaching 5,700 meters.
Riding the Death Road in Bolivia: In Bolivia, Mark rode up the world's most dangerous road, known as the Death Road, twice to raise money for a farmer in need of a prosthetic leg.
Establishing a Successful Cafe/Wine Bar/Restaurant: Mark built and established a thriving Cafe/Wine Bar/Restaurant in La Paz, Bolivia.
Solo Hiking Through the Patagonia Wilderness: Mark ventured on an eight-day solo hike through the wilderness of Patagonia.
Things I love
Continued Education
Places I've been
My happy place is sailing Sydney Harbour
I have had the privilege to sail the
The Greek Islands
The Turkish Islands
South Americas
Peru to Panama
Whitsundays
Sydney
Gold Coast
My other happy place is cycling
working as a mountain bike tour guide I have cycled many incredible locations through South America
I now enjoy the leisure of a trike bike which I ride regularly around the rail trails of Gippsland.
Places I've been
Continued Education
Places I've been
From an early age I've been an explorer.
I have seen most of Australia, Lived in 3 major cities, Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane.
I have traveled Indonesia, China, Europe, UK Canada, USA, Central America, All of South America I have submerged myself in various cultures and leant their history and traditions
I moved to Argentina in 2011 where I rediscovered myself. Lived in Buenos Aries before moving to El Bolson Patagonia.
From Argentina I moved to La Paz Bolivia
Worked on the number one tourist destination with the number tour operator.
Later I designed and built the number one wine bar restaurant in La Paz Bolivia Higher Ground.
Continued Education
Continued Education
Continued Education
HubSpot/Norton/CRM.
XERO
SQAURE POS
Digital Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Rope Rescue
Wilderness First Aid
Open Water Navigation
Open Water Sailing Skippers
PADI Diving Certificate
Neuro-linguistic Programming NLP Masters
Associate Diploma of Business and Marketing AIM
MBA AIB (Inprogress)
Higher Ground La Paz
Higher Ground 2017 to 2021
Higher Ground is Australian Owned, conveniently located within the tourist district of La Paz Bolivia.
Higher Ground delivered the best of Bolivias freshest produce, Coffees, Beers, Wines, and Cheese.. Open at 6:30am we serve Breakfast, Brunch (all day), Lunch and Dinner. Our restaurant delivers a fusion of Bolivia with the West with foods to remind you of home.
Our Bolivian coffee beans are amongst the most sought after beans available.
Higher Ground delivers that rich flavor known to particular coffee connoisseurs. Our Coffee Beans are locally sourced from Caranavi, Yungas Valley. An area well recognized as one of the worlds best regions for high altitude coffee bean production. We have a quality guarantee, if something is not to your liking will will do everything we can to rectify the situation
Higher Ground won the Travellers Choice Award 4 years running.
Here is a collections of what our guests had to say about us on TripAdvisor.
The New Number 1 Place to Eat In Bolivia
HG is even better than it was and is now clearly the best place to eat, not only in La Paz, but in all of Bolivia. My most recent visit this past week was with a work colleague from a small mining city a long way from La Paz. I'd pumped up the Aussie Burger with him and he really got stuck into it. He couldn't believe just how good it was. This time I went for something different: chicken breast with a pepper sauce. WOW, it was every bit as good as the Aussie. These blokes really know how to cook and present a fabulous and fun dining experience. And to start the night off we had a couple of mojitos; not something that the miners where my colleague comes from ever drink. The best mojitos outside of Cuba and Miami. There is only one thing the owner, Mark, needs to do to improve the place and that's to find somewhere bigger to accommodate the crowds that he now attracts with his first-class drinks, food, and service.
Probably my favourite cafe in la Paz
Went to quite a few spots while I was in la paz for a few days, and had such a great time here. The waiters are helpful, the food is really fantastic, and the owner was so, so nice. Offered to fill up my water bottle as I was leaving. Great spot to do work or chill out with friends. Definitely would recommend.
