Mark A Kern, DBA

People-Centered Leader Transforming Teams Through Strategic Leadership & Mentoring

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🚫 Stop Managing. Start Leading.

Posted on 13 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 tomorrow’s momentum

If your calendar is full but your team feels stagnant…
If your meetings are efficient but your people aren’t growing…
You’re managing tasks, not leading people.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Being a great individual contributor doesn’t mean you’re ready to lead.

So, are you clinging to comfort—or committing to growth?

The transition is hard. It’s humbling. It’s worth it.

Because real leadership starts when you stop doing all the work—and start developing the people who do it.

#Leadership #FrontlineLeadership #NewManagers #PeopleDevelopment #LeadingNotManaging #ManagerToLeader

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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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  • Why Your Front-Line Managers Are Failing – And It’s Your Fault
  • 🚫 Stop Managing. Start Leading.
  • Your First 30 Days as a Front-Line Manager: What No One Tells You
  • Managing Up: Influencing Without Authority
  • Leading from Where You Are At
©2025 Mark A Kern, DBA

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