Executive Coach, Lazarus Coaching and Consulting
he/him
Mark, a native of Clifton, Virginia, is a retired naval aviator with over 3,300 flight hours and 350 arrested landings on 12 aircraft carriers during his 30-year career. His notable leadership roles included command of an aviation squadron and Officer Training Command Newport, where he and his team trained and developed over seven thousand commissioned officers for naval service. After graduating from the Naval War College’s Stockdale Leader program, Mark served as executive officer of the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, facilitating senior executive courses and coaching members of the U.S. Navy’s leadership teams. After retirement, Mark drew on his passion for leadership and adult development by starting the leadership development firm Lazarus Coaching and Consulting. He is a certified executive coach with the International Coaching Federation and resides with his wife, Joey, in Hampden, Maine.
Talks
Building Resilience Before You Need It
In December 1997, I faced an unexpected challenge during a carrier training flight. After an emergency reroute, I was in a critical situation with low fuel and task saturation, resulting in a harrowing landing in which my jet veered off the runway and flipped over. Miraculously, I emerged with only minor injuries. This ordeal tested my resilience and decision-making under pressure. It was a defining event that shaped my character. Sharing this experience has allowed me to impart valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, a testament to the importance of reflection, building resilience, and learning from challenges.
Navigating Adult Development: Embracing Challenges for Growth
What is adult development? This talk explores the stages from early adulthood to elderhood, highlighting key characteristics and challenges at each stage. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these stages to foster personal growth. The role of psychological and cognitive challenges, including Robert Kegan’s developmental theory, is discussed. Strategies for building resilience, learning from failures, and enhancing emotional intelligence are presented. Practical advice on adopting a growth mindset, leveraging support systems, and prioritizing self-care is provided. The talk concludes with a recap and an inspirational message encouraging the embrace of challenges as opportunities for growth.