Mark’s career includes leadership roles at Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and Spectrum. Before that, he served as a Special Agent for the FBI and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. But away from corporate life, he’s also a passionate thoroughbred racing owner, with over 150 starts under his belt.
One race he’ll never forget involved a horse named General Interest. After a promising start to his career, General Interest was sidelined for two years due to injury. When he finally returned to race at Del Mar, the odds were stacked against him—15 to 1. At the three-quarter mark, he trailed in dead last.
And then, everything changed.
“He caught the field, weaved through the pack, and surged past the leaders,” Mark recalled. “The crowd went crazy. I went crazy. My daughters went crazy. It was the best moment.”
That comeback became a metaphor for how Mark leads in business. In this episode, he shares three powerful takeaways:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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