About Mark

My name is Mark Odland, and my mission is to help men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions God created them to be. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, and an experienced faith-based counselor. Over the last 15 years I’ve conducted over 15,000 sessions, trained over 1,000 therapists, and helped over 1,000 clients. If you’re skeptical of executive coaching, I don’t blame you. But I’m not like most coaches.

Education

Unlike many executive coaches, I’m blessed to have formal training in psychology with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as a 4-year seminary education culminating in a Master of Divinity degree. I went on to receive my EMDR training from renowned EMDR pioneer, Dr. Roger Solomon, receive hundreds of hours of advanced training in EMDR from international experts, and become a Certified EMDR Therapist, an Approved EMDR Consultant, and an Approved EMDR Continuing Education Provider. In this capacity, I have the privilege of training therapists around the world and helping high-achieving men across the country experience breakthrough as both a therapist and a coach.

Coaching Mentors

My coaching philosophy and approach have been shaped by my experiences as a therapist and through the mentorship of elite coaches. Years ago, I accepted the invitation to receive extensive business coaching from the legendary Scott Hallman (coach to Tony Robbins), and have attended lectures from international speakers like John O’Leary, Ken Coleman, Patrick Lencioni, Dr. John Delony, and Brian Buffini. Most recently, I had the privilege of meeting renowned psychologist, Dr. Jordan Peterson, and consulting with him on the issues like trauma, boundaries, faith, compassion, pride, and resentment. His advice for me and my practice was monumental. I would expect nothing less from a heavyweight like Jordan. vicarious trauma with Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. 

Creator

I’ve been blessed to author over a dozen books, publish poetry, build businesses, create award-winning visual art, and make guest appearances on national shows like The Healing Trauma Podcast and The Anxiety Slayer Podcast.

Flaws

I’ve had many victories in my life. But at the end of the day, I’m far from perfect. I’ve experienced firsthand the agony of failure, the grief of losing loved ones, and the numbness and compassion fatigue that comes with burnout. I’m far from perfect. But through my faith, the support of loved ones, and trying to practice what I preach by getting my own support, I’ve become a better version of myself. As a result of these experiences, I now have a heart for helping other successful men experience healing and breakthrough.

Hobbies

When not working, I enjoy surfing, jiu jitsu, hunting, writing, playing guitar, weight training, hiking, connecting at church, and enjoying life on the beach with my wife and 4 kids. 

Mark’s Mission

Over the years I’ve observed that the very men who innovate, sacrifice, and invest to make the world a better place are misunderstood by the culture and even by their own wives and kids. In not so many words, they are told to be quiet and retreat from life. There’s nothing sadder than to see a caged lion who has lost the fire in his eyes. I help men get the fire back. To leave their cages and become the lions they were created to be… Men capable of courageously stepping into the fray to provide, protect, create, love, and leave a legacy.

Mark’s Coaching Clients

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with everyone from Fortune 500 executives (“rogue lions”) to small business owners (“caged lions”).

My “rogue lions” have had the intelligence, discipline, and drive to achieve great success. They left the “cage” long ago to forge their own path. And yet, they may have wandered too far from the pride and know something has to change. Maybe you’ve already conquered in the workplace, but aren’t experiencing the joy, peace, or purpose you expected. On paper your life looks good, but behind the scenes you’re experiencing high stress, grief, emotional numbness, bad habits, marriage conflict, or demotivation. If so, I can help you recalibrate your priorities, gain new insights, reduce stress, and experience personal and professional breakthrough.

My “caged lions” are on the cusp of greatness but still don’t feel free. They’re on the edge of busting loose, but the grind of life seems to hold them back. Maybe you’re a small business owner, executive at a mid-sized company, or a private practice owner. You’re making good money, but you still haven’t found financial freedom… you’re in the top 10-20% of earners nationwide, but you don’t feel like you’re really getting ahead. You’re running the race and keeping the faith, but it’s hard to see the finish line… hard to find that breakthrough you’re destined for. If so, I can help you identify your barriers, break through them, and solidify a sustainable path forward.

Many of the successful men I work with feel caged because the grind of life is taking its toll. They feel pressure to simply keep quiet, work hard, pay the bills, and then somehow come home at night full of unending love and energy for their wives and kids. But it’s hard to stay present… hard to give them the attention they deserve. It’s also hard to give them the time they need, let alone find time for friends and hobbies. And then there’s goals and dreams… dreams that keep being pushed to the side for the sake of others. If you find yourself resonating with this, I want to commend you for the love and determination you continue to pour out for others. And yet, I know that this can also be soul crushing… bit by bit, year after year.

In our work together, I won’t force a one size fits all program on you. Rather, I’ll take a collaborative approach, tailoring our plan to your unique goals and specific situation. While I’m happy to share advice and wisdom of gained over the years, I will also strive to help you better understand yourself, master your emotions, and get to the heart of what holds you back and how you can experience breakthrough.

If we determine that we’re a good fit to work together, I will help you stare into the abyss and face what needs to be faced. And what you’ll find is the faint reflection of something staring back at you… the lion you were created to be.

Mark’s Credentials