Mark Jarvis is a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and founder of multiple ventures spanning technology, training, and consulting. Having built and sold several businesses over more than three decades, Mark now dedicates his time to guiding others on their entrepreneurial journeys. Humans of Fuzia is featuring Mark in our HeForShe series because his story of resilience, reinvention, and commitment to equality provides powerful insights for our global community of 5 million women and allies. His journey reminds us that growth happens when courage meets guidance—and that empowered entrepreneurs uplift others along the way.
Q: Mark, what inspired you to become a business coach?
A: At my core, I’m a business owner—I currently run three businesses. My journey started in the hotel and hospitality industry, where I spent 17 years learning about people, culture, and leadership. But I knew I didn’t want to stay in that field forever. In 1989, I went back to college, earned a business degree, and launched my first design agency in 1992. Since then, I’ve built, scaled, and sold businesses across property, franchising, and training. Coaching came naturally because I’ve been through the same challenges others face today. I’ve lived the journey, and now I enjoy helping others navigate their own.
Q: You currently run multiple ventures. Could you tell us a bit about them?
A:
• Azure is a software-as-a-service company supporting accessibility in education. We help students with accessibility challenges participate in live lessons and lectures remotely through mobile or tablet technology.
• My mentoring and consulting practice focuses on helping business owners build companies that scale, not just businesses that keep them busy.
• Blue Water is a facilities management company with a strong focus on medical training. We’ve grown to a team of 11 in just over two years.
Q: Entrepreneurship is challenging. What was the biggest hurdle you faced when you started out?
A: In the early days, the biggest challenge was believing I needed to have all the answers. The truth was—I didn’t. I didn’t know how to recruit my first team member, manage cash flow, or forecast properly. And 35 years ago, guidance wasn’t as accessible as it is today. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be: find someone to help you. A mentor, a coach, a peer network—anything that helps you see what you don’t yet know.
Q: What are your thoughts on AI? How does it fit into your work?
A: AI is a powerful tool when used correctly. I always say: use AI as your intern, not your boss. It’s great for research, structuring ideas, creating presentations, and doing repetitive tasks. But I don’t believe in letting AI replace human storytelling or authenticity. People learn through lived experiences, not generic content. Use AI to support your work, not define it.
Q: Since we’re featuring you in our HeForShe series—what are your views on women empowerment?
A: I believe in the true meaning of equality: that every human being is inherently equal. We are all equally valuable, regardless of gender or role. I’m not a fan of boxing people into categories or labels—we’re all humans first. Equality shouldn’t even be a debate in 2026, yet I know many women still face subtle biases at work. Recognizing these experiences and talking about them is essential. Empowerment begins with acknowledging humanity and respecting every individual’s potential.
Q: Lastly, what message would you like to leave for our readers?
A: Be courageous. Have faith in yourself and in the journey you’re on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—finding the right support can change everything. Stay true to your values and don’t compromise them for anyone.
“Be courageous, stay curious, and surround yourself with the right people—that’s how you build a future you believe in.” — Mark Jarvis
Connect with Mark Jarvis:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markajarvis
https://mark-jarvis.co.uk/
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
