Meet the Author, Mark Bowling
In the world of business, creating a culture of gratitude can be transformative. Mark Bowling, the author of Gravitude, has dedicated his career to this philosophy both in writing and in practice.
In this blog, we are diving into Mark’s journey and how his experiences can help you grow a grateful culture at your organization.
Building the Muscle of Gravitude
For context, let’s first talk about the concept behind Gravitude. Mark Bowling describes Gravitude as more than just a feeling; it’s a practice. In the book, he explains, based on a conversation with Horst Schulze, “Think of it [Gravitude] like a muscle that builds over time, with fibers and strength added with each completed cycle.” This metaphor captures the essence of gravitude—it is an evolving, strengthening force that bonds employees (and organizations!) together and serves as a cornerstone of thriving business culture.
Early Influences and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Mark's lessons in gratitude and leadership started early. One of his earliest influences was his father, a third-generation pharmacist living in LaFayette, Alabama. Working in his family-owned pharmacy instilled in Mark the values of hard work and treating your team well; it also sparked his love for entrepreneurship.
After graduating from Presbyterian College, Mark joined InterCel, a startup that grew into Powertel, one of the largest wireless carriers in the southeastern US. Much of his philosophy on gratitude was shaped during his tenure at ITC, a family of companies including InterCel. Under the leadership of his mentor Cam Lanier III and others, Mark experienced a profound culture of loyalty, happiness, and connection. This environment, characterized by mutual care and concern—which Mark categorizes as phileo love—left a lasting impact on him and other employees.
He reflects on his time at ITC and the exceptional company culture there in the opening of the book, saying: “...something special existed within our corporate culture, leading people to feel a bonding quality—Gravitude’s attractive force. Those who worked there felt Gravitude for the organization, its leaders, and their colleagues.”
Mark Bowling: A Lifetime of Learning and Leadership
Not only is Mark a writer, he is a seasoned business owner and community leader. As the Owner and Chief Shepherd at BlackSheep Productions, Inc., Mark has guided his company from its humble beginnings as a small operation to a multi-million dollar full-service production company. Since its founding in 2000 by Mark’s late wife, Lisa Bowling, BlackSheep Productions has been blessed to serve prominent brands like Primrose Schools, Intel, Sherwin-Williams, First Data, Jack in the Box, Cicis Pizza, Mack Truck and many others. Mark's leadership is marked by his commitment to a closely-knit team and a culture of gratitude–which have been instrumental in the company’s growth and success.
Mark also founded BlackSheep in the Community which is an extension of his company’s commitment to making a difference. This free online platform connects service organizations and volunteers in the greater Atlanta area, encouraging community service, volunteerism, and you guessed it–the bonding forces of gratitude!
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If you are ready to embrace the power of Gravitude and unlock the full potential of your workplace, Gravitude by Mark Bowling is your guide. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, captures the essence of the book’s message in his introduction. “This book not only drives home the gravity of gratitude but illustrates what it looks like in any environment you find yourself in and how to practice it to drive results.”
Purchase the book today to begin your journey toward a happier, more successful workplace.
If your organizational culture is an example of Gravitude in action, please contact me. I would like to feature your story in future blog posts.
Gravitude can be found wherever books are sold! My favorites are:
Barnes & Noble (still love to support the brick and mortar)
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