What could happen to you if you keep doing things the same way?

I burn out and decide that I don't want to do this anymore.

I keep feeling guilty that my family gets what's left of me at the end of the day.

I stop growing as a leader.

I feel stuck and my career path screeches to a halt.

I let my physical health suffer.

I let my mental health suffer.

I have been where you are. I know how to help make it better. I want to hear more about your biggest struggle. 

I want you to stop and think about your life six months from today. I want you to think about how you would feel if the following things were true about you:

• My days are rarely controlled by the "tyranny of the urgent," and I actually work on my important tasks almost every day.
• I have reconnected with the deep meaning and true passion behind why I got into education in the first place.
• I have grown my leadership skills and experience and I am ready for the next big step in my career.
• I have created sustainable boundaries between school and home, and it is actually rare to have a school issue or a parent living "rent-free" in my head.
• I have a few months under my belt in my new leadership position and I feel confident and energized.
• I am no longer checking my work email all day long at school or all evening at home.
• I no longer feel guilty that my family gets what's left of me because I am spending quality time with them and I am truly present.
• I have a happy and fulfilling career and I want to be a private school leader for a long time.

Right now, that might sound like a dream or a fairy tale, but I have helped dozens of leaders make that dream a reality.

Coaching is not about information. It is about transformation.

There is all kinds of free information out there. Blog posts. Podcasts. Books. YouTube Videos. If you could get the transformation that you need by consuming free content, you would have done it already.

There is a reason that people hire personal trainers, financial advisors and coaches. It's because they need someone who has already walked the path before them, who can give them a plan and give them a mixture of encouragement and accountability.

There are so many great stories that follow the hero's journey. A hero has a problem. They meet a guide. The guide gives the hero a plan. The hero follows the plan. The hero has a climactic scene when they overcome the problem, usually in dramatic fashion!

• Luke Skywalker wants to destroy The Empire and overcome the dark side of the force. Luke meets Yoda who teaches him how to become a Jedi and gives him a plan. Luke defeats Darth Vader and helps the Rebels defeat The Empire
• Katniss Everdeen needs to save her sister and win the Hunger Games without losing her morality. She meets Haymitch who gives her a plan. Katniss wins the Hunger Games without killing Peeta.
• Frodo must destroy the ring before it destroys him. He meets Gandalf who gives him a plan. Frodo survives a treacherous journey, destroys the ring and saves Middle Earth.

OK, so what do Luke, Katniss and Frodo have to do with you? You are the hero! Your problem is that you are trying to do a job that is almost impossible, while avoiding burnout and trying not to be a jerk to your family. I want to be your guide. I want to give you a plan. I want to help you get to your "climactic scene" where you overcome the tyranny of the urgent and you feel happy and fulfilled and energized at school and at home. 

1-on-1 Coaching is where this transformation will take place.

"Before I even met Mark, I felt like he was already a mentor and friend. I had been an avid listener of his podcast for years, and when I stepped into a new leadership role, I knew I needed guidance. That’s when I decided to pursue coaching with Mark—and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Every leader needs a coach, and Mark is truly exceptional. What sets him apart is how he blends research-backed strategies with practical, real-world advice. Each session is filled with actionable insights that leave me feeling energized, confident, and ready to tackle any challenge.

Working with Mark has been a transformative experience for my leadership journey. He’s not just my coach—he’s my secret superpower!"

Margaret, Head of School, Nashville, TN

"Before working with Mark I felt good enough to get the job done.  I knew how to build relationships and support faculty and students.  What I didn’t know was how to not have it consume my life. I struggled with boundaries and wanting to be available for anyone and everyone at any hour of the day.  I took care of everyone but myself and my family.

Working with Mark has allowed me to be the best version of myself at school and at home, something that I believe all administrators struggle to admit.  Creating healthy boundaries, focusing on myself and family, have allowed me to be even more productive at school.  Being able to walk out the door at 4:30PM every day and not think about school until the next morning is in large part thanks to Mark.”

Paul, Principal, Missouri

"When I joined Mark’s coaching program, I honestly didn't know if I could continue in my role. I felt discouraged and overwhelmed.  My days were spent running in circles and not feeling like I was truly making much progress.  I wasn't sure if I was where the Lord wanted me and felt like I was a failure at home as a mother and wife. 

