C. Eric Collier “The Mayor of Motivation” shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
C. Eric, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Great question—thank you for asking. Two things outside of work are lighting me up right now: coaching my grandson Elijah and our 10U baseball team, the Laurel Yankees, and my daily habit of reading a chapter from my ever-growing “books to read” list.
Retiring from retirement, wouldn’t change it. Baseball has always been my first love. I played through high school, a year in JUCO, and even had a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds. After hanging up my cleats, I coached peewee sports and six years of high school football before stepping away from the sidelines.
But Elijah’s passion reignited mine. I started out saying, “I’m just here to watch,” but when I heard a coach apologize for kids getting their uniforms dirty, I knew I had to come out of retirement. I laughed, but I’m competitive—and I believe kids should learn, compete, and absolutely get those uniforms dirty. Parents love our sliding practice days!
Now, four years back into coaching, I’m leading a phenomenal group of players and parents. We’ve won two city championships, but more than that, I’m loving their growth, grit, and joy. It’s not just coaching—it’s legacy-building.
Reading has been transformational. When I began my journey of self-transformation, reading changed everything. It reshaped my vision, sparked hope, and introduced me to leaders who turned adversity into impact. I went from never reading to devouring books on leadership, business, and personal development.
Authors like Napoleon Hill, Les Brown, Thomas J. Stanley, Robert Kiyosaki, and Dr. Dennis Kimbro helped me reimagine what’s possible. Their words didn’t just inspire me—they equipped me to build a life of purpose and momentum.
Now, I start each day with one chapter from a book pulled from my “Gold Mine”—the Goodwill book section. I’ve found gems for $2 or less, some untouched, others filled with notes and underlines. Each one holds wisdom waiting to be uncovered.
This habit helps me avoid overwhelm. Instead of stressing over page counts or book length, I take it one bite at a time. Since July, I’ve read nine books and feel more focused, energized, and driven than ever.
What I’d like readers to remember is “the Joy Is in the Journey”. It’s not about achieving the goal or racing through books—it’s about absorbing ideas that elevate me personally and professionally. Every insight I gain becomes a tool I pass on to my coachees and workshop attendees. I want them to walk away not just inspired, but equipped to close the gap between who they are and who they could become.
Of course, life gets busy. Between PopPop duties, podcast hosting, mentoring, speaking, and late nights, some mornings I sleep in or savor time with my wife. But when the bell rings the next day, I’m back at it—because joy lives in the commitment.
And yes, it’s still thrilling to find those $2 treasures in my Gold Mine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m C. Eric Collier also known as “The Mayor of Motivation.” I’m a champion for change, empowering individuals and teams to shatter obstacles and achieve breakthroughs. With a proven track record of driving lasting growth and success, I deliver results-driven solutions that propel organizations forward.
I picked up the nickname of “The Mayor of Motivation” after three different groups of coworkers would often come back to the office after a break or lunch and announce that, “Eric was downstairs shaking hands and kissing babies.” That all stems from my love of people. I believe that people want to be and enjoy being happy, so in that mindset I believe that giving someone to talk about things or people they love allows them the opportunity to break away from what’s challenging or causing stress in their day.
Through over 100 high-level interviews with entrepreneurs, high-performers, and industry leaders on The Momentum Shift Podcast, I’ve distilled the most impactful strategies and insights into a proven framework for success. By combining these learnings with my expertise in leadership optimization, performance enhancement, and behavioral assessments, I guide individuals and teams in unlocking their core strengths, challenging limiting beliefs, and fostering authentic growth.
Whether through dynamic keynote speaking, immersive coaching, or interactive workshops, I equip individuals and teams with the tools and strategies to:
• Build unshakeable resilience
• Unlock true potential
• Drive meaningful change
My approach is built on substance, not superficiality. The focus is on delivering powerful, introspective experiences that yield real momentum and lasting impact.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
We’ve all had a relationship that has turned for one reason or another. Maybe you were at odds with your friends, teachers, coach, spouse, or coworker either way, we’ve all been there. For me the one that was the hardest for me to get over was understanding the relationship dynamics between me and my parents changed after they remarried. I felt like we no longer had a place in either home and had to constantly fight to get them to see we were feeling pushed away or out of the picture. It was tough bouncing back and forth. In it I created a toughness that wouldn’t allow me to forgive for a long time.
Bonds between people are fragile yet resilient, and their strength is often tested by the trials and tribulations of life. From my experience, I’ve seen that trust is what breaks bonds, and time is what restores them. When we invest time in building relationships through authentic conversations, vulnerability, and shared experiences, we create strong bonds through opening up and letting people in to our minds and worlds. That becomes a bond that can withstand challenges because in our hearts and minds we’re locked in, we think alike, we’re family. “I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine” becomes the mindset.
