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Creative DirectorCreative LeaderWholistic CoachStrategic Consultant

Hey, I’m Kyle Goulden. Great to have you here, and if you’d like to connect, collaborate or hire – book a discovery call. 

ABOUT

EXPERIENCE

PORTFOLIO

SKILLS

AWARDS

QUICK OVERVIEW

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Years of Experience

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Awards and Features

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Countries and Markets

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Coaching Leadership Clients

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Industries and Fields

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Successful Freelance Projects

Leading with vision and ingenuity, bringing bold ideas, strategy, and technology together with a human touch to unlock potential, spark innovation, and leave a lasting impact.

With over 20 years of experience in creative leadership, I’ve built a career on connecting vision with action. From crafting award-winning campaigns to scaling global brands, I specialize in turning complex challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. My approach blends strategic thinking, technological foresight, and a deeply human touch—empowering teams and organizations to achieve bold, transformative results.

Whether leading global teams across EMEA, the US, and APAC or pioneering future-focused initiatives like AI-driven workflows, my work is rooted in purpose and fueled by a passion for meaningful impact. I thrive in dynamic environments where ideas collide, challenges inspire, and people come together to create something extraordinary.

Beyond the boardroom, I’m an explorer of ideas and a champion of creativity in all its forms. A curious mind, a love for storytelling, and an appreciation for the simple wisdom of dogs keep me grounded and inspired. I’m committed to collaborating with organizations that prioritize innovation, humanity, and a vision for a better future.

Download CV PDF

Career Milestones and Experience 

HEAD OF AGENCY DIVISION
Sand Technologies
2024
  • Launched and led the agency division, optimizing client service delivery and recruiting creative talent globally. Provided tailored creative services to diverse clients and partners.
  • Spearheaded the brand development of Sand Technologies, including strategy, positioning, and creative direction. Oversaw all aspects from initial concept from CEO,  into launching MVP, content creation, marketing execution, and web, social, and event presence.
  • Led Employer Brand evolution and internal functions utilizing human centered design and UX methodologies to drive an increase of 50% of job applications online 
  • Led stakeholder and board sessions on brand, innovation and development, defining customer journeys for ongoing brand growth, exploring new product offerings.  Facilitated 15 client workshops for brand launches. covering IP development, positioning, audience, messaging, and creative assets. 
  • A keynote speaker at ComicConAfrica 2024 on branding. Represented organisations at various speaking engagements, events and shows in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, the US, Romania, and the UK.
  • Developed the Creative Leaders learning program track with curriculum design and developed learning content around future-proof creative workstreams and careers.
  • Coached 40+ individuals on career progression, from finding their first role along with leadership peer support.
GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF BRAND EXPERIENCE
Sand Technologies
Contract
2023-20234
  • Launched new MVPs and Brands – including ALX Ventures, The FutureList, ALI, and The ROOM Fellowship, strategically expanding and enhancing the global brand ecosystem.
    • Launched ALX Ventures, an online entrepreneurship series attracting over 67,000 users and enhancing educational outreach.”
    • Launched brand and MVP for FutureList, Startup Listing platform 
  • Managed three major brand integration projects for the acquisitions of Holberton, Explore AI, and Synaflux, ensuring seamless brand alignment and contributing to organizational growth.
  • Established and equipped 12 localized marketing hubs and created a global center of brand excellence, coordinating six cross-functional teams to scale marketing efforts from local to global across on-ground, digital, event, B2B, and sales channels.
  • Developed and implemented AI-creative workflow strategies, including  Midjourney, Jasper, RunwayML, ChatGPT, Relevance.AI.
CREATIVE & BRAND DIRECTOR
Sand Technologies
Contract
2022-2023
  • Drove ALX brand growth by 51× over a 3-year period, activating and launching over 75 campaigns that garnered 8.9 million total content views and an increase in applications to 320k applications.  A/B Testing
  • Led and mentored 10 teams, with 40+ freelancers, directing over 30 video productions and large-scale content creation and workflows. 
  • Achieved an internal team 95% Net Promoter Score (NPS) and 92% Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) through strategic brand development and optimization of customer experiences.
  • Enhanced cross-divisional operations by refining project management workflows, boosting efficiency and collaboration throughout the organization. This included establishing KPIs, implementing data-driven decision-making, conducting Agile sprints, and improving reporting processes.
  • Creative direction of brand materials and templates for the entire organization to ensure a cohesive brand identity. This included print materials, out-of-home marketing, branding for physical spaces, and materials for internal events.
  • Led customer insights and user experience (UX) research initiatives, focusing on capturing the voice of the customer and deriving data-driven insights.
FREELANCE BRAND, CREATIVE & STRATEGIC CONSULTANT
Self
2010 – Today
  • Worked with organizations, businesses and startups across diverse industries, including tech, education, non-profit, agency, and corporate sectors across a broad range of projects. 
  • Supported GTM launch creation through development of launch strategy, creative assets, positioning.
  • Developed in end-to-end creative direction, user journey optimization, and brand strategy.
  • Focus on scaling organizations while maintaining authenticity and relevance in the digital landscape.
WHOLISTIC AND CREATIVE LEADERSHIP COACH
Self
Freelance
2020 – Today
  • Coached leaders across various roles and responsibilities, addressing diverse needs and challenges in their personal and professional lives.
  • Provided one-on-one coaching to over 41 clients,focusing on career transitions, personal transformation, creative pursuits, neurodiversity, and holistic life services.
  • Facilitated individual access to their innate wisdom and potential by offering tailored guidance and support, leveraging strengths-based focus, neuroscience and mindfulness based approaches. 
  • Assisted creative individuals in rediscovering their inherent inspiration while fostering curiosity, playfulness, and creativity.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Umuzi.org / Digital Youth Dev NPO
Full Time
2017 – 2019
  • Led the multimedia and design department in delivering impactful learning experiences to students in a variety of creative disciplines, overseeing the creative bootcamp process and post-graduation  job placement for students.
  • Developed an engaging curriculum focused on experiential training, which included the launch of multiple product teams that generated relevant content as part of the learning process.
  • Created “creative products” that served as hands-on training opportunities for students, enhancing their practical skills.
  • Oversaw the brand development of Umuzi, designing a variety of collateral elements to strengthen the organization’s identity.
  • Mentored creatives across diverse fields to ensure successful job placements, providing guidance and support throughout their career journeys.
  • Developed an online self-serve wellness archive to empower talent and promote their ongoing success.
SENIOR MULTIMEDIA & HCD STRATEGIST
Sun International / Hospitality Resort
Full Time
2019 – 2020
MOTION + MULTMEDIA DESIGNER
Nicework / Brand Agency
Full Time
2014 – 2015
DESIGNER, EDITOR, ANIMATOR, PRODUCER
Orijin / Broadcast Agency
Full Time
2008 – 2012

