About Dr. Mark Crear

From the Starting Blocks to the Boardroom: A Journey of Faith, Focus, and Resilience
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The Story Behind the Zone

Dr. Mark Crear is a two-time Olympic medalist, executive coach, psychologist, and founder of In The Zone Coaching, Counseling & Consulting (CCC) — a performance and leadership development company helping individuals and organizations Find, Get, and Stay In The Zone.

Growing up in a single-parent home and overcoming emotional and physical challenges, Mark learned that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about refusing to quit. He carried that same spirit to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he earned a silver medal despite competing with a broken arm, and again in the 2000 Sydney Games, where he won bronze while enduring a double hernia.

These defining moments taught him what it truly means to perform under pressure — and to live with faith, focus, and purpose when the odds are stacked against you.
The race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to those who endure to the end

Life Beyond the Finish Line

After retiring from professional athletics, Mark earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and began a new career helping others achieve their personal and professional best.
Through years of counseling, leadership development, and workforce training, he discovered that high performance comes from alignment — when mindset, mission, and meaning come together.

That revelation became The In The Zone Philosophy

Today, Mark serves as a:
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Executive & Performance Coach

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Workforce Development Consultant

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Speaker & Trainer on Leadership, Resilience, and Purpose

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Adjunct Professor of Psychology (Houston Christian University)

Faith, Family, and Focus

Faith has always been the foundation of Mark’s life and leadership, not as a label, but as a quiet strength that fuels his purpose.

He’s a devoted husband and father who believes that his greatest victories aren’t his medals, but his family and faith.

These pillars keep him grounded and guide his mission to help others live with passion, purpose, and perseverance both in and out of the zone.

Professional Highlights

Dr. Mark Crear

Ph.D., Clinical Psychology

Alliant International University

M.A. & B.A., Psychology & Sociology

University of Southern California

Former Director, Employee Training Institute

College of the Canyons

Executive Director, Multicultural Division

American Association of Christian Counselors

Two-Time Olympian

Silver Medal (1996), Bronze Medal (2000)

Founder & CEO

In The Zone Coaching, Counseling & Consulting (CCC)

The In The Zone Connection

Mark’s personal and professional journey gave birth to The In The Zone Philosophy — the belief that true success is about alignment, not just achievement.

His work with leaders, athletes, and organizations helps others find their rhythm, focus their energy, and build cultures that perform under pressure and with purpose.

Find • Get • Stay In The Zone — because performance isn’t theory, it’s lived.

Real People. Real Results

Clients describe Dr. Crear’s coaching as transformative, blending deep psychological insight with actionable performance strategies

He doesn’t just speak, he connects. His authenticity and energy ignite lasting transformation.

Corporate Leadership Client

After coaching with Dr. Crear, I learned how to manage my mind, not just my performance

Conference Organizer

Dr. Crear helped our leadership team rediscover purpose and performance.

Corporate Client

Let’s Connect

Ready to take your performance, leadership, or culture to the next level? Let’s connect and explore how you — or your organization — can Find, Get, and Stay In The Zone.
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