Episode transcript

Note: This transcript has been edited for clarity and readability while staying true to the spirit of the conversation.

Amanda: Welcome back to Not Just A… the podcast where we get to know the person behind the profession. In this week’s episode, we’re chatting with global CEO Mark Nielsen. Mark isn’t your traditional CEO. From having a quadruple bypass to finishing Hyrox all in the same year, he bears all. Let’s get into it.

Amanda: Mark, welcome. Thank you for joining me on the podcast. We get to work together every day—aren’t we lucky? We always have so much fun.

Mark: We do. Sometimes unhinged fun, but always lots of it.

Amanda: This is going to be a little different. Normally when I interview you or hear you speak, it’s about Talent and your professional side. Today, I want to unpack who you are as a person outside of work and beyond your global CEO title. So, my first question is: who were you before your career began?

Mark: I grew up in South Africa in a lower middle-class family and went to public school. Nothing particularly special, just pretty normal. But I’ve always been passionate about trying new things.

By 16, I was already working—my first job was at a nursery. I loved it, not just for the money, but because I learned about plants and customer service. Later, I studied accounting, maths, and law at university in Cape Town. Around that time, I opened a beach café with friends. It was different to the usual boring stands—we had hot dogs, cocktails, music, and made about $10,000 in two weeks. Not bad for students.

That was my first taste of starting businesses and learning through experiences. After uni, I became an accountant, then moved into investment banking. I always believed that as soon as you’re comfortable, you need to jump into something new. That’s how I’ve approached my career.

Amanda: And judo? You represented South Africa?

Mark: Yes, I competed at under-18s for South Africa. I started at six, continued through university, and even tried to pick it up again 12 years ago—until I broke my arm. Now I stick to Hyrox.

Amanda: You also shared an incredible story with Forbes around Mardi Gras. Can you tell us about your personal story of coming out, especially while working in conservative environments?

Mark: In the late ’90s, I worked in the UK. At the time, I was out socially but not at work. It was hard—I couldn’t connect fully with colleagues because I wasn’t being authentic.

Eventually, I decided to be upfront. In one interview, I told the CEO I was gay. He replied, “Well, I’m Jewish and I’m married. Does that faze you?” The weight lifted instantly.

The advice I give young people is: find the environment that embraces who you are. Ask questions in interviews—about culture, flexibility, change. Match yourself with the right organisation.

Amanda: Great advice. So, who are you when nobody’s watching?

Mark: At work, I’m focused—fast-paced, results-driven. At home, I’m chilled, relaxed, and less structured. I love reading, watching TV, and just unwinding.

Amanda: And you love to travel.

Mark: I’ve been to about 60 countries. I love that feeling of arriving somewhere new—it’s exciting and eye-opening. My favourites include Mexico City, Portugal, and Chilean Patagonia. Next on the list might be Croatia, Italy, or even Antarctica.

Amanda: Outside of work and travel, what else are you passionate about?

Mark: Dogs. I adore them—their loyalty, unconditional love, and simplicity. If I could, I’d be known for that. I even ran City2Surf for dogs!

Amanda: If you could be known for something completely different from your current career, what would it be?

Mark: Fashion design. As a kid, I made costumes for friends. I wanted to be a designer, but my family couldn’t afford it, so I studied accounting instead. But imagine making people feel confident and radiant through clothing—that would be incredible.

Amanda: I know you love the Met Gala. Who are your favourite designers?

Mark: Tom Ford for his looks, and Alexander McQueen for his genius. His work showed pain, complexity, and brilliance.

Amanda: What’s a lesson you’ve learned outside of work that’s made you better at your job?

Mark: Earlier this year, at 55, I had a quadruple bypass. Recovery taught me patience—getting a little better each day. Progress is incremental, in health and in business. It reinforced the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Amanda: How did you feel when you got that news?

Mark: It was stressful, but my mindset is always: it is what it is. Just solve it. I treated it like a business problem—focus on the outcome, break it down, and get through it. Two weeks later, I was back on emails, and by July I was competing in Hyrox.

Amanda: That’s amazing. Can you share a story of how being fully yourself has made you successful at work?

Mark: Three things: removing fear, embracing failure, and being authentic. I know what it feels like not to be yourself at work, so I ensure others can bring their whole selves. I encourage people to try, fail, and grow. And I’m open about my own vulnerabilities—it creates a safer, more inclusive environment.

Amanda: What would people be most surprised to learn about your day-to-day as CEO?

Mark: It’s a constant balancing act—short-term vs long-term, stakeholders vs employees. It’s about emotional intelligence, ideation, and managing risks while keeping everyone motivated. You need a brilliant team around you, which I’m lucky to have.

Amanda: What’s your hidden talent?

Mark: I have a photographic memory for numbers. I still remember childhood phone numbers—and it keeps the finance team on their toes!

Amanda: Final fun one—what’s your favourite plant?

Mark: Orchids. They’re delicate but resilient, and their colours are incredible.

Amanda: I love hydrangeas. Maybe one day I’ll have a garden full of them.

Mark: If you plant them in different soils, you can change their colours. We should test that.

Amanda: We’ll add it to our list! Mark, thank you for joining me. It’s been wonderful sharing your story with the world.

Mark: Thanks, Mandy. This is an amazing initiative. I’ve said it before—your growth and authenticity shine through everything you do. You’re a legend.

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