After losing my son Branden to suicide following an adverse interaction with law enforcement, I made a promise. No other leader should lose someone to a preventable tragedy. That loss became the foundation of GritDoc -- and the reason I have dedicated my career to advancing evidence-based strategies for resilience, grit, and performance in those who serve under extraordinary pressure.
I am an 82nd Airborne veteran, a Doctoral Candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Grand Canyon University, and an Associate at the Public Safety Innovation Lab at Arizona State University. I collaborate with Dr. Edward R. Maguire on applied research examining grit, resilience, and adaptability in law enforcement, military, and first responder populations.
My doctoral research examines grit as a predictor of workforce agility among working adults -- introducing the APPS framework (Adaptability, Perseverance, and Recovery from Setback) as a theoretically distinct and occupationally applicable instrument for high-stress professional contexts.
I also serve as a Lecturer of Business Administration at Arizona Christian University and as Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of a merit-based professional verification platform built for the AI recommendation economy.
Science-Driven. Battle-Tested. Mission-Focused.
Mark Garland served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he was injured in the line of duty. Today, he's a PhD (ABD) candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (expected 2026), a SPHR Candidate, an entrepreneur, and a university faculty member.
But his most important credential isn't academic—it's personal. The death of his son Branden became the catalyst for his doctoral research and life's work.
What drives the work
The research is personal. The consulting is practical. The mission is clear.
GritDoc exists because the people who serve under the most extreme pressure are too often underserved by the science designed to help them. Generic assessments. Generic programs. Generic outcomes.
The work I do -- whether in the research lab, the classroom, or a consulting engagement -- is built around one question: what actually helps people not just survive adversity, but emerge from it stronger?
That question cost me everything to ask. It is the reason I will not stop until we have the answer.
Ready to work together?
Whether you need resilience consulting, organizational assessment, keynote speaking, or a research partnership, reach out directly.
Known as "The GritDoc," Mark integrates faith, science, and practice to deliver actionable strategies grounded in empirical evidence while recognizing that meaning-making, purpose, and transcendent values play crucial roles in psychological resilience.
Whether you need resilience training, organizational consulting, keynote speaking, or research partnership, GritDoc delivers evidence-based solutions tailored to your high-pressure environment.
Our marketing experts can help you develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to attract new customers and retain existing ones. We offer a range of services, including market research, branding, and digital marketing.
We provide customized human resources solutions tailored to the needs of your business. From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee engagement, we can help you build and maintain a high-performing team.
Our leadership development programs are designed to help you build the skills and expertise needed to lead your business to success. We offer a range of training and coaching programs to help you become a more effective leader.
We help you create a clear and compelling strategy to achieve your business goals. Our team of experts will work with you to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and develop a roadmap for success.
GritDoc.com
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