Higher Ground La Paz is hands down the best food myself and my friends have had in our Central and South American trip so far. Mark the Australian owner was nothing short of amazing for our group, even booked us our Salt Flat tour, his staff are professionals and the whole cafe vibe is one you don’t want to miss!
We came to Higher Ground on TripAdvisor’s recommendation, and that was a good decision. We were so happy with our meals that we returned for a second time the following evening. Everything we ordered was delicious - and there was a wide range to choose from. Plenty of choices for my vegetarian daughter too.
In addition, service was friendly, and prompt and we also got into conversation with Mark, the lovely Australian owner of Higher Ground. He is clearly passionate about his restaurant and cares about his customers, which adds to the warm vibe.
As a bonus, Mark previously worked as a guide in Bolivia and is happy to provide travel tips. Very useful!
Higher Ground Background
The Higher Ground Cafe/Wine Bar Story
Higher Ground, a unique cafe experience that combines exceptional coffee with the breathtaking beauty of Bolivia.
We are delighted to have you here and would like to provide you with some insights into the story behind our cafe.
Higher Ground was born out of a combination of passion, adventure, and a desire to showcase the incredible coffee beans that Bolivia has to offer. Our founder, during his time as a mountain bike and motorcycle guide, encountered numerous international coffee buyers who would join him on tours before embarking on their own journeys to meet coffee growers. This experience revealed the untapped potential of Bolivian coffee and sparked the idea of creating a niche cafe that celebrates the country's exceptional beans.
Drawing on his background as a trained barista in Melbourne's renowned cafe capital, our founder understands that cafe culture is about more than just great coffee. It encompasses the ambience, smells, music, and the warmth of our staff. Our aim is to create an environment where you can truly enjoy a cup of coffee, immersing yourself in the experience.
Located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, we face unique challenges in delivering the perfect cup of coffee. The boiling point of water is lower, and the lack of oxygen affects the flavour extraction. To overcome these obstacles, we have carefully curated the three essential elements that contribute to an exceptional coffee experience.
Firstly, our coffee beans are locally sourced from Caranavi, Yungas Valley, which is renowned for its high-altitude coffee production. We maintain a strong relationship with our plantation and roaster, ensuring that the beans are freshly roasted and delivered to our grinder within hours. This freshness enhances the flavours and richness of our coffee, offering a truly remarkable taste.
Secondly, we take pride in our top-notch equipment, specifically designed for unique high-altitude conditions. Our Italian-made cafe grinder and machine are tailored to our requirements. We use 25% more beans per cup to compensate for the altitude, we carbon filter our water and utilize high-pressure boilers to reach the optimum temperature for full flavour extraction.
Lastly, our talented baristas, who are some of Bolivia's finest, play a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional cup of coffee. They are coffee artisans who follow the correct brewing methods with precision and passion. You will be captivated by their skills and dedication, witnessing the magic unfold as they craft each cup.
Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing a memorable experience. If there is anything we can do to enhance your stay or if you need assistance with travel advice or planning your next adventure, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your feedback is valuable, and we kindly invite you to share your experience by leaving a review on TripAdvisor or Google.
Thank you for choosing Higher Ground. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your time with us and savor every sip of our exceptional coffee.
Warm regards, The Higher Ground Team
Imagine a world in which the ability to inspire is practiced not just by a chosen few, but by the majority. Studies show that over 80 percent of us are not doing what we enjoy. If more knew how to build organizations that inspire, we could live in a world in which that statistic was the reverse—a world in which over 80 percent of people loved going to work. People who love going to work are more productive and more creative. They go home happier and have happier families. They treat their colleagues and clients and customers better. Inspired employees make for stronger companies and stronger economies.
I hope to inspire others to do the things that inspire them so that together we may build the companies, the economy and a world in which trust and loyalty are the norm and not the exception.
