Meet Mark Perna | Keynote Speaker & Award-Winning Author

As an international expert on the millennial and Z generations, Mark has devoted his career to empowering educators and employers to unleash the tremendous potential of today’s young people, both in the classroom and on the job.

After successfully parenting two millennials as a single father, Mark has become a passionate advocate for bridging the generational divides that are contributing to America’s profound skills gap. Parents, schools, districts, businesses, and state organizations across North America have successfully used Mark’s insights and strategies to connect more effectively with the younger generations.

In his work with educational and business organizations, Mark has pioneered many best practices for achieving more with today’s young people, including the Career Tree® strategy, among others. Mark, who interviews frequently on radio shows, television, and podcasts, also serves on the Advisory Council for the Coalition for Career Development in Washington, DC.

Mark enjoys inspirational movies, theater, travel, golf, wine, and time with his family — especially granddaughters Eleanor and Elouise. He resides in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dynamic and Motivational Public Speaker

A dynamic and motivational public speaker, Mark has received more than 1,000 standing ovations and today delivers 70+ in-person and virtual keynote speeches annually at national and statewide events. He has also spoken at Harvard University by special invitation. His genuine personality and warm sense of humor make him a fun and memorable communicator that people connect with immediately.

Mark regularly addresses both small groups and massive crowds in his capacity as a generational and performance expert, reaching thousands of educators, employers, parents, and young people each year with his powerful message of change and connection.

Speaker

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

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September 28, 2022 ACTE/NCLA Best Practices Conference Cape Cod, MA: Half-Day Preconference Session

September 29, 2022 ACTE/NCLA Best Practices Conference Cape Cod, MA: Breakout Session

October 3, 2022 Falls River Schools Organization Keynote & Career Tree Launch

Best keynote speech I have heard in 30 years.

- Stephen Freeman VP at M&T Insurance Agency Inc.

Mark’s session was the most inspiring and engaging experience I have had in a long time to regard to K-12 public education.

- Chad Wyen Superintendent at Mad River Local Schools

This was the best keynote I have ever been to! It was so inspiring the whole way through, provided easily applicable information and left me ready to act!

- Shelley Baudean Grants Specialist

Life changing message. Let me say I feel I’ve learned a new way to understand and speak to my grandkids and the younger generation.

- Terry Strayhand CTE Grants & Accountability LEAD

I’ve gained a better understanding of how to unleash the potential I see in so many of our high school students. Mark is knowledgeable, personable and the right leader to guide this “shift” in the way schools and communities support their students.

- Amy Stafford Principal, Kohala High School (VIRTUAL PRESENTATION)

Absolutely hit the target for students of today and the impact of teaching for their future.

- Missie McKinney Assistant Principal at Dalton High School

Amazing presenter! Mark makes it real. He bridges the gap between education and employment.

- Terry Krezmer Human Resources at Larson Design Group

You know a speaker is great when he inspires you to race back to your office or classroom to start implementing what he said. Mark is that kind of speaker.

- Sally Pestana Kapiolani Community College

Common sense, in your face, relatable and DO-ABLE calls to action that will make immediate impact. I’d tell people to NOT miss the opportunity to participate in this.

- Angela Whitcomb Executive Vice President, Minneapolis Regional Chamber

Buckle up for a fast, furious conversation of motivating younger generations and becoming aware of the issues with employment gaps and the way to fix them. Very exciting conversation with Mark Perna.

- Sadie Fritzler Career Coach at Northeastern Junior College

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Award-Winning Author

Mark, a weekly contributor at Forbes.com, has published numerous articles in national publications as a recognized voice in student and employee engagement and success. Every weekday, he hosts the 90-second Perna Syndicate podcast with listeners in 40+ countries. His multi-award-winning bestseller, Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations, was written to help educators, employers, and parents understand the millennial and Z generations and inspire them to greater performance in all areas of life.

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Regardless of if you are preparing for college, are a parent of teenagers/young adults, are a business owner searching for new talent, are a counselor, or whatever, this book provides amazing insight into how we can help guide our avid learners toward what they’ll be passionate about! (full review)

- Kyndall Bennett

Motivating and focusing students on their future requires energy and “Answering Why” is the fuel we need.

- Cynthia A. Dunigan Amazon Reviewer

Mark Perna has written a clear and practical book on how to help Millennials and Generation Z individuals unleash their passion and discover meaningful work…This is an important book for educators, employers, parents, and students.

- Mitchell R. Alegre Amazon Reviewer/VINE VOICE

Timely book that helps us to understand the “Why” generation!

- Tina Amazon Reviewer

This book is an incredible resource for educators, parents, and employers. The Career Tree system is a game changer for all…I can’t say enough about how this book delivers on insight and solutions!

- Varsity Amazon Reviewer

Very insightful! This is an engaging book that provides insight into what makes Generations Y and Z tick!

- Melinda Barton Amazon Reviewer

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Founder and CEO

Mark is the founder and CEO of TFS Results, a strategic consulting and communications firm at the forefront of the national paradigm shift in education and workforce development. At TFS Results, Mark heads an energetic team of talented professionals who share his vision of making a bigger difference. TFS Results partners with schools, districts, businesses, and state organizations of all sizes across North America to help them experience significant gains in enrollment, engagement, retention, and performance rates.

CEO

Meet Mark

Dynamic and Motivational Public Speaker

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Award-Winning Author

Founder and CEO

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