Today we’d like to introduce you to C. Eric Collier

Hi C. Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I am an authority on Mental Quicksand, a Certified John Maxwell Leadership Team Member, DISC facilitator, dynamic motivational speaker, award-winning collaborator, and podcast host. My journey began with my own personal struggles with feeling stuck and uncertain about my purpose. I once found myself trapped in Mental Quicksand, doubting my skills and abilities, and questioning my place in the world.

Through a journey of self-reflection, resilience, and a willingness to learn, I broke free from those limitations. Additionally I discovered my passion for helping others overcome similar challenges and unlock their true potential.

Because I was able to overcome being stuck in my own “Mental Quicksand,” I’ve collaborated on international award-winning projects, shared stages with renowned speakers like Les Brown and Dr. Willie Jolley, and spoken on prestigious stages like The Washington DC National Press Club and Columbia University. Now, I speak, coach, and assess behavior to empower individuals, organizations, entrepreneurs, and teams to optimize leadership and ignite performance so they can achieve higher levels of success.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

My life has never been a smooth road and even though my initial response to adversity, setback, and defeat wasn’t always a positive one, I am truly grateful for the bumpy roads and rollercoaster rides of life. I say that because the art of moving in uncertain times and momentum shifting has shaped me into the man I am today.

Momentum shifting became a huge part of my life as a teen after my parents remarried and we (me and my brother) had to fight for our place in blended homes. One house we had domestic violence, alcoholism, and drug addiction. The other, mental games. And throughout high school we’d bounce back and forth from our parents home frustrated because we knew that no matter what we said we would always be the ones who had to leave.

As an adult I found myself stuck in what would ultimately be a 352-day layoff filled with rollercoaster rides of being hired and let go before I could ever start working again. During that time the financial hardship had us on the brink of foreclosure and often with no lights, water, and little food in the fridge. My marriage struggled due to arguments about finances and whether or not we’d be homeless.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m C. Eric Collier, also known as “The Mayor of Motivation” and as a Certified John Maxwell Team Member, Keynote Speaker, and Podcast Host, I empower individuals and teams to unleash their full leadership potential.

My transformative expertise spans into the areas of, Leadership Optimization: Unlocking effective leadership skills for success
Communication & Collaboration Enhancement: Understanding communication and behavior styles to foster strong relationships and enhance teamwork
Self-Awareness & Self-Leadership Development: Improving self-awareness to help individuals discover their strengths and lead with purpose.

Through keynote speaking engagements, podcasting, coaching, and training programs, I help audiences:
– Breakthrough barriers and limitations
– Shift momentum and achieve life-changing success
– Develop the skills and mindset for remarkable success

My mission-driven approach focuses on mentoring and coaching diverse groups, including career professionals, individuals, teams, veterans, and students, to overcome mental barriers and elevate performance. With a global impact, I’ve shared stages with renowned speakers and collaborated on award-winning projects, inspiring audiences worldwide to achieve their full potential.

I’m most proud of the fact that during hard times my determination to never quit and move forward created the opportunity to meet the individual who helped me realize that I had what it took to change my life, if I just changed the way I think. Im extremely grateful that I kept an open mind during the conversation and didn’t block my blessings.

The result has led to me doing things I once believed to be impossible for “someone like me” to do. Working with Dr. Willie Jolley and Les Brown, the two men who spoke at the conference I attended the day I decided to chase my dream of becoming a motivational speaker. Then working on international award-winning collaborations and inspiring people from over seven different countries through the books, summits, interviews, and my podcast. And no one would have ever put my name, C. Eric Collier in a sentence with The National Press Club where presidents, Generals, World Leaders, and Famous Celebrities have spoken. So those are the things I’m excited about now, but I’m even more excited about building this “Momentum Shift Movement” where future leaders will be developed and do even greater things.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?

Growing up I was all about sports. Started with wanting to be Evil Knievel and jumping over buses on a motorcycle. That eventually moved into a love for football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. I played sports all through high school, but baseball was my love. I loved hitting “dingers” (home runs), but I played every position because I knew I’d never sit the bench. I walked on to a stacked junior college team and started, but my hope of playing major league baseball ended after a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds.

Personality wise, my mom would tell you I know no strangers and I’ve been that way since I was a little guy. She often tells the story of our trip to visit my Uncle and Aunt in Oklahoma where I talked to everyone in the airport, bathroom, on the plane about my Dad. I’ve just always loved people. I was also known as a big eater, picked up the nickname of “Garbage Can Collier” from my Aunt Linda. My love for people also earned me the nickname, “The Mayor of Motivation.” A nickname coworkers and a friend determined fit after watching me operate in what they refer to as, “Eric out here shaking hands and kissing babies.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cericcollier.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cericcollier/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1MomentumShift
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgzF3SXgLgioG5yACdZpJcg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cericcollier?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits

Pam Perry PR
Les Brown Power Voice
Damian Barton Photography
Clarence Arnold Photography