Dr. Mark Blackburn

Meet Dr. Blackburn

“The Influential Man of Action — Empowering People. Elevating Purpose. Inspiring Change.”

Mark Blackburn is an energetic presenter, powerful communicator, and dynamic teacher who inspires audiences to rise above limitations and take purposeful action. Known as “The Influential Man of Action,” Mark’s message resonates with authenticity, passion, and transformative energy.

Residing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mark wears many hats, diversity trainer, educator, mentor, motivational speaker, wellness coach, and personal trainer. Through his workshops and keynote sessions, he delivers leadership development, empowerment training, cross-cultural competency, sensitivity training, anti-racism education, and team-building experiences that ignite growth and unity.

Whether speaking to executives, educators, or community leaders, Mark connects people to their purpose and power, reminding them that transformation begins from within.

✨ Mark doesn’t just inspire action, he awakens it.

The Training

Professionally, genuinely. He is the Chief Facilitator for MBJ Innovations, and he has taken his training to the ultimate level. Professional development for groups and individuals from a wide range of organizations, ages, and cultures. His hard work and dedication to improving the human condition are among the major contributors that keep him striving to connect with others. He is helping others become champions in every aspect of their lives.

As a former Higher Education professional, he has held several roles, most recently as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, with full responsibility for acclimating students, faculty, and staff from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. He provides oversight, support, and advises students on accountability, leadership, personal development, diversity education, and advocacy. He develops and promotes policy initiatives, inclusive climates, and culturally focused programs that help build student, faculty, and staff awareness and respect for cultural and individual differences. Therefore, Mark would like to encourage people to connect with him to develop their personas as we all aim for an equitable society.

Education & Expertise

University of South Dakota
Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Dissertation: Crossing the Goal Line: Identifying the Success of Black Football Players at A Predominantly White Institution.

Augustana University
Master of Arts in Education

University of South Dakota

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Minor in Health

Association of Title IX Administrators,
Title IX Investigator Training School

Intercultural Development Inventory
QA Administrator
LECNA Leadership Program,
Leadership Fellow

With Mark's work as a VP of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, he was responsible for students' overall educational, physical, emotional, and social well-being. He creates an environment encouraging student learning, growth, and development. Mark is a consultant who works with organizations, businesses, and schools to provide professional development, strategic instruction, and oversight.

Mark also is the president of Establishing Sustainable Connections (ESC) a local non-profit that aims to initiate support and direct efforts to create and sustain community relationships. He establishes platforms for empowerment through education and advocacy toward self-realization and personal success. ESC builds bridges to unlock potential collaborations and strengthen relationships.

Passion

As an executive coach, he is passionate about fostering leadership excellence and personal growth among high-level professionals. This dedication stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of self-awareness, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. He thrives on the intricate dynamics of human behavior and organizational culture, finding immense satisfaction in helping leaders unlock their full potential.

Mark is committed to creating a supportive yet challenging environment where executives can explore their strengths, confront their limitations, and develop actionable strategies for continuous improvement. Mark's passion is evident in his relentless pursuit of innovative coaching methodologies, empathetic engagement with clients, and unwavering focus on achieving tangible, long-term outcomes.

Lets go to work