Mark B. Cork

Background

About Mark B. Cork

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.” (Max DuPree, former CEO and leadership expert) I’ve observed that the greatest leaders model an attitude of service and passion rather than leading by either power or virtue of their position. A leader who “tells it like it is” and empowers people to find ways “to do it better” develops a unique kind of trust with those he or she leads. A leader who is passionate about accomplishing a shared vision creates a culture of positivity and success. A leader who leads up, down, and laterally builds relationships that make a difference, both in productivity and passion for the work. A leader who makes connections, brings clarity where there is confusion, and makes abstract ideas relevant unites people around a goal or cause. A leader who understands that appreciating people and their contributions is not only important, it is critical. I aspire to be that type of leader. A person on one of my teams recently said, “You are a different kind of leader. The way you bring people together is not only exceptional but rare.” Another said, “There’s a lack of leaders who are perceived as relevant by younger people and a gaping void of leaders who actually manage and lead well. You are both. Somehow, you’ve managed to understand, relate to, and even become millennial. You reach past your own generation.” I have led varied groups of people in both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. And I enjoy all of it: leading, communicating, raising funds, casting vision, creating culture. I don’t believe the world needs more marketers, fundraisers, or brand evangelists. I do believe the world needs more experts who are passionate about changing the status quo.