Mark A Kern, DBA

People-Centered Leader Transforming Teams Through Strategic Leadership & Mentoring

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Faith-Based Leadership: Leading with Purpose Beyond the Bottom Line

Posted on 26 June 202524 June 2025 by Mark Kern

In a world often driven by short-term gains and transactional relationships, faith-based leadership offers a compelling alternative—one rooted in purpose, integrity, and trust. While not exclusive to any particular belief system, it centers on guiding principles shaped by enduring values.

At its core, faith-based leadership asks: What anchors your leadership when the path isn’t clear?

For some, it’s a spiritual tradition. For others, it’s a moral compass or a commitment to serve something greater than oneself. Regardless of the source, this type of leadership transcends profit and performance metrics. It prioritizes people. It fosters environments where authenticity, grace, and accountability are not only welcomed but expected.

Here’s what that might look like in practice:

  • Leading with conviction: Decisions aren’t made on convenience alone but on what’s right—even when it’s hard.
  • Building trust through transparency: A faith-based approach doesn’t fear vulnerability. It embraces open dialogue and shared ownership.
  • Valuing every individual: Leadership becomes about stewardship—elevating others, recognizing their unique gifts, and nurturing potential.

Faith-based leadership doesn’t claim perfection. Instead, it encourages reflection. It invites leaders to ask themselves: Am I aligned with my values? Am I creating space for others to thrive?

In a time when leadership can feel increasingly transactional, faith-based leaders remind us that the most powerful influence comes not from authority, but from authenticity.

Whether you lead a team, an organization, or yourself—what grounds you?

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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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