Mark A Kern, DBA

People-Centered Leader Transforming Teams Through Strategic Leadership & Mentoring

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Category: Mentoring

🚫 Stop Managing. Start Leading.

Posted on 13 July 202526 July 2025 by Mark Kern

Let’s be blunt:Too many front-line “leaders” are just glorified task managers. ✅ They chase checklists.✅ They monitor productivity.✅ They enforce deadlines.✅ They follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). But leadership? That’s a different game. Leadership is: 💬 Having hard conversations when it’s easier to stay quiet🧠 Coaching instead of controlling📈 Thinking beyond today’s metrics to build…

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Leading from Where You Are At

Posted on 30 June 202526 July 2025 by Mark Kern

  Too often we think “I’ll lead when I get the title,” but leadership doesn’t live in job descriptions—it lives in daily choices. Wherever you sit on the org chart, you can spark change and inspire others today. 1️⃣ Model the behavior you seek.• Speak up with curiosity, not criticism.• Own small wins—celebrate your team’s…

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Dressing Professionally: More Than Just Clothes – It’s Leadership in Action

Posted on 18 June 202526 July 2025 by Mark Kern

First impressions in leadership and mentoring are vital as they establish trust and credibility. A strong introduction fosters psychological safety, encourages open communication, and enhances influence. Positive initial interactions lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, making it essential for leaders to present themselves confidently and approachably to inspire and empower mentees effectively.

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Breaking the Curse of Knowledge in Leadership 

Posted on 18 June 202526 July 2025 by Mark Kern

The Curse of Knowledge hinders effective communication between experts and beginners, leading to confusion. Great leaders combat this by using clear language, checking understanding, and making learning engaging through analogies. Mentorship focuses on teaching rather than merely delivering information, emphasizing clarity over complexity.

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About

Dr. Mark Kern, is a seasoned business administration professional with extensive experience bridging the worlds of federal revenue management and academia.

With a Doctorate of Business Administration from Liberty University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration, and a BS in Business Administration with an Economics Concentration—both from the University of Kansas—Mark has built a distinguished career that combines practical leadership in large organizations with a passion for teaching and mentoring.

Currently serving in senior roles at the Internal Revenue Service, Mark leads teams dedicated to securing delinquent returns and implementing vital tax enforcement strategies. His expertise spans managing complex projects, mentoring emerging leaders through specialized programs, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency. His leadership experience is further bolstered by previous roles in revenue assurance and security, underscoring a career-long commitment to excellence in public service.

Mark’s multifaceted expertise, rigorous academic background, and real-world leadership make him a unique asset in both industry and higher education. He is continually pursuing innovative research, most recently exploring the dynamics of community engagement and financial stewardship within church organizations.

Whether in the classroom or at the helm of critical projects at the IRS, Mark's career is marked by a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and a strategic vision for the future.

Academic Experience

In addition to his federal service, Mark is a dedicated educator. As an Adjunct Instructor at Highland Community College, he has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of business professionals by teaching courses in business fundamentals, accounting, human resources, and personal finance.

His hands-on approach to teaching—characterized by engaging curriculum design, interactive course materials, and individualized support—reflects his belief in empowering students through knowledge.

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