Mattheus Rikus Wessels

From talent to storytelling. Shining a light on people making a difference.

About

I work at the intersection of people, ideas, and creativity. At Tall Giraffe Video, I coordinate projects from the first client call to final delivery, making sure stories come to life and the process behind them runs smoothly. Alongside this, I founded Talent Atlas, where I help professionals sharpen their CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and interview skills so they can step forward with clarity and confidence.My career has stretched across South Africa, Europe, the US, and Asia. I’ve taught, led teams, built HR systems from scratch, and managed global hiring for creative projects. Through it all, one theme has stayed constant: building spaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to grow.I’ve worked with teachers, designers, editors, and strategists from Brazil to Korea, India to Vietnam. Every project and partnership has taught me something new about how people connect, collaborate, and create meaning in their work.Today, I bring that experience into two worlds: creative production and career consulting. Whether it’s delivering a campaign or helping someone land the next chapter of their career, my focus is on making the journey human, thoughtful, and purposeful.

Professional Experience

  • Director of Global Strategy and People Management

  • Talent Acquisition Specialist

  • Recruiter

  • Corporate Communications Manager

  • Team Manager & Educational Program Coordinator

  • Head ESL Teacher

  • Project Manager

  • ESL Content Editor

  • Growth Manager

  • Academic Writing

Key Professional Achievements

  • Expertise in Recruitment: Over 7 years of recruitment experience, including roles at OrangeCat Global and Son's Edu, focusing on international hiring and building effective teams. Demonstrated success in hiring for diverse roles, including sourcing and managing creative talent for global projects.

  • Educational Innovation and Curriculum Development: Directed curriculum development and educational material publication for Son's Edu, ensuring engaging and effective content for learners. Created several reading passages for an intermediate-level textbook, covering a wide range of topics.

  • Training and Development: Trained and mentored Korean branch directors and international teaching staff, enhancing professional development and intercultural collaboration. Developed training programs that supported employee growth and improved team performance.

  • Successful Project Management: Led cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines. Outsourced and managed creative projects, including producing 2D animated videos for YouTube at OrangeCat Global.

  • Academic Excellence: Earned a Master's in International Human Resources Management with a GPA of 25/30 (3.5 US) from the Rome Business School, reflecting a strong theoretical foundation in HR practices. Successfully transitioned academic insights into practical solutions for international HR challenges.

  • Recognition for Professional Writing and Editing: Secured a role as a writer and editor with IAPWE, showcasing expertise in crafting high-quality content and attention to detail.

  • Cultural and Cross-border Collaboration: Gained experience working across South Africa, South Korea, and globally, developing strong intercultural communication and collaboration skills.