PORTFOLIO, PROJECTS AND CASE STUDIES

Broadcast Showreel

A showcase of my work as a designer, motion artist, videographer, and scriptwriter.
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ALX: Campaign Development

ALX New Programme Campaign Identity
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Impact Story: Verona

Impact Story showcasing the significance of Umuzi’s offerings
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Photographic Portfolio Sample

Selection of published photographic work
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The Catalyst: Short Film

Award-winning short-film.
view More

FutureFit: Summit Explainer

Crafted explainer video for a GTM conference launch hosted by FutureFit.AI
view More

Just Start: Cinematography Sample

A short video story about stepping forward.
view More

STORIES ARE BETTER TOLD IN PERSON

Book a discovery call so we can explore what could be

skills and accreditation

Inbound Methodolgy

HubSpot Academy

Jul 2014

Breathwork Foundation Certification

Breathwork Africa

Aug 2020

Advanced Certificate in Coaching Practice (ACCP)

Mindful Talent

Aug 2020

Storytelling For Impact

IDEO U

Oct 2020

Leadership for Creatives: Find Your Own Style

Domestika

Feb 2022

COMENSA Member

Coaches and Mentors of South Africa

2024

Creative + Brand Development

Ecosystem Brand Management
6 YEARS
Strategic Product Positioning
12 YEARS
Multimedia Production Expertise
19 YEARS
Brand Identity and Guidelines Dev
12 YEARS
Creative Vision and Direction
15 YEARS

Strategic Marketing + Growth

Campaign Strategy and CRO
12 YEARS
Content + Community Strategy
17 YEARS
Community Engagement
10 YEARS
GTM Strategy and MVP Launches
8 YEARS
B2B Marketing and Sales Enablement
6 YEARS

Design Thinking + Innovation

Vision Development
6 YEARS
Generative AI Applications
2 YEARS
Curriculum and Learning Design
12 YEARS
UX Research/ Behavioral Economics
9 YEARS
Human-Centered Design (HCD)
12 YEARS

