Vicus Burger
Strategic Transformation Executive & C-Suite Advisor
20+ Years Executive Leadership | $2B+ Combined Client/Employer Revenue | Multi-Sector Transformation
Strategic transformation executive and C-suite advisor with over two decades of experience architecting enterprise-wide change programs and shaping commercial strategy. Grounded in an engineering mindset, applying first-principles thinking and analytical rigor to translate complex data ecosystems and AI-driven intelligence into actionable boardroom strategy with measurable commercial impact. Trusted partner to CEOs and boards, leading high-stakes negotiations, designing resilient operating models, and institutionalizing data-led decision frameworks that sustain competitive advantage.
About Me
I am a visionary business transformation leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence through data-driven strategies. My expertise spans advanced analytics, AI/ML implementation, and executive advisory across diverse industries.
Throughout my career, I have successfully led high-stakes initiatives, optimized end-to-end data architectures, and developed executive reporting ecosystems that empower C-suite decision-making. My passion lies in bridging the gap between technical complexity and business value.
From turning around underperforming manufacturing plants to building cutting-edge AI-powered analytics platforms, I bring a unique combination of engineering mindset, strategic thinking, and executive-level communication.
Leadership Philosophy
Strategic vision meets analytical rigor
Strategic Visionary
Big-picture thinking that envisions future states and identifies transformational opportunities
Analytical Rigor
Data-driven decision-making grounded in quantitative analysis and technical depth
Results Executor
Performance-focused implementation that delivers measurable business outcomes
My leadership approach is grounded in a rare combination of capabilities validated through professional assessments (HBDI, Gallup StrengthsFinder): I am a whole-brain leader who operates across strategic vision, analytical problem-solving, and operational execution.
I lead through strategic clarity and measurable results. My approach balances innovation with accountability—I envision transformational futures while building data-driven roadmaps to achieve them. I simplify complexity, translating technical architectures into business value that resonates with C-suite stakeholders.
I invest in developing talent while maintaining performance focus. I believe the best teams combine diverse thinking styles, and I create environments where data-led decision-making becomes cultural, not just procedural. My track record demonstrates that strategic vision without execution is just aspiration—I deliver both.
Validated Strengths
HBDI Profile: Dominant strategic/innovative thinking (D-90) combined with analytical rigor (A-78). Gallup: Exceptional in Focus, Performance, Orchestration, and Investment.
Unique Differentiator
Most leaders are either visionaries or analysts. I am both—a strategic thinker with engineering discipline, capable of inspiring vision while delivering data-driven execution.
Leadership Competencies
Assessment-validated interpersonal and leadership capabilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Articulates compelling future states and builds data-driven roadmaps to achieve transformational goals. Balances innovation with accountability.
Collaborative Team Building
Builds productive, harmonious teams through inclusive leadership. Leverages relationships and fosters environments where diverse thinking styles thrive.
Executive Communication & Influence
Translates complex technical architectures into clear business value. Persuades and motivates stakeholders through tailored messaging and active listening.
Talent Development & Coaching
Invests in developing people for organizational benefit. Teaches, shares authority, and encourages growth through supportive, collaborative mentorship.
Change Management & Consensus Building
Builds consensus before making exceptions to policy. Manages transformation through empathy, understanding team dynamics and interpersonal relations.
Stakeholder Engagement & Negotiation
Skilled at understanding stakeholder needs and finding mutually beneficial solutions. Builds trust through genuine interest and responsive communication.
Complete Leadership Profile: The combination of strategic vision (HBDI), analytical rigor (Gallup), and decisive execution (PI, ENTJ) creates a rare executive profile capable of driving transformation through both technical excellence and strategic command.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Competencies
Executive-level emotional intelligence validated through global training program (Vienna, 2007) and 360-degree assessments
Self-Awareness
Deep understanding of personal strengths, limitations, and emotional triggers. Recognizes how behavior impacts team dynamics and organizational culture.
Self-Management
Maintains composure under pressure during high-stakes negotiations and crisis situations. Demonstrates adaptability and resilience through organizational change.
Social Awareness
Reads organizational dynamics and stakeholder concerns accurately. Demonstrates empathy in understanding diverse perspectives across cultures and hierarchies.
Relationship Management
Builds trust and rapport with C-suite executives, board members, and cross-functional teams. Manages conflict constructively and inspires commitment to shared vision.
EQ + IQ Leadership: The combination of high emotional intelligence with strategic thinking (HBDI) and analytical rigor (Gallup) enables effective leadership across technical complexity and human dynamics—essential for driving transformation in complex organizations.
Core Expertise
Comprehensive capabilities spanning strategy, technology, and operations
Commercial Strategy & Enterprise Transformation
- • Commercial Strategy Formulation
- • Business Model Innovation & Design
- • Enterprise-Wide Transformation Architecture
- • Operating Model Redesign
- • Strategic Partnerships & Alliance Management
- • Board & C-Suite Advisory
- • P&L & Investment Decision Influence
Strategic Intelligence & Data Architecture
- • Enterprise Data Strategy & Governance
- • Executive Decision Intelligence Platforms
- • Advanced Analytics & AI/ML Strategy
- • Cloud Architecture (AWS, Azure, Snowflake)
- • Predictive Analytics & Scenario Modelling
- • Digital Innovation Strategy
Transformation Execution & Leadership
- • Enterprise Change Programme Management
- • Turnaround & Business Rescue Leadership
- • High-Stakes Stakeholder Negotiations
- • Cross-Functional Enterprise Leadership
- • Strategic Vendor & Partner Management
- • Organisational Culture & Performance Transformation
Professional Journey
28+ years of leadership across major organizations
Executive Director, Business Rescue Leader
Leading the strategic turnaround of a 75-year-old national institute through informal business rescue, driving systemic change across finance, operations, and governance.
Founder & Strategic Advisor, Enterprise Data & Analytics
Strategic advisory practice serving C-suite executives across telecommunications, financial services, and manufacturing. Architected enterprise data ecosystems and commercial strategy frameworks for $2B+ in combined client revenue.
Director of Reporting (BPO)
Led strategic transformation of enterprise reporting for US-based outsourcing client. Architected scalable data ecosystems and advanced analytics platforms to drive business performance and competitive differentiation.
Executive Leadership: Strategic Operations & Commercial Strategy
Held multiple executive roles including Executive Head of Regions, Strategic Operations, and Product Management. Architected business transformation through advanced analytics, AI/ML, and strategic operating model redesign.
Senior Leadership: Operational Excellence & Commercial Transformation
Featured Transformations
Major initiatives delivering measurable business impact
Strategic Reporting Transformation
Architected enterprise-wide AI-driven reporting system for 400-hotel BPO, establishing real-time executive decision intelligence and eliminating operational delays.
Strategic Network Transformation
Architected and led $1.3B network outsourcing strategy and negotiation with MTN. Transformed cost structure and operational model through high-stakes commercial partnership.
Enterprise Turnaround & AI Integration
Orchestrating strategic turnaround of 75-year-old national institute through informal business rescue. Architecting AI ecosystem, governance reform, and sustainable operating model.
Operational Excellence Transformation
Architected operational turnaround of globally underperforming plant into top-quartile performer. Led through complex labour crisis while maintaining 70% production capability.
Technical Skills
Comprehensive technology stack and methodologies
Data Engineering & Cloud
Business Intelligence & Analytics
Methodologies & Frameworks
Education & Certifications
B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering
MSc Packaging Technology
Data Scientist in R
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.)
Emotional Intelligence & MBTI
Government Certificate of Competency (Factories)
Management Development Program (MDP)
Packaging Management Development Program
Get in Touch
Let's discuss how I can help transform your business