I'm Mark Akazawa, an AI training specialist with 20+ years in professional audio/video production and a rich voice performance background. I contribute voice recordings, audio annotation, dataset evaluation, and quality assurance for AI speech and language models, and I've supported text, audio, visual, and multimodal training projects. I blend technical precision with hands-on experience in audio engineering, video production, live event systems, and vocal performance. I excel at following complex guidelines, maintaining consistency across large datasets, and surfacing edge cases that help models perform more accurately, all while collaborating effectively with remote teams across multiple projects.

Mark Akazawa

I'm Mark Akazawa, an AI training specialist with 20+ years in professional audio/video production and a rich voice performance background. I contribute voice recordings, audio annotation, dataset evaluation, and quality assurance for AI speech and language models, and I've supported text, audio, visual, and multimodal training projects. I blend technical precision with hands-on experience in audio engineering, video production, live event systems, and vocal performance. I excel at following complex guidelines, maintaining consistency across large datasets, and surfacing edge cases that help models perform more accurately, all while collaborating effectively with remote teams across multiple projects.

Available to hire

I’m Mark Akazawa, an AI training specialist with 20+ years in professional audio/video production and a rich voice performance background. I contribute voice recordings, audio annotation, dataset evaluation, and quality assurance for AI speech and language models, and I’ve supported text, audio, visual, and multimodal training projects.

I blend technical precision with hands-on experience in audio engineering, video production, live event systems, and vocal performance. I excel at following complex guidelines, maintaining consistency across large datasets, and surfacing edge cases that help models perform more accurately, all while collaborating effectively with remote teams across multiple projects.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

AI Training & Annotation Specialist at Various clients (TransPerfect, Data Annotation, Outlier AI, Telus AI, Mercor)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Provide voice recordings for AI speech and language model training; evaluate and annotate model outputs across text, audio, and visual datasets for clarity, accuracy, tone, and factual correctness; perform transcription, rewriting, preference ranking, and rubric-based grading; conduct quality assurance on training datasets and identify errors, inconsistencies, and edge cases; support iterative model improvement through structured feedback and detailed evaluation protocols; work across multiple concurrent projects with varying guidelines and technical requirements.
Voice Over Performer & Actor at Freelance / Independent
January 1, 1996 - Present
Professional voice and on-camera performer for film, television, commercial, and corporate projects; recorded voice over for commercials, narration, character work, and instructional content; developed vocal control, timing, pronunciation precision, and microphone technique; interpreted scripts and followed technical direction; maintained consistency across multi-session recordings and long production schedules.
Operations & AI Consulting at Independent Consulting
January 1, 2024 - Present
Advise organizations on operational strategy, workflow design, automation, and AI adoption; design systems for process optimization, data management, and scalability; develop proposals for operational efficiency, digital transformation, and AI-enabled workflows; support clients in integrating AI tools into business processes and aligning strategy with practical implementation.
Project & Office Manager at Paper Street Solutions
January 1, 2025 - Present
Direct research, documentation, and deliverable tracking for consulting projects; manage client communication and multi-project coordination; design websites and digital assets; create workflow, reporting, and documentation frameworks to improve project quality and consistency.
Digital Marketing Representative at MA Social Media Marketing
January 1, 2022 - Present
Plan and execute organic digital marketing campaigns for small businesses; develop content strategy, copywriting, and publishing schedules; analyze engagement metrics and optimize messaging and timing for improved reach.
Operations Lead at Jazoo Courier Express
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2025
Managed daily logistics operations, subcontractors, and client relationships for regional courier service; designed scalable systems for delivery efficiency, reporting accuracy, and operational reliability; oversaw budgeting, scheduling, performance tracking, and continuous improvement; built foundation in process optimization and data-driven decision making.
Audio/Video Production & Live Events at Various companies (Allstar Show Industries, Production Lighting, Proshow AV, Christie Lites, Evolution AV, Inland AV, Backstage Support Services)
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 2016
Held technical and management roles across live event production including Operations Manager, Shop Manager, Sales Manager, Crew Chief, and AV/Lighting Technician; supervised technical setups, equipment logistics, and crew coordination for major live events, broadcasts, and permanent installations; operated and maintained professional audio, video, and lighting systems; implemented workflows for efficiency, safety, and project delivery.

Education

Professional Certificate at University of Toronto
August 1, 2025 - September 29, 2025
Bachelor of Business Operations at DeVry Institute of Technology (Calgary)
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Leading with Foresight at Ontario College of Art and Design
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content at University of Pennsylvania – Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Content Marketing Using Generative AI at University of Virginia Darden School Foundation
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Marketing Analytics Foundation at Meta
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Futures Thinking Specialization at Institute for the Future
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Operations Management at University of Illinois
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Business Information Management and Measurements at University of Illinois
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Human Capital: Teams, Unions, and Change Management at University of Michigan
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Negotiation Fundamentals at ESSEC Business School
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Preparing to Manage Human Resources at University of Minnesota
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Essential Skills for First-Time Managers at Coursera
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Class 5Q Operator’s License at Government of Alberta
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Qualifications

Class 5Q Operator’s License
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education