Those I loved most, were often neglected while the school took up much of my head and heart space. After our work together, I have found it is true, it is possible to go from surviving to thriving!  With some necessary changes, I know I can be another testimonial for your program. While the future doesn't look certain, I know I have what I need to navigate the days ahead."

Starla, Administrator, Buford, GA

"Working with Mark has truly transformed my approach to leadership. His guidance has not only streamlined my responsibilities but has also boosted my confidence and helped me recognize my own value. I now feel like a stronger and more capable leader, all thanks to Mark's support. 

Mark has helped me refine my daily approach, from prioritizing tasks to managing my time more effectively through email scheduling. As a result, I feel more focused and productive than ever before.

This positive change hasn't just impacted my professional life; it has also spilled over into my personal life, making me a happier and more balanced individual. I now realize that I can excel as a leader while also being my best self in all aspects of my life. Working with Mark has been a game changer, and I'm incredibly grateful for his guidance."

Steve Springer, Associate Head of School, Santa Monica, CA

Let's make sure that you get answers to all of your questions! 

Click on the most frequently asked questions below. If you have additional questions, please email me at [email protected]

"I am profoundly grateful for the transformative impact Mark has had on my professional journey. With his unwavering support, I've experienced a remarkable shift in my work-life balance, approaches to leadership, and overall wellbeing as a school leader.

Mark helped me cultivate a deeper understanding of my priorities and boundaries, empowering me to reclaim control over my schedule and prioritize self-care without compromising my effectiveness as a leader.  By challenging me to explore new perspectives and approaches, Mark has empowered me to unlock my full potential and lead with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

I wholeheartedly recommend Mark to anyone seeking to elevate their leadership journey and cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life as a school leader."

Chandini, Head of School, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

"This is my 4th year as the principal of a PK-12 grade school. We've gone through a lot of changes as we have grown in the last few years, and to meet the challenges created by the growth, I just took on more and more responsibilities, to the point where I felt like I was doing so many different things but none of them well. 

Mark has helped me to identify and prioritize tasks to focus on as the leader, as well as those that need to be delegated to others. It's made such a difference in how I feel about and approach my daily existence as a private school leader. Our coaching sessions have also helped me to define and re-affirm healthy boundaries for my work, and allowed me to gain perspective on appropriate expectations for work-life blend in the leadership position I hold. 

As a principal, I am surrounded by tons of people, but few understand the weight of leadership, especially in a private school. Mark has years of personal experience and hard-earned wisdom to draw from, so his advice is highly practical and super helpful!"

Vanessa, Principal, Minnesota

"Administrative life and family life often can come into conflict. Mark provided me with some simple, yet powerful tools for reclaiming time at home that too often I was using for work rather than being present with my wife and kids. 

I learned that it is OK to open up about my needs and frustrations. School leaders hear a lot of vents, it is good to be able to vent yourself sometimes! I also picked up some powerful tools that make a huge difference for managing small “rocks.” Small adjustments in scheduling my day, managing personalities, and thinking forward can have exponential returns when consistently applied.

Working with Mark helped center and refocus me and I am already seeing daily benefits. My time with family is more rewarding and I don’t carry the same guilt I used to when giving my family dedicated time and attention. 

My school is doing more “leading itself” as I have started to implement needed processes. Mark’s coaching helped provide perspective on those processes and instilled the confidence to then step back and let them work."

Mark, Principal, Albuquerque, NM

Instead of finishing the school year feeling completely burned out, I feel satisfied with the school year and ready to utilize the summer to continue to advance. I enjoy my work more than I ever have.

I think sometimes the cost of coaching seems high, but I would challenge you with this: what is the cost if you burn out at your position? What is the cost if you sacrifice your own mental or physical health? I hope that you reach out to Mark. You won't regret it."

Lindsay, Head of School, Iowa

"I LOVE being a private school leader. I knew that I could not maintain the crazy long work hours trying to complete an exhaustive to-do list while feeling like I was accomplishing nothing on time. That's where Mark came in! He has helped me learn to be much more strategic with a must do list, to take control of my calendar, and to claim time for working towards future goals for our campus! 

This is my third year as a private school leader, and I felt more relaxed at the start of the year than ever before. My daughter recently commented to me that she has been so excited to see me be more present with family.