When trust is broken due to inconsistency, lack of support, or poor behavior its the pain and shock that can make it too difficult to repair a bond like that. In some cases it’s a pain that just can’t be overcome or a relationship that can’t be rebuilt. We may find ourselves locked in deep depression or there may be times when you decide its time to move on and leave people behind. As Oprah once said, “when a person shows you who they are, believe them.” You can’t fix everyone and not everyone believes they need to fix “anything.” It takes time, but resiliency is key to every bounceback.
Restoring relationships takes time, self-reflection, and a willingness to forgive and understand the role we played in the dispute. It’s a process that requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to rebuilding trust. And it has to be in a mindset that says, “I forgive you” without continuing to hold it over that person’s head. You have to let it go to move on. Then by acknowledging the hurt or damage caused and working towards healing and growth, we can restore bonds and emerge stronger on the other side.
Ultimately, it’s the quality of our relationships that makes life richer, and it’s worth investing time and effort to nurture and repair them.
Today, I truly enjoy the relationship I have with my parents, that includes my step-father. So grateful that we were able to sit and talk about those times because those its through conversations like those that I’ve learned more about their mindsets, how they were raised, and some of the many challenges they were going through. I learned that what my mom always said was true, “the world doesn’t just revolve around me.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That’s a really great question, because I often say that the worst thing we could’ve ever learned as a child was, “and they lived happily ever after.” That I believe shapes a mindset of everything is and should be perfect once we decide to complete a specific task or accomplish a specific goal. A mindset that I believe truly leads to living a life of stagnation, never taking our shot at changing things, and living in fear.
For me, suffering has been my greatest teacher. Without it my work ethic would not exist. I would’ve never developed the strong mind and never give up attitude. I would never accomplished those things were I successful in every outing or endeavor. My journey to becoming who I’m meant to be hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. As the saying goes, “diamonds are made under immense heat and pressure.” I’ve learned that it’s in those moments of struggle, setback, and defeat we’re in the pressure and heat that will drive and help us discover our true strength and potential.
When I started playing sports the first thing my mother ever told me was that no matter if I liked the sport, the coach, or wasn’t having fun, that couldn’t quit. I’d have to see it through to the end of the season. It developed a keep pushing mindset. Growing up, I didn’t have the luxury of being handed things. My parents didn’t have the resources, and I had to figure things out for myself. But that struggle taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of fighting for what I wanted. From the age of 18, I’ve had to work multiple jobs (sometimes 3 at a time), faced uncertainty, and overcome obstacles that seemed impossible many a time. With each challenge I’ve learned a lot, grown stronger and more determined.
What I’ve come to realize is that success can be short-lived, but the lessons we learn through suffering stay with us forever. It’s the struggles that shape us, mold us, and prepare us for the greatness that’s ahead. I’ve seen people who seem to have it all fall apart when faced with adversity, simply because they’ve never had to develop the strength and resilience that comes from overcoming obstacles. While those who know what its like to be in the storms of life continue fighting so we can witness the beauty of the rainbow.
I’ve learned that no matter how hard times get, they will pass. And I’ve learned that anyone who repeatedly overcomes struggle, setback, and defeat attacks life with an unconquerable spirit that says, “this is my time.”
So, I’m grateful for the struggles, the late nights, and the hard days. I’m grateful for the 352-day layoff that forced me to re-evaluate my life and pursue my passion as a motivational speaker. I’m grateful for the journey that’s made me who I am today. And I know that no matter what life throws my way, I’ll be ready to face it head-on with courage, resilience, and an unwavering determination to succeed.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that what matters most to me is the success and well-being of others. I’m driven by a genuine passion for seeing people win and living their best lives. It’s a value that’s earned me the nickname “The Mayor of Motivation” – a testament to my commitment to lifting others up and making a positive impact.
For me, it’s about more than just getting the job done; it’s about building meaningful relationships and making a difference in people’s lives. I believe that in the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. That’s why I make it a point to connect with others, ask genuine questions, and show genuine interest in their lives.
Whether it’s asking about someone’s family, their weekend plans, or their interests, I believe that these small moments of connection can make a big difference. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a positive impact on those around me. When someone recently stopped me to express their gratitude for my kindness, it reinforced the importance of this approach. It reminded me that even small actions can have a profound impact on others. I’m humbled by the recognition, and I’m committed to continuing to spread positivity and support wherever I go.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people will tell when I’m gone are definitely funny ones. Like the time I decided it would be a great idea to use the kitchen stove to light a firecracker and be fast enough to get it out the door and not wake my mother who worked third shift. Nope, the big bang happened and everything went black before I took the first step. Or maybe the story and details about my first motorcycle racing weekