Mark Johnson

Developing Software for Fortune® 500 and High-Growth Companies | Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Michigan Software Labs | Forbes Technology and Fast Company Executive Board

Mark spends his time talking with leaders who feel growing pressure to modernize, but aren’t convinced the next move is the right one yet.

Across hundreds of conversations with CEOs, CIOs, VPs, and executives, he sees a familiar pattern: internal teams are stretched thin, legacy systems are holding things back, and there’s no shortage of ideas. But there is plenty of uncertainty about where to invest, what to tackle first, and how much risk is acceptable. Too often, organizations move quickly into execution before they’re aligned on the real problem they’re trying to solve.

As co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, Mark’s role sits early in that decision journey. He helps leaders slow down just enough to clarify what matters and determine whether moving forward actually makes sense. When there is a clear opportunity, MichiganLabs’ senior strategy, design, and engineering teams carry that clarity through execution.

Mark brings perspective shaped by both entrepreneurship and long-term relationship building. He serves on the Board of Directors for The Economic Club of Grand Rapids and has been recognized as one of the Grand Rapids 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders and a Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40.

He enjoys helping organizations avoid costly missteps and make digital investments they can stand behind, and this focus is deeply personal.

Mark comes from a family of builders. His great-grandfather founded Forslund Furniture Company in 1935 and grew it through craftsmanship, storytelling, and enduring relationships. Mark sees MichiganLabs as a modern extension of that legacy: different tools, but the same commitment to doing good work with care.

Outside of work, Mark is a husband and father of four daughters. Evenings are often spent playing dress-up or princess, and he enjoys tennis, golf, ping-pong, and staying active in his church and local tech community.

Managing Partner

Michigan Software Labs develops custom mobile, web, and Internet of Things (IoT) software for clients ranging from locally owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Recognized as a leader in UX/UI design, with millions of end users to date, Michigan Software Labs was named one of the Top UX Design Companies in the U.S. by Clutch and the Inc. Best Places to Work Award.

Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA)

Founder & CEO

Believe India

As Founder, evolved concept of Believe India as platform for Social Entrepuners in India. Established pilot retail outlet GRAM BHARAT to bridge the gap between conscious consumers and grassroots producers in India.

Founder

F-TEC Skill Development (Foresight Edutech (P) Ltd

Strategic Leadership: 
Lead and direct Company strategic thinking and business activities in the development and
Implementation of the Company’s respective strategic objectives.
Strategic Planning: Identify and draw up relevant programme strategies and ensure operational plans are in place and are appropriately communicated. 
External analysis and influencing: Ensure external linkages and engage with appropriate forums. 
Partnership Development and Management:
Ensure management of partner portfolio and development/maintenance of high-quality partnerships.
Review, Monitoring and Evaluation: 
Review on a quarterly basis business plans, activities, benchmarks, operating targets.  
Develop and oversee implementation of the overall programme Monitoring & Evaluation Framework with stakeholders, lead measurement and benefits realisation delivered by the projects/programmes.  Ensure programmes and partnerships are monitored and evaluation is done regularly.
People Management:
Effectively lead and develop a high performing team of Executive Director and Directors within the performance management framework, mentoring managers accordingly.
Active engagement with evolving Skill Ecosystem in India :MSDE, NSDC, SSCs engagement and evolving strong alliances and partnerships.

Managing Director

Fair Trade Forum India

Chief Executive of the National Network, Fair Trade Forum-India.
Managed EU supported Multi Country projects. 
Conceptualised & Operationalised India's first Fair Trade umbrella brand ' Fair Trade India'. 
Membership monitoring, Alliance Building, CSR Partnerships and Global Networking and policy advocacy initiatives were taken up very effectively.

Executive Director

CBMD/SEARCH

Establishing Micro Enterprise development division with all India operations. 
Scaling up and effectively implementing SHG projects in Northern India
Creating Marketing Platforms and establishing Sustainable Livelihood interventions & Micro Finance Institution in a decentralised manner.

Deputy Director

Kurnool Degree College, A.P

Lecturer

Founder & CEO @ IDEA | Social Entrepreneur

Mallikarjuna Iytha is a social entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), an enterprise that creates opportunities and livelihoods for people with disabilities. With over two decades of experience in the development sector and fair trade, he has a proven track record of empowering marginalized communities and promoting sustainable consumption.

He is a former President of Fair Trade Forum-India and a core team member of Ekal Sansthan and Ekal Gramottan Foundation, where he has initiated and supported grassroots projects that improve the quality of life in rural and tribal areas. He has also co-founded Believe India Fair Trade, a platform that showcases and connects social enterprises in India. He is an author of five books on development issues and a recipient of prestigious awards, such as the "Pillar of Civil Society in India" from the Honorable President of India. He holds an M.Phil in Environmental Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Master of Science in Microbiology from S.K. University. He is passionate about strengthening the civil society movement in India and driving social change and sustainable development through his vision and leadership.

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The Battle

Mark Johnson

Mallikarjuna Iytha

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