Meet Martha van Berkel, Hunch Manifest’s co-founder and energetic customer engagement lead.  You can find Martha on Google+, Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn.  When we spoke to her she was pumped up about their Semantic Search Marketing services, and about how they really want to be North America’s #honestmarketing company!

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in West Vancouver, BC (well mostly, I spent 7 of my first 18 years living in Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto).  I studied Applied Math and Mechnical Engineering at Queen’s University and took Strategy and Innovation at MIT.   Growing up I was a competitive field hockey player, loved playing trombone in the high school R&B band, and competed at the global level in Creative Problem Solving.   I have always been active in the community, growing up I was a sports coach and camp leader.  Most recently in Toronto, I was the Community Chair for the Junior League of Toronto, and the founder of the Queen’s Young Engineering Alumni.   I worked at Cisco for 14 years, primarily in strategy and innovation in Services.

What do you do at Hunch Manifest?

I am the co-founder focused on customers. This means I do sales, customer service, marketing, and some operations. If the role involves being in the community and speaking to businesses, you can be sure that I will be there.    The best part of my job is when I get to put together strategies for our clients and celebrate results /wins in their online presence.  We most recently formally launched our Semantic Search Marketing offerings, and I am really pumped up to be working with large enterprise customers again.  I worked with large clients in my time at Cisco and am energized to be working with leaders and visionaries at large companies again.

Why do you like working for Hunch?

I have always been an entrepreneur at heart, and today I get to live it each and every day. I have a passion for helping people, and the ability to connect the dots. My role at Hunch allows me to combine these two super powers and bring value to the business community.  I also love building our business, making FAST decisions and growing our team.  Each day is different and I am constantly learning.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I have always wanted to be a Mom and a General Manager.  I am already a Mom and as the co-founder of Hunch I have GM responsibilities. I now think about what I want to do when I “retire”. I think I’ll study Naturopathy or Ayerveda to explore my passion for natural health.

Name 3 fun facts about Martha.

I am a risk taker, and like causing good “trouble”.

I love to sing along to songs, but NEVER know the words. So I make them up and keep on singing!

I wanted to be an Actress when I was young, hence why I like to use video so much!

What is your favorite website?

Gluten Free Goddess – I love to cook and eat gluten free !

What is the last book you read (that has to do with work)?

Duct Tape Marketing

Who are your career influencers?

• My Father – Roger Garriock. He worked at IBM for 30+ years and inspired me to go into Tech.
• My Mother – Faith Garriock. She has used her entrepreneurial skills to build and grow a non profit across BC and Canada.  She taught me that you can do anything if you put your heart, hard work and mind to it.
• Tim Ferris – I read his 4 hour work week when I was working at Cisco and it inspired me to live life differently and challenge the 9-5.
• Ana Pinczuk – My mentor at Cisco, now at Symantec. She is a strategic thinker, change maker and inspiring leader.  She always challenged me to go big and leap.

What is your favourite social media medium?

Based on time spent on a social media platform, I have to admit to being addicted to Facebook. This is because it allows me to stay connected to my friends, family and colleagues around the world.

When are you most productive?

1-4pm. Some people are morning people, some are nigh hawks. Me, I am a day person!