After more than 30 years of leadership in the manufacturing industry, Mark Cundiff reached a turning point.
Rather than climbing another corporate ladder or managing another plant, he chose to focus his energy on something that brought him quiet joy throughout his career – helping others grow.
Now in his 60s, Mark has dedicated his life to developing leaders and showing them how to lead with influence rather than authority. It is a calling that gives him renewed meaning and purpose, especially as he helps others unlock their potential later in life.
“Everyone has influence,” Mark said. “It does not matter if you are a CEO, a parent, a neighbor or a volunteer at church. Leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. The key is learning how to steward that influence well.”
A book that changed everything
Mark’s journey into leadership development began more than two decades ago. Like many young professionals, he was promoted into management after excelling in sales.
But, once he became a plant manager, he quickly discovered that technical success did not automatically translate into leadership effectiveness.
“I thought people would just do what I told them because I had the title,” Mark explained. “But I learned very quickly that leadership does not work that way.”
Desperate to improve, Mark picked up a copy of “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell. That book became a turning point in his career. It helped him begin the shift from positional authority to relational leadership built on trust, communication and personal growth.
It also introduced him to a lifelong learning habit that would shape his future.
“I read an average of a book a week,” Mark explained. “Sometimes, I can read more if I am traveling. I also listen to them on Audible and, if something resonates, I buy the physical copy to study it even more closely.”
That consistent commitment to reading not only shaped his character, but gave him a deep reservoir of wisdom to share with others. It eventually inspired him to start a blog and weekly newsletter where he offers leadership advice, book recommendations and personal reflections in a five-minute format.
A life of influence
Throughout his career, Mark took great pride in helping people grow. He mentored workers on the shop floor, coached young supervisors and took great joy in watching people rise through the ranks to run their own plants or departments.
“Those stories are what fuel me now,” he said. “I have seen what is possible when people are encouraged, equipped and empowered.”
His consulting and coaching business reflects that mission. Mark now works with individuals and small businesses to help them develop stronger leadership skills and design more effective systems which create cultures that value growth.
Whether he is doing one-on-one coaching, speaking at an event or consulting as a fractional operations leader, his approach remains the same. He wants to meet people where they are, then help them get to where they want to go.
“I love working with people who have a growth mindset,” Mark said. “They do not have to be polished or perfect. They just need a desire to learn and grow.”
Mark also developed a tool he calls the “Drift Detector.” It is a short assessment that helps leaders determine whether they are proactively pursuing purpose or simply going through the motions.
“Many leaders are stuck in reactive mode,” he explained. “They put out fires all day and never take time to be strategic. My job is to help them shift from being firemen to being more like Smokey the Bear by preventing problems before they start.”
Leadership that lasts
Mark believes leadership is not just confined to the workplace. It is also required at home, in churches or nonprofit organizations, and throughout the community. That is why he is so passionate about helping people over 50 to realize they still have a lot to offer.
“So many people hit a certain age and feel like their best years are behind them,” Mark said. “But, I believe everyone can have purpose, no matter where they are in life. You just have to look forward with the right mindset.”
One book that influenced Mark’s thinking is “The Laws of Lifetime Growth” by Dan Sullivan. The book’s subtitle, “Always make your future bigger than your past,” resonated deeply with him.
“That mindset challenges people to stay curious, stay active and stay engaged,” he explained. “Your future is not determined by your age, but by your attitude and your willingness to keep growing.”
For people who feel stuck, Mark recommends asking a simple question: What does this make possible?
“That one question has reframed so many situations for me,” he said. “Whether it is a job loss, a health issue or a life transition, asking what it makes possible helps you look for opportunities instead of dwelling on setbacks.”
A new chapter
Mark admits that moving from a corporate role into entrepreneurship has not been easy. It required a shift in mindset from operating within a system to creating one from scratch. But he has embraced the challenge with the same enthusiasm that defined his earlier career.
“My biggest challenge was shifting my thinking,” he explained. “In the corporate world, you step into a structure. As an entrepreneur, you have to build that structure yourself.”
Mark is now focused on expanding his reach through speaking, YouTube videos, podcast appearances and eventually a podcast of his own. He also hopes to publish several books, many of which will be built on the insights he has shared through his blog.
“I have been stockpiling ideas and notes for years,” he said. “Now I want to turn that into something that can help even more people.”
Although he is still in the early stages of this new venture, Mark is energized by the possibilities.
“I may be in my 60s, but I feel like I am just getting started,” he said. “This chapter of my life is not about retiring. It is about reinvesting everything I have learned to help others grow and thrive.”
A message to others over 50
Mark wants people in the second half of life to know that their experience is valuable and their influence is needed. Whether they lead from a stage or a coffee shop, their presence matters.
“You have wisdom, perspective and something to offer,” he explained. “So ask yourself, ‘How can I make my future bigger than my past?’ That question alone can open new doors.”
For those unsure of where to begin, Mark recommends starting small. People can either read a book, reach out to a mentor or volunteer.
“Explore an idea you have been putting off. Then pay attention to what excites you and where you can add value,” he added. “When you stop focusing on what you have lost and start thinking about what you can give, you will find your purpose.”
For more information
People can connect with Mark in several ways, including:
- Website = www.markjcundiff.com, where people can take the Drift Detector assessment and subscribe to his free newsletter
- LinkedIn = www.linkedin.com/in/markjcundiff
- Facebook = www.facebook.com/markjcundiff
If you order one of Mark’s recommended books from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