School brings me so much joy! I have also found a renewed joy for my hobbies without feeling guilty or fearing that I was letting down my school."

Michelle, High School Principal, Arkansas

My experience working with Mark and following his sessions on Thrive Academy were inspiring. Overall, both restored my vision of the type of leader I want to be.  More specifically, the lesson "Throw a Starfish" resonated with me.  It reminded me that what I do makes a difference and helped me "Find my why."  

Mark helped me unearth my core identity and values, which had been buried in years of school minutiae. Now, I am reinvigorated and optimistic about what the future holds as a school leader.

Andy, Director of High School Placement, Charleston, SC

"The main challenge I had when I started coaching was a feeling of not quite knowing how to prioritize ALL of the elements of this very demanding job. 

Taking back my “white space” and being a visible and active leader were my two biggest lightbulb moments in coaching with Mark. I feel like Mark gave me the tools and the permission to get out from behind my desk and be on the campus and in the classroom.

I'm feeling confident that our school year is starting in a good place. I have excited teachers and happy families."

Sarah, Head of School, Ojai, CA

“Before coaching I was struggling with self-doubt in my role and leadership capabilities. I was checking my email WAY too often throughout the day and into the night, which led to me being trapped and controlled by other people's priorities and stress.

I can confidently say that I rarely check my email when I am at home and I have developed systems to claim space in my day to help me prioritize what is most important in the work that I do.

I'm focusing on the wins throughout my week, spending time doing the work that needs to be done, and making space to do things at work and home that bring me joy! The confidence I have in my job has never been higher, and I attribute this to Mark's coaching!”

Kym, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Iowa

"I've learned a lot during my time working with Mark, from hacks for scheduling my calendar to systematically setting priorities.

More than anything, though, Mark has been a productive, positive, and powerful sounding board for me. Mark has the intimate experience and understanding of how schools work, but the critical distance from my school and my colleagues to reframe specific school issues in a way that clarifies my thinking.

I started this program with the ten session coaching package, but intend to continue our regular meetings because his coaching is improving my performance."

Ryan, President, Medford, OR

"Saying yes to Mark's coaching sessions means one is willing to lean into the value of self-awareness. Leadership requires continued reflection, development, education, and in all honesty, transparency and hard truths. Mark's coaching sessions provide these things and more. The intangible part of his coaching comes in the form of weekly intentional conversations reassuring you that you are not alone in this difficult, but important work.

Mark's guided practice and intentional questioning have provided me with perspective and understanding; relatable to each and every position I have been blessed to hold. Mark provides: tips on managing the work/home parallel; strategies to organize your daily calendar and workflow; and 'how-to' resources and tools for building collegial and personal relationships with healthy boundaries. All of which I call adjacently possible to the current challenges and obstacles that we face as private school leaders. 

Prior to my sessions with Mark, I felt reactive more than proactive, but as he continued to walk alongside me on the adventure, I welcomed new moments of contentment, self-affirmation, and validation. My work has become intentional. What we do is hard, but it's made possible with mentors like Mark. I encourage you to say, yes."

Sarah, Head of Upper School, Lafayette, Louisiana

"I found myself drowning in the multitude of responsibilities that came with being an Assistant Head of School.  I felt little joy in the day to day. It bled into every single aspect of my personal life in ways I was entirely unaware. I had no "work/life balance"; that term felt foreign, unattainable and the concept laughable.

A fellow Assistant Head of School referred me to Mark. I was skeptical about his ability to help me make the sort of grand change I believed needed to happen in order for me to stay in the field of independent school leadership. Furthermore, I was skeptical about what a white man might possibly understand about my personal struggles as an Asian leader of a private school. 

Mark was gentle, kind, and listened deeply before offering any solutions. A father of three daughters, he was empathetic to my experience. I felt he intuitively and compassionately understood.  Session by session, he helped me  organize my schedule with a fine-tooth comb and reframe my thinking about work and my self worth. These powerful insights and changes led to small alterations in my day- which then led to transformational change thereafter. It is only in small changes that one can step back and see the ripple effects of them. 

He reminded me, week by week, of what I've accomplished, and why I deserve what I have earned. 

I now have a restored sense of passion for my job- not always and everyday- but certainly more than enough to continue on my educational leadership path for the foreseeable future."

