For our 35th anniversary, we’ll be sharing the stories of 35 alumni showcasing the leaders they are today and how 21st Century Leaders inspired and impacted their journey. Alumni will represent the 3.5 decades since our founding in 1989 – the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Take a read and be inspired!
35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight
2000’s Decade
Name: Mark Lindemann
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2009
High School: Chamblee High School
College: Emory University; University of Miami Law School
Current Role: Corporate Attorney, DLA Piper, LLP
Paint a brief picture of yourself and what you are doing now.
I am an avid Braves fan and recreational softball player with a penchant for word games. I live in Chamblee with my wife, Erika, and dog, Paisley. And I am an attorney in DLA Piper’s Private Equity Group where I represent private equity firms and private companies in mergers and acquisitions as well as general corporate matters.
When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?
I graduated from Chamblee High School in 2009 and I participated in the 2007 Summer Leadership Institute at Georgia Southern University.
How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?
Upon graduation from Emory University, my career started in consulting where I advised companies on compensation and rewards practices. I eventually left that role to take on the challenge of law school. Upon graduation from the University of Miami School of Law, I returned to Georgia where I began working as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Justice Division of the Georgia Attorney General’s Office. After some time there, I decided to pivot back to the business world and moved into my current role working on private transactions of all sizes.
What’s your memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peer, speaking in public for the first time, etc.)
I recall one program where we were split into teams and each team had to build a tower out of plastic straws. Building the tower was easy. The hard part was getting the entire team to agree on a single structure design. Our team, like many, incorporated a few different design elements from different team members. The teams that fared the best seemed to be the teams that melded various ideas together into something cohesive. The activity helped shape my view that, for me, leadership is often a collaborative effort.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so, how? And if you’ve recently learned something else about leadership please share!
Yes, 21CL helped me develop a highly collaborative leadership style. I always solicit input from numerous stakeholders to create a cooperative work environment and help maintain engagement.
What advice would you give to a current or future student?
Networking opportunities may arise at any time and any place. Be prepared to take advantage of such opportunities.
How would you describe 21CL?
Exciting, Enlightening, Empowering!
Share the inspiration!
