"I’ve worked with Mark for more than ten years, and his impact on my leadership and on the communication and cohesion of my teams has been extraordinary. He has a rare ability to truly see people at their core while quickly understanding business environments that are entirely new to him. Mark brings clarity, structure, and insight that immediately elevates how teams operate. His contributions across the multiple companies where we’ve partnered have consistently driven measurable improvement and long-term growth. He listens deeply, challenges thoughtfully, and creates space for genuine transformation. Any organization fortunate enough to work with him will feel his impact immediately."

Shelli Lara, CEO & Founder, IHD

“Mark is exceptional at providing thoughtful, practical advice. His deep understanding of how people operate through their Enneagram styles allows him to coach with precision - offering guidance on how to approach, communicate, and lead individuals in ways that truly resonate within their authentic selves. His coaching has been incredibly impactful for both my team and my own leadership growth. Finally, he's just a fantastic human - thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely invested in the people he works with!”

Jennifer Gilchrist, President, Harmony Cares Medical Group

“I first began working with Mark as I was stepping into a VP-level leadership role in the midst of major organizational change. The shift that followed was profound; Mark helped me tame the fire inside me and channel it into a more intentional, executive-level leadership style. He reshaped how I speak, how I listen, and how I navigate risk and emotion so that my drive creates momentum rather than disruption. What makes Mark exceptional is that he meets me on a human level; he took the time to understand me at my core, which makes his guidance not only accurate but deeply resonant. Because of his influence, I lead today with far greater confidence, clarity, and the ability to drive large-scale change across diverse groups. I can say without exaggeration that he is a major reason I am where I am today, having helped me transform raw passion into the skills required for truly effective executive leadership. Not only has he become a trusted confidant in the professional environment, but I consider him a personal friend."

Ted Balestra, Sr. Executive at Aida Healthcare, formerly VP at Wellsky & naviHealth

“Mark’s coaching had a transformative impact on our remote team. His expertise helped us better understand ourselves and each other, creating the alignment we needed to collaborate effectively and deliver exceptional results. He brought out the best in both our leaders and staff, elevating performance across the board. On a personal note, I can say with confidence that I am a stronger and more effective leader because of my work with Mark.”

Lisa DeVries, MS, MBA

Sr. Director of Provider Relations, formerly at Optum

“Mark has been a wonderful force in my professional world, helping shape my approach to leading and building teams. Time and again, I've seen his vibrant attitude and exceptional insightfulness lead to wonderfully positive working environments that surface interpersonal dynamics, strengthen trust, and create a shared clarity for the team. His coaching is thoughtful, practical, and deeply human, and his partnership has been invaluable.” 

Madie H., VP of Product at Nox Health, formerly VP at Optum

"Mark is an extraordinarily gifted communicator and coach. He trained several of our Board members to do more effective public speaking about our organization, giving all of them greater confidence in their skills and abilities. Mark also led a leadership retreat for one of our volunteer groups and helped them reach consensus on some difficult issues. He has a unique ability to connect with individuals and help them reach their potential as communicators and advocates. Anyone who works with him will be transformed by the experience."

Emma Cherniavsky
Deputy Development Director, Human Rights Watch

“Mark Edgar Stephens' success is real on many levels. To me, a true leader is someone who can get the job done along with the efforts of other people who gladly and confidently follow. Mark's leadership is not the ‘old school’ method of dictating, controlling, and policing. Rather, he has a magical way of inspiring and encouraging people around him to sign on to whatever it takes to get the job done. As a coach and motivational speaker, he is spot on. In addition to those skills, I find Mark to be humble, focused, and funny. How many people can say that about the people they work with? Lastly, as a leader Mark is one of those rare few who understands the value of continued personal growth. His quest for knowledge is marked with humility and passion… what a gift. Mark is a sincere pleasure to be around, and he goes out of his way to bring everyone up to his level of focus and passion."

Winn Claybaugh
Dean, Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell Schools
Author of "Be Nice (Or Else!)"

"I have worked with Mark for several years as a coach for my professional development and for the development of my manager team. Mark is insightful and skilled at helping individuals become a part of a high functioning team. He has a deep understanding of human behavior and an approachable communication style. I grew significantly as a leader and human being under his tutelage. "

Peter Bernardo MD, MBA, FACS

Vice-President, Senior Medical Director WellSky PAC Advance

"Mark has been a major catalyst for individual professional insight and organizational growth at Upward Bound House. Mark has been the featured presenter at the agency's annual staff retreat for the past three years. He is instantly engaging: his high-energy, interactive style resonates with the team and results in inspirational - and aspirational - outcomes. For any organization that wants a highly motivated team, Mark can unleash and focus the collective can-do!"

David Snow
Executive Director, Upward Bound House

“Mark is beyond amazing and has seen me at the best of times and the worst of times. He truly understands you and guides you to live your best life. Not only for me personally and professionally, he provided lasting impressions on my whole team. The way Mark engages you is a true gift and I have nothing but praises for this wonderful human being. I am so thankful he dropped into my life as he is the steadiness and support that I truly did not know I needed to do the big things with my life - I am so very grateful !Thank you.”

Monica Bean, BSN RN CCM NC- BC HNB-BC, Director Care Management, Belong Health