Mark van Jaarsveld C.V.

With over 40 years in technology and nearly two decades as an entrepreneur in hospitality, I bring together a rare mix of deep technical expertise, business management, and creative innovation.

My career began in 1984 as a COBOL analyst/programmer with Telkom in South Africa, where I built a strong foundation in mainframe systems and database design. From there, I held roles across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and London, including systems analysis, database administration, product marketing, consulting, and global banking technology. At HSBC Bank Plc in London, I spent 7 years shaping and supporting global online banking systems, specializing in mainframe analysis, IDMS, testing, and troubleshooting.

In 2006, I pivoted into a new challenge — creating and running Villa Florencia Casa Rural, a guesthouse in Gandia, Spain. Over the last 19 years, I’ve combined customer service, hospitality, and digital marketing skills (WordPress, SEO, content management) to grow an independent business that welcomes international guests year after year.

Over the past 18 months, I’ve embraced the integration of AI technologies into both my professional and creative workflows. From streamlining business operations with productivity tools to exploring new artistic frontiers through AI-assisted image generation, fractal exploration, and narrative development, AI has become both a partner in efficiency and a collaborator in creativity. This ongoing journey has opened up new ways of working — blending structure with imagination, data with storytelling — and continues to shape how I see the future of business, art, and technology converging.

I’ve also had the privilege of living and working across three countries and many cities, gaining a global outlook and a deep appreciation for different cultures. Fluent in three languages, I enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds — whether welcoming guests, collaborating on technology projects, or sharing creative ventures online.

I’m passionate about problem-solving, building meaningful connections, and continuous learning — whether that’s through technology, business, or creativity.

My unique career path reflects adaptability, resilience, and a drive to keep evolving.

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