Mark A Kern, DBA

People-Centered Leader Transforming Teams Through Strategic Leadership & Mentoring

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Lead Like Jesus: A Radical Model for Modern Leadership

Posted on 29 September 2025 by Mark Kern

In today’s business world, leadership is too often measured by titles, authority, and outcomes. But the leaders who leave the deepest mark don’t rely on control—they inspire through humility, service, and integrity. True influence comes not from being in charge, but from lifting others up.

That’s the radical invitation of leading like Jesus.

🧭 Leadership Reframed

Jesus’ leadership was not about titles or positions. It was about:

  • Serving first: Washing feet before giving commands.
  • Empowering others: Sending out disciples with trust, not micromanagement.
  • Modeling integrity: Living the values He taught, even when it cost Him.

This flips the script on traditional leadership. Instead of asking, “How many people report to me?” the question becomes, “How many people am I serving?”

🔑 Three Anchors of Leading Like Jesus

  • Heart – Motives matter. Are you leading for personal gain or to elevate others?
  • Head – Vision matters. Do you see people as assets or as individuals with purpose?
  • Hands – Action matters. Do your daily choices reflect humility, courage, and service?

💡 Why This Matters in Business

  • Trust accelerates performance: Teams thrive when leaders put people first.
  • Humility drives innovation: Leaders who admit they don’t have all the answers create space for creativity.
  • Service builds legacy: Titles fade, but the impact of serving others endures.

🚀 A Call to Action

Leading like Jesus isn’t about religion. It’s about a timeless leadership philosophy that challenges us to:

  • Put people before profit.
  • Choose humility over ego.
  • Lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.

The best leaders don’t just manage results—they transform lives.

✨ Reflection Prompt for Leaders:

Next time you step into a meeting, ask yourself:

Am I here to be served, or to serve?

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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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