Stories Of Learnings Along The Way

Welcome to Joyous Leadership!  Joyous Leadership – Stories of Learnings Along the Way is the title of my new book that released January 18, 2022. The book chronicles my career and life lessons as I chased happiness but found joy.  I begin with early life experiences and continue to where I am now with lessons and learnings along the way.

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NPR Illinois Interview

Vanessa Ferguson Interviews Mark about Joyous Leadership

Here is a link to listen to National Public Radio’s Vanessa Ferguson Interview Mark about his new book Joyous Leadership: LISTEN

Book Signings and Presentations (A BUSY WEEK!)

February 26th was a weekend to remember for me. It was my first ever book signings and then capped off with a presentation on Monday at Arkansas State University with Chancellor’s Leadership Class.

The weekend started with a book signing on Saturday at the Senior Bees Community center where new and old friends gathered to hear about Joyous Leadership and reminisce on old times. It was great to see new friends and old friends/coworkers from days past. I love my old Trumann team!

Sunday was a day of worship and then another book signing in the lobby of 7th and Mueller’s CEC building. The highlight of this signing was my fourth grade teacher, Betty Gatlin, coming to purchase a book and to get her book signed in person.

Monday we trekked down to Arkansas State University’s Delta Business Center to cap off a long weekend speaking to a wonderful group of students that were selected into the Chancellor’s Leadership Class. I loved their energy and enthusiasm.

Tuesday evening I participated in a private group on Zoom known as the Campfire Leadership Team. This is a group of leaders from across the Midwest and Northeast that gather to energize and support one another. We always enjoy our time together and it never fails that everyone learns something new at each gathering. We are planning a retreat and service project this summer. It will be so good to finally get together again!

To end a busy week, I presented Joyous Leadership to Innovate Springfield. This is a group of leaders that help to serve as an incubator for new business launches. It is such a fun and energizing group to be a part of.

I’m going to slow down a bit next week!

We Have a Cover!

I’m so excited and nervous at the same time. It seems I’m having to make decisions so fast about things I know so little about. I’ve been fortunate to speak with a few other authors for advice, but it seems we all have different circumstances and different objectives that make no two books alike.

The interior layout is still in process along with the back cover and a few other pesky details. As for now, we move a few steps closer. Hardback, paperback, eBook, and audio are all being done simultaneous. Fingers crossed!

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Just A Little Bit Closer

I had Sheryl Crow lyrics in my head all week. Everyday is a winding road, I get a little bit closer. . . This weeks accomplishments:

  1. Kicked off book cover design
  2. Line item editor and proof readers started their work
  3. Copyright filed
  4. ISBN (International Book Standard) identifiers purchased
  5. Secured studio and engineer for audiobook (This was something new and unplanned. So excited!)

My publisher is giving me an estimate of two months. Maybe Christmas will come early this year!

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CRC Commencement

I was fortunate to be able to deliver the commencement address to the 2021 graduating class of Crowley’s Ridge College on May 8th. Listen in as I challenge the graduates and audience to live lives of Joy. My speech was taken from my new book Joyous Leadership, that we are working to have released later this year.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/0Jocb5ussRA?t=2251