Dr. Mark Blackburn

Meet Dr. Blackburn

Mark Blackburn is an energetic presenter, a powerful communicator, and a dynamic teacher. There are many words that describe him. The most illustrative is, “Mark, The Influential Man of Action”. Mark is a diversity trainer, an educator, a mentor, a motivational speaker, a Life coach, and a personal trainer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He provides an in-depth consultation and instructional based education, including leadership development, empowerment training, cross-cultural competence, sensitivity training, anti-racism training and team building.

The Training

As the Chief Facilitator for MBJ Innovations, he has taken his training to the ultimate level and provides 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 is one of major contributors that keeps him striving to connect with others. He is truly passionate to helping others become champions in every aspect of their lives.

As the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students he has full responsibility for acclimating students, faculty, and staff from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. He provides oversight, support, and advises students in the areas of 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 and well-being. Therefore, Mark would like to encourage people to connect with him to develop their personas as we all move forward in creating 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, I am 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. I thrive on the intricate dynamics of human behavior and organizational culture, finding immense satisfaction in helping leaders unlock their full potential.

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

Lets go to work

We're always ready to provide you or your organization with influential modern material. So let us assess your needs and get you the results you've always wanted