Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Chesney Smith

Chesney Smith

INNOVATION & STRATEGY LEADER
Johannesburg

Summary

Visionary leader specializing in innovation, strategy, and digital transformation with a proven track record of driving business growth through cutting-edge technology, AI, and customer-centric experience design. Adept at solving complex business challenges, developing high-performing teams, and crafting future-fit strategies for large enterprises across Financial Services, Retail, Telecommunications, and High-Tech industries.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Practice Lead – Digital Technology

BlueSky
Johannesburg
09.2024 - Current

Transforming enterprises through innovative strategies & emerging technologies.

  • Spearhead growth strategies for CRM, Data, AI, Martech, and Experience Design in financial services, retail, and telecom industries for large scale transformation
  • Lead C-suite engagements to define and execute digital transformation roadmaps.
  • Drive pre-sales strategy, solution design, and proposal development to enhance competitive positioning.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop integrated solutions that addressed complex client challenges effectively.
  • Foster an agile, high-performance culture that accelerates delivery and innovation.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients by providing personalised attention, understanding their needs, and offering tailored solutions.
  • Established clear performance metrics to monitor progress toward practice objectives and evaluate overall success regularly.

Solution Lead: Telco, Media & High-Tech

BlueSky
07.2021 - 08.2024
  • Led strategic engagements and defined digital enablement roadmaps for Telco enterprise clients.
  • Developed and executed governance frameworks ensuring seamless project execution for Telco transformation solutions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop integrated solutions that addressed complex Telco challenges.
  • Designed and delivered business process re-engineering initiatives to optimise operations and customer experience.
  • Mentored and developed high-potential talent, fostering a culture of innovation.
  • Facilitated niche skill acceleration through hands on knowledge sharing within the team promoting a collaborative learning environment.
  • Increased client retention rates by consistently exceeding expectations, addressing concerns promptly, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout engagements.

Senior Consultant | Business Analyst

BlueSky
02.2020 - 07.2021
  • Acted as the strategic interlink between business stakeholders and delivery teams.
  • Led Salesforce-driven CX and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Provided strategic advisory on Martech enablement and data-driven marketing strategies.

Senior Specialist: Sales Governance & CRM Strategy

BCX
04.2019 - 01.2020
  • Designed and implemented a data-driven sales performance strategy.
  • Led Salesforce CRM optimization and user adoption programs.
  • Developed insights-driven customer and sales enablement frameworks.

Senior Specialist: Customer Experience Measurement

BCX
12.2017 - 04.2019
  • Designed and led CX measurement programs to drive customer loyalty.
  • Developed data-driven customer improvement plans and strategic insights.
  • Drove change through quality-oriented strategies to help operations accomplish ambitious short- and long-term goals.
  • Identified areas in need of critical improvement and implemented strategies to achieve targets.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Bachelors in Business Science (Marketing Honours)

University of Cape Town
04.2001 -

No Degree - Senior Leadership Development Program

WITS Business School
04.2001 -

Certificate - Digital Marketing

Red And Yellow
04.2001 -

Skills

Strategic Innovation & Digital Transformation

Customer Experience (CX) & Martech Enablement

Leadership & Talent Development

Business Development & Client Engagement

Business Architecture & Capability Maturity

Agile & Scaled Program Delivery

Certification

14 X Salesforce Certified

Timeline

Practice Lead – Digital Technology

BlueSky
09.2024 - Current

Solution Lead: Telco, Media & High-Tech

BlueSky
07.2021 - 08.2024

Senior Consultant | Business Analyst

BlueSky
02.2020 - 07.2021

Senior Specialist: Sales Governance & CRM Strategy

BCX
04.2019 - 01.2020

Senior Specialist: Customer Experience Measurement

BCX
12.2017 - 04.2019

Bachelor of Science - Bachelors in Business Science (Marketing Honours)

University of Cape Town
04.2001 -

No Degree - Senior Leadership Development Program

WITS Business School
04.2001 -

Certificate - Digital Marketing

Red And Yellow
04.2001 -
Chesney Smith INNOVATION & STRATEGY LEADER