Deon de Klerk
IWAI Certified Consultant
AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops
Mindful Machines
Western Cape / Cape Town
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Meet Deon
My name is Deon de Klerk, and I lead Mindful Machines—a consultancy built around the belief that responsible, human-centered AI can transform businesses when implemented with care and clarity. Mindfulness, for me, is not just a brand; it’s a core value that guides how I approach every client engagement. I believe in being both critical and excited, always asking hard questions while staying open to bold possibilities.
I specialize in delivering AI audits, strategic consulting, and custom AI solutions, often serving as a Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) for organizations navigating the complex world of generative AI. I’ve worked with a wide range of clients—from hospital groups and real estate firms to startups—helping them audit their current use of AI, train their teams, and design tools that unlock real operational value.
One of my proudest partnerships has been with a European real estate investment firm. What started as a basic consultation grew into a long-term, premium engagement where I now serve in a fractional leadership role. Together, we’re developing a reporting assistant that’s set to revolutionize how they operate. I’ve also delivered in-person and virtual trainings to teams as small as six and as large as twenty-five, spanning multiple countries. One in-person workshop for a team of ten was a particular highlight—it reminded me of the power of face-to-face learning and interaction.
My consultancy blends technical expertise with ethical grounding. From the AI Ethics section of the Innovating with AI course, I deepened my understanding of the value local language models bring to data privacy. I’m now exploring how to help clients implement secure, on-premise or cloud-hosted LLMs that never touch the open internet—a game-changer for large organizations concerned with compliance and control.
I’m selective about the clients I work with. A “rockstar client” to me is someone who is engaged, open to learning, and committed to meaningful implementation. I’ve also had to turn clients away when I sensed a mismatch in values or expectations. In every case, I strive to provide value—even if that means directing someone elsewhere.
Technically, I rely on tools like Zapier for automation, Supabase with PostgreSQL for data storage, Gemini for generative AI, and a blend of custom-coded platforms and Botpress for user interfaces. My own survey platform is a good example of how I build tools tailored to client needs. While audio/visual tools aren’t a core focus for me, I occasionally use Gemini’s built-in video capabilities when needed.
At Mindful Machines, I’m here to help your team work more mindfully with AI—building trust, capability, and real-world results.
- Website: mindfulmachines.co.za
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deondeklerk
- Languages Spoken: English, AF: Afrikaans
Deon‘s Industries and Focus Areas:
Accounting & Bookkeeping, Agriculture & Farming, Auto Repair & Dealerships, Beauty & Wellness, Brick-and-Mortar Retail, Cannabis, Catering Services, Cleaning Services, Construction, Consulting & Coaching, Content Creation & Social Media, Corporate Training, Delivery & Courier Services, Dental Clinics, E-commerce, Electrical Services, Electronics & Components, Fashion & Apparel, Fitness & Personal Training, Food & Beverage Production, Graphic Design, Grocery & Food Stores, Health Tech & Telemedicine, Hotels & Lodging, HVAC & Plumbing, Industrial Equipment & Machinery, Insurance Agencies, Landscaping, Legal Services, Light Manufacturing, Marketing & Advertising, Mental Health & Counseling, Nonprofits & NGOs, Online Course Creators, Pest Control, Pet Services, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Private Medical Practices, Private Schools & Daycares, Real Estate Agencies, Religious Organizations, Restaurants & Cafés, Trucking & Freight, Tutoring & Test Prep, Video Production, Wellness & Nutrition, Workforce Development
Get in Touch with Deon de Klerk
An Innovating with AI Certified Consultant
Innovating with AI Certified Consultant
Deon de Klerk is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Deon has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Deon‘s track record delivering high-end client services.
Certification Date: Sept. 2025 – Present
Certification ID: cDrlTX7hSt
