As Managing Director of MarkData (Pty) Ltd., Jan Wegelin has dedicated his career to advancing research that impacts industries, communities, and societies. Passionate about understanding human behavior and market dynamics, he has positioned MarkData as a leader in providing innovative business insights across Africa. Jan specializes in navigating complex socio-economic landscapes and empowering individuals through knowledge and opportunity.
From Frontline Researcher to Visionary Leader
Jan’s career at MarkData reflects growth through opportunities and passion. Starting in 1993, he began at the very basics of research, classifying responses, before transitioning to nationwide fieldwork, thus building his leadership foundation. These experiences taught him to ask insightful questions and to empathize with people and their circumstances.
Jan advises early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience across all business areas for valuable leadership development. After operational roles in Manchester and Ireland in the early 2000’s, Jan focused on research design and analysis, which earned him industry awards and created innovative solutions.
In 2021 he became the Managing Director of MarkData and has led the company’s significant growth. Reflecting on 30 years of research, he emphasizes, “An inquisitive mind is constantly stimulated to new heights.”
“The biggest value add for me was their research, thought leadership and advice.” MarkData client feedback
Lessons in Resilience and Balance
Jan’s career, shaped by challenges, centers on three principles: working hard, maintaining quality, and staying true to beliefs. A key lesson came during his student years when he ran out of money, vowing never to be without a job again. “Walking past food, gadgets, and books without engaging made me promise that to myself,” he recalls.
At 28 years of age, Jan sold everything to pursue a research career in Ireland, embracing uncertainty. His journey, from Waterford to Manchester, broadened his worldview. “A positive, determined outlook has served me well,” he reflects.
Effort and excellence are his guiding values. “Give your best; people will notice,” Jan says, highlighting his attention to detail which fosters trust and opens doors.
Pioneering Research that Shapes Society and Business
Jan’s research spans social, economic, political, and business growth domains, each offering unique challenges. “Finding the answer through research is most satisfying,” he reflects. Key milestones include:
- Defining South Africa’s National Identity: Jan’s 2017 methodology tracks the nation’s evolving identity. This work has won the Best Paper Award at the 2018 SAMRA conference. This work continues to 2027.
- Fostering Entrepreneurial Growth: Working with MindCette, he developed an entrepreneurial index tailored to South Africa. This gained global recognition, earning it the GEN Compass Award in 2018.
- Advancing Human Behavior Science: MarkData won the 2022 Excellence Award for R&D in human behavior science, becoming the only African company to do so.
- Introducing the Tx5® Framework: MarkData’s Tx5® behavioral model is based on cognitive and emotional decision-making drivers which earned the Bronze Award at the 2024 SAMRA conference.
Jan’s career highlights the transformative power of research in tackling complex challenges.
“MarkData differentiates themselves from similar companies I have dealt with through their remarkable client understanding and service, their ‘can do’ attitude and always delivering more than expected, on time and budget.” MarkData client feedback
Staying Inspired and Driving Impact
After just over three decades in research, Jan’s motivation remains strong. It is driven by the following two key factors:
- The Ever-Changing Nature of Research: “Research touches every aspect of society, governance, and the economy,” Jan explains. Each project brings new challenges, keeping the work dynamic and engaging. The diversity of industries ensures continued fascination with the complexities of society, business, and governance.
- The Power of a Strong Team: “A good team is the foundation of a successful day,” Jan shares. Collaborating with a close-knit, value-driven team inspires him to strive for excellence, ensuring impactful results through shared professionalism and accuracy.
“They go the extra mile to assist the client to implement the findings and they are always available for help after the project has been completed.” MarkData client feedback
Advice for Aspiring Leaders in Research and Business Insights
Jan offers key insights for excelling in the research and business insights industry. These cover the following:
- Adopt a Generalist Approach: “Being a generalist is critical,” Jan advises. Understanding trends and their broader context is key to navigating geopolitical uncertainties, governance shifts, and evolving markets.
- Understand Stress Responses: Recognizing how individuals handle stress is vital. “Fostering mutual support under pressure keeps teams focused and collaborative,” Jan explains.
- Visualize the End Goal: “A clear mind map of where I’m heading is essential,” Jan shares. Visualizing the outcome ensures direction, while adaptability remains crucial.
- Understand Clients’ Realities: Jan stresses the importance of knowing clients’ challenges, opportunities, and fears. “Only then can research results tell a compelling story and drive meaningful action.”
These principles guide Jan’s success and inspire future leaders in the field.
Shaping the Future of Business Insights in Africa
Jan views 2025 as a transformative year, marked by political shifts and AI’s rapid adoption. Africa’s youthful population is poised to drive global change, with Jan noting, “Africa’s youth have the power to shape meaningful trends.”
The research industry will shift its focus from consumers to individuals, as the importance of complex values, emotions and empathy are emphasized. Therefore, MarkData is ready to adopt a people-first approach to ensure research benefits clients and communities.
“Exceptional statistical analysis and common-sense insights into complex well-being surveys I conduct as a well-being economist … mastery in analyzing multivariate data sets and intuitive skills in the interpretation of these data sets is in my experience extraordinary.” MarkData client feedback
Ensuring Insightful and Cost-Effective Solutions
Jan emphasizes that impactful business solutions come from simplicity and precision:
- Focusing on the Right Questions: “More data doesn’t mean better insights,” Jan explains. MarkData prioritizes asking the right questions and engaging the right audience to uncover meaningful answers without overwhelming projects with excessive data.
- Prioritizing Diversity and Context: MarkData values diverse perspectives and contextual feedback over sheer data volume. “The answer often lies in the nuances,” Jan adds. By balancing innovation with practicality, MarkData delivers actionable, cost-effective insights that drive growth across Africa.
“MarkData is exceptionally proficient in assisting the client with clarifying and developing research questions or areas of investigation, and in creating data collection methods and instruments.” MarkData client feedback
Empowering Future Leaders and Supporting Communities
MarkData has impacted many lives through practical training, particularly by teaching interviewing skills, boosting confidence, and providing professional experience. Partnering with a home for destitute individuals, the company has helped many launch careers in nursing, music, and finance.
MarkData’s focus on personal and professional growth empowers individuals and fosters transformative change.
“Action without vision is merely passing time. But vision with action can change the world.” Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Striving for Integration
Jan balances his passion for work by approaching his personal life with intent. He sets goals like taking trips a few times a year, rekindle and nurture creativity through writing, or reconnecting with friends and family. Some of his writings become anchors as reference points which he revisits from time to time.
“Work often involves left-brain activities like schedules and plans,” Jan notes. “Personal moments should allow space for right-brain activities that re-energize the mind.” He advices. “Be intentional about these things,” highlighting the value of deliberate actions in achieving a balance.
Conclusion
Under Jan Wegelin’s leadership, MarkData sets standards in research excellence, enabling businesses and individuals to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Committed to innovation, collaboration, and community impact, Jan is dedicated to driving progress and inspiring the next generation of leaders across Africa and beyond.