Maria, Assistant Head of School, Los Angeles, CA

"Before I started coaching, I felt like I was navigating uncharted waters with little guidance or support. I often found myself overwhelmed, doubting my abilities, and unsure of the next steps to take. The combination of increased responsibilities and my own lack of experience left me feeling as though I was constantly treading water, struggling to keep up with the demands of my role.

One of the most helpful and profound aspects of coaching has been Mark's ability to provide me with actionable steps while also truly listening to and understanding me. He creates space for me to express myself and offers excellent personal coaching and practical next steps for my job. 

Life now is steadily improving. Having clear, actionable steps has made a big difference in areas where I needed support. Coaching has empowered me and boosted my confidence in my abilities. Mark has helped me recognize qualities I had forgotten I possessed, which has been incredibly encouraging. I’m so grateful for this experience and highly recommend it to anyone seeking support and guidance!"

Laura, Lead Teacher, Miami, FL

"In working with Mark, I have found more than just a coach. Mark supports his clients through a genuine understanding of the issues of private school administrators and through an honest, straightforward approach to reducing the workload and stress as a school leader.

The impact of coaching has helped me build better habits at work and at home. Most importantly, it has helped me to change my thinking patterns, reconnecting me with who I want to be and eliminating the guilt related to the change. My new boundaries have allowed me to calm the voice in my head that asks me to continuously do more."

Craig, Head of School, Denver, CO

“Mark has been a tremendous resource to me since I began working with him. He was able to meet me where I was and build from there. My primary issue was prioritizing competing demands and managing work-life balance. 

He provided practical strategies along with the encouragement I needed so that now I am far more productive and rarely frazzled. I was so impressed that I set up coaching for a few members of my leadership team, as well.”

Barbara, Interim Head of School, Charleston, SC

"Mark has given me the invaluable gift of seeing myself through his eyes as a mentor, a coach, and a leader. His practical strategies, delivered through compelling storytelling, make him a truly rare combination of business coach, life mentor, and, at times, spiritual guide.

Mark provided me with the framework and language to clearly define my mission: Servant Leadership. He reminded me that while the work can be challenging, establishing and honoring the right boundaries is deeply rewarding.

It takes time, but I’m on a meaningful path. I’ve read the two most impactful books he recommended, I listen to his podcast weekly, and I am gradually implementing his strategies, one step at a time. While I don’t always succeed, I keep trying, and that perseverance has been transformative. Mark has helped me rediscover the deep value in what I do, bringing a unique sense of joy and purpose to my daily work as an independent school leader."

María José, MS Dean of Students, New York City

"I set aside time today in my calendar to write this testimonial! This was just one of the many practical tips that I learned in our coaching sessions.  I am not the most organized person, but I have learned how to lean into my strengths as a leader and use tools I learned from Mark to support my areas of weakness. 

A very good listener, Mark really set me up for success going into my first summer as Head of School to best prepare for the upcoming school year."

James, Head of School, Greensboro, NC

"Before I started coaching with Mark, I struggled with managing my time effectively as a Middle School Head. My email inbox was overwhelming, and I often found myself wasting hours on tasks that should have been more streamlined. I also had trouble balancing my work commitments with my personal life, which left me feeling drained and overworked.

Mark’s coaching was a game-changer. One of the most valuable things he helped me with was creating a calendar that allowed me to experience true work-life balance. Together, we developed a schedule that not only accommodated my professional responsibilities, but also ensured I made time for personal activities and relaxation. Mark taught me how to set boundaries, prioritize tasks, and incorporate regular breaks so I could stay focused and energized throughout the day. This newfound structure allowed me to reclaim my time and reduce the constant feeling of being overwhelmed.

In addition, Mark’s strategies for time and email management were incredibly helpful. He showed me how to streamline my approach to emails, setting specific times to check them and creating a system for prioritizing and responding efficiently. This saved me hours each week and eliminated much of the stress around managing my inbox.

Now, life feels much more organized. I am in control of my time, and my work-life balance has greatly improved. My email management is more efficient, and I’m able to focus on both my professional and personal life with much less stress. Overall, Mark’s coaching has had a profound impact, allowing me to be more productive while maintaining a healthier balance."

Marianne, Head of Middle School, Charleston, SC