Mark A Kern, DBA

People-Centered Leader Transforming Teams Through Strategic Leadership & Mentoring

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Leading from Where You Are At

Posted on 30 June 202530 June 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 progress in that weekly stand-up or Slack channel.
• Show up early, stay late, volunteer to mentor a colleague.

2️⃣ Influence through service.
“Whoever wants to be first must be servant of all” (Mark 10:44). A simple act—helping someone edit a deck, grabbing coffee for a teammate under deadline—builds trust and creates momentum.

3️⃣ Plant tiny nudges.
Behavioral science tells us that small, positive reminders can shift mindsets. Drop a thank-you note, share an article that solved a problem, or invite someone for a quick brainstorming chat. These micro-actions fuel a culture of ownership.

4️⃣ Connect your work to purpose.
When you tie your tasks—even the routine ones—to the bigger mission, you transform “busy work” into “impact work.” Ask yourself each morning: How does today’s work serve our customers, our team, our values?

Leading from where you are isn’t about waiting for the corner office. It’s about choosing influence over authority, service over status, and purpose over position—starting now. Who will you lead today?
———
🔹 What’s one small action you can take this week to lead from where you sit?
🔹 Share this with a peer who inspires you by leading without a title.

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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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  • Leading from Where You Are At
  • Operating a Business with a Christian Worldview: Stewardship, Service, and Sustainable Growth
  • Faith-Based Leadership: Leading with Purpose Beyond the Bottom Line
  • Small Shifts, Big Impact: How Nudge Theory Shapes Smarter Decisions
  • Letting Go to Lead Forward: The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Leadership
©2025 Mark A Kern, DBA

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