Our Mission: Empower People to Shine
Led by keynote speaker, communication, employee well-being and culture expert, Mark Mohammadpour with Chasing the Sun helps organizations thrive through practical, people-first well-being strategies
With my beautiful puppy Molly!
From 350 Pounds to Certified Health Coach: Mark’s Personal Journey
In 2007, I weighed more than 350 pounds. I was breaking chairs in restaurants, had trouble sleeping during the night because I was experiencing sleep apnea, and struggled to walk up a flight of stairs. A frequent business traveler and public relations professional working 50-60 hour weeks, I struggled with how to deal with stress and thrive in our industry. Long flights sitting in coach, uncomfortable chairs in restaurants, and general embarrassment with being severely overweight were handled by eating too much and exercising too little.
Even worse, my unhealthy lifestyle caused me to feel incredibly negative, which impacted how I acted around people. I wasn’t my usual, cheerful self. I allowed my poor health to prevent me from fully being myself or experience life to its fullest.
The Vision Behind Chasing the Sun:
Deliver a relatable, practical, and actionable approach tailored to individuals, teams, and enterprises.
We believe healthy employees = healthy bottom lines, and we help leaders connect culture with well-being
A Proven Leader in Strategic Communication
At Edelman and Weber Shandwick, I led campaigns for more than 10 global technology brands and a branch of the United States military. I also served on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Oregon board as well as its president in 2016. I received the PRSA Oregon’s Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award in 2020. I am also the monthly Workplace Wellness columnist for PRSA's Strategies and Tactics Magazine.
Chasing the Sun Values:
Respect for time, transparency, and human nature.
Turning a Personal Mission Into a Professional Calling
In 2017, I was nearly 10 years into my 150-pound weight-loss journey. I was also almost two decades into my public relations career. Most significantly, my father passed away in February 2017.
After he passed away, I was looking for a way to pursue something I’m passionate about, have knowledge about, and find a renewed purpose. After chatting with a personal trainer friend, I decided to obtain my personal training and health coaching certifications. I knew that I had the life and professional experience and passion for helping people like me find a healthy path for their lives.
In the fall of 2019, I decided to go “all in” and empower business leaders to get mentally and physically fit so they can shine in every aspect of their lives.
Today, I provide health programs and coaching services for working professionals, particularly those in communications and public relations.
As a recovered PR professional, I understand the immense pressures of a high-flying career. It’s very hard to prioritize your mental and physical well-being when so many people are relying on you.
It IS possible to prioritize your physical and mental well-being without hurting your work performance. My programs shift mindsets and provide actionable tools to help you establish a healthy lifestyle. You’ll learn to rethink your relationship with food, time, and exercise.
When I am not working, I am a proud husband to my incredible wife, Christine Mohammadpour, and puppy parent to our sweet Labradoodle, MollyMoh! On weekends you'll find us cheering on our favorite Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns, U.S. Men's and Women's National soccer teams, supporting local businesses, and feeling blessed to live in the best region of the world.
Certifications & Credentials
Work With Mark Mohammadpour.
Let’s explore how Chasing the Sun can support your next event, team training, or executive strategy session.