Gary Bezuidenhout

I've spent over 25 years in learning and development, starting out as a computer instructor in 1999 and growing into someone who leads global Learning & Development teams, shapes learning strategy, and genuinely cares about the people going through every programme I build. I've worked across corporate training, customer education, digital transformation, and leadership enablement. What's stayed consistent throughout is a belief that good training isn't just content delivery, it's about understanding people, earning their trust, and giving them something that actually makes a difference back at their desks.

I'm at my best when I'm close to both the business and the learner, translating complex goals into programmes that work, coaching teams to deliver at a high standard, and using data to know when something needs to change. I'm comfortable leading from the front or rolling up my sleeves, and I bring the same energy to a facilitator certification programme as I do to an executive strategy session.

Learning Development Specialist at The Sales Counsel (2025-06 – 2026-06)

• Designed and implemented learning programmes tied to measurable business growth objectives.
• Used AI tools responsibly to improve content ideation and design efficiency.
• Lead facilitator certification programmes to lift delivery standards across the team.
• Championed LearnWorlds LMS and worked with the tech team to improve online user experience.
• Mentored junior learning technologists and tracked programme performance through analytics dashboards.
• Managed learning timelines, resources, and freelance specialist pools to ensure on-time delivery.

Senior Manager: Instructional Design & Technical Training at Mimecast (2024-05 – 2025-05)

• Led a global team of instructional designers and technical trainers across multiple regions.
• Oversaw end-to-end instructional design lifecycle across 400+ projects, from needs analysis to evaluation.
• Increased new-hire productivity by 30% through role-specific onboarding and enablement tracks.
• Spearheaded feedback loops and coaching frameworks that improved learner experience by 90% YoY.
• Launched a global coaching programme improving mid-level management engagement scores by 20%.
• Achieved 98% customer satisfaction scores on scalable, on-demand learning solutions.

Training Enablement Manager at Mimecast (2020-04 – 2024-05)

• Led strategic change and digital transformation learning initiatives in partnership with executive sponsors and HR.
• Designed and implemented scalable curriculum frameworks, blended learning programmes, facilitator guides, learner resources, and digital learning assets for global audiences, achieving 95% satisfaction scores.
• Delivered onboarding for new hires and upskilling for tenured staff, resulting in 90% employee retention.
• Expanded internal knowledge-sharing through LMS optimisation, digital pathways, and global collaboration.
• Partnered with cross-functional stakeholders, SMEs, customers, and global teams to drive capability-building initiatives and organisational learning outcomes.

Training Specialist at Mimecast (2012-05 – 2020-04)

• Designed and facilitated instructor-led and virtual training for customer-facing teams and partners, resulting in 98% satisfaction scores.
• Developed learning assets (guides, videos, assessments, LMS modules) many of which remain in active use.
• Led the transition to digital-first learning during COVID-19, revamping 20+ programmes under tight timelines.
• Led end-to-end learning programme lifecycle including needs analysis, curriculum design, content development, facilitation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Awarded Mimecaster of the Year for exceptional training impact.

Facilitator & Systems Trainer at Absa Business Bank (2007-01 – 2012-05)

• Facilitated customer care, Commercial Property Finance systems, and legal document training across multiple business divisions and branches.
• Managed the training department for Absa Commercial Property Finance.
• Handled training calendars, Exco reporting, budget control, LMS support, and learnership coordination.

Project Administrator & Computer Instructor at CS Holdings / Bytes People Solutions (1999-05 – 2007-01)

• Delivered Microsoft Office and IT training from beginner to advanced level, plus soft skills facilitation.
• Designed customised learning materials and facilitated SAQA-accredited workshops.
• Started here and never stopped caring about people development.

Bachelor of Arts in English & Psychology – University of South Africa