About Mark

"When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful." – Eric Thomas

Mark Mahmood’s story is one of relentless perseverance, an unshakable vision, and the courage to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable. From arriving in the United States as a refugee with little more than hope and determination to becoming a recognized leader in business, technology, and personal development, Mark's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

From Refugee to Dream Chaser

In February 2010, Mark arrived in the U.S. from Iraq after a long and uncertain wait in the United Nations refugee program. With just a few dollars in his pocket and limited English proficiency, he stepped onto American soil with a singular focus—building a better future.

Settling in Tampa, Florida, Mark faced the harsh reality of starting from scratch. Each day, he walked miles in search of employment, facing rejection after rejection. But he refused to be discouraged. Finally, he landed his first job as a delivery driver for a Chinese restaurant, making just $3.12 an hour. He knew it was only the beginning.

A Relentless Pursuit of Opportunity

Determined to climb the ladder, Mark took his next job as a sales associate, earning $7.25 an hour. Though it was an improvement, he had his eyes set on something bigger. His breakthrough came when he secured a temporary role at Quest Diagnostics Lab, one of the world's largest diagnostic companies.

Three months into his contract, Mark applied for a permanent position. During his interview, the hiring supervisor asked, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Without hesitation, Mark responded, "In your position." That confidence and vision paid off. On the last day of his contract, he was handed an offer letter, turning his dreams into reality.

The Ascent to Leadership

Mark’s journey at Quest Diagnostics was nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication and work ethic propelled him from an entry-level role to leadership:

• 2013 – Promoted to Team Lead
• 2016 – Promoted to Group Leader
• 2018 – Promoted to Supervisor
• 2018 – Honored with the Inspirational Leadership Award

Mark’s impact extended beyond his own career. He made it his mission to uplift others, mentoring colleagues and helping them advance in their own professional journeys.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Mark’s pursuit of success didn’t stop at his career. He knew education was the key to unlocking greater opportunities.

• In 2020, he earned his MBA with a 3.8 GPA while working full-time.
• He then pursued a Doctorate in Business Administration, achieving a 3.7 GPA.
• As a student leader, he served as a College Ambassador, a Dean’s List Honoree, and the Student Union President for both his medical and tech programs.

Mark proved that no matter how difficult the journey, self-improvement and education could open doors to new possibilities.

Empowering Others Through Knowledge

With a passion for sharing knowledge, Mark authored and published his first book, "Cryptocurrency: The Ultimate Guide from A to Z," in August 2021. His goal was simple: to demystify cryptocurrency and provide a comprehensive guide for beginners and experts alike. His book became a valuable resource, reinforcing his belief that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded.

Building a Legacy of Leadership

Today, Mark is an accomplished Project Management Specialist, having led major IT and healthcare projects, managed global teams, and driven multimillion-dollar initiatives. His expertise spans Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies, and he has successfully migrated over 1,200 enterprise applications to the cloud, saving companies time and resources.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Mark is a mentor, author, and leader who believes in turning adversity into opportunity. His philosophy aligns with the words of Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happiness:

"You got a dream. You got to protect it. When people cannot do something themselves, they are going to tell you cannot do it. You want something, go get it. Period."

A Vision for the Future

Mark’s vision is to inspire individuals to overcome adversity, unlock their potential, and achieve their dreams. He aims to create a global community where knowledge, leadership, and resilience drive success.

His mission is to equip individuals with the tools, insights, and confidence needed to lead and excel in today’s rapidly evolving world. Whether through education, mentorship, or storytelling, he is committed to empowering others to reach their full potential.

Mark’s story is living proof that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how determined you are to keep going.

So, if you’re facing obstacles, feeling discouraged, or wondering if your dreams are too big—remember Mark’s journey. If he could rise from a refugee with nothing to a leader with a thriving career, so can you.

As Eric Thomas once said:
"Pain is temporary. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."

Mark Mahmood never quit. Neither should you.