TECH, TOOLS + AI

Google / Office Workspace
15 YEARS
Project Management Tools
15 YEARS
Automation Platforms
2 YEARS
Creative Generative AI Tools
2 YEARS
Adobe Creative Suite Mastery
19 YEARS

Leadership + Coaching

Team Collaboration and Workshops
12 YEARS
Youth Development and Mentorship
12 YEARS
Global / Remote Team Leadership
12 YEARS
1:1 Leadership and Career Coaching
8 YEARS
Transformational Leadership
12 YEARS

Operations + Resource Management

Global Integration and Localization
4 YEARS
KPI Development and Monitoring
8 YEARS
Agile Project Management
10 YEARS
Resource Allocation
6 YEARS
Studio Operations Optimization
12 YEARS

42 Awards, Features and Publications.

And even more happy clients

AWARDS AND FEATURES

Best On-Air Branding Design - Silver
C&I - Ident Cult
2014 |
Promax | BDA South Africa
Best On-Air Branding Design - Gold
C&I Rebrand
2014 |
Promax | BDA South Africa
Channel Brand of the Year - Gold
C&I
2014 |
Promax | BDA South Africa
Channel Brand of the Year – Gold
Crime and Investigation Channel Rebrand
2014 |
Promax Global
Screen Africa Best Movie Promo – Gold Muse
M-Net Action – Thriller Horror Fest
2011 |
Promax Global
Best On-Air Branding Design – Gold
Crime and Investigation Channel Rebrand
2014 |
Promax Global
Most Outstanding Design In Promotion – Gold Muse
M-Net Cares – Drive to Literacy
2011 |
Promax Global
Best Public Service Announcement – Silver Isis
M-Net Cares – Drive to Literacy
2011 |
Promax Global
Best Integrated Social Media Campaign – Silver Isis
M-Net Action Social Media Campaign
2011 |
Promax Global
Best Sponsored Spot – Silver Muse
M-Net Action Swatch Villains Promo
2010 |
Promax Global
Film Category Winner
The Catalyst : Short Film
2016 |
PPC Imaginarium
Best Sponsored Spot – Silver Muse
M-Net Action – Godfather Game 30″ Promo
2009 |
Promax Global
Exhibitions
•The Catalyst – Youngbloods
•The Catalyst – UJ Art Gallery
•The Catalyst – Turbine Art Fair
Speaker Events
•ComiconAfrica 2024
•Rise Leadership
•SAFM
•Ispani
Publications
•Critical Hit
•House & Lesiure
•Garden & Home
•BASA
•VISI
•Business Live
•Sandton Magazine
•Pix Magazine
•Between 10 & 5
•Cosmopolitan Magazine
•NAG
•BizCommunity
•Destiny Magazine
•ScreenAfrica
•Dossier Magazine
•Design Indaba
•HEAT Magazine
•PPC Imaginarium
•Men’s Health Magazine
•Lazy Gamer
•One.Small.Seed Magazine
•Orms
•Pix Photographic Magazine
•Camera Stuff

CLIENTS AND PARTNERS

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Testimonials

Beyond branding, he exhibits a unique drive for leading teams and individuals towards purpose beyond themselves.
S.S.
4x Founder & Global Speaker | Entrepreneurship Educator | Brand/Marketing Leader
His deep curiosity not only ensures that he uncovers the right questions to ask in every situation but also the best answers for those questions, all the while keeping him humble and eager to learn and do—all the most valuable qualities in a strategist, designer, and leader.
J.S.
Service & Product Designer
He leverages his professional coaching experience to support colleagues in their development and proactively leads initiatives to educate and immerse the organization in the world of creative work.”
A.S.
Head of GTM, US
I consider working with him, an honour, and if you are presented with an opportunity to work with him, you bet he will change the way you see life and work.
N.J.V.
Brand Strategist | Brand Manager | Operations | Art Director | Digital Marketing
An expert on bringing people together, he builds thoughtful and empathic teams that solve problems holistically. He facilitates cross-team/department challenges with ease, reminding those around him of the unique value they each bring to the project. He is a multiplier.
V. M.
Customer Acquisition Leader & Creative Strategist
Each time I spoke to him I ended the call energized and ready to take over the world. He was able to take my crazy ideas and turn them into reality and dismantle all my worries about what a successful and valuable project is.
L.K.
Product Owner & Digital Transformation Catalyst

Keen to collaborate on an exciting new project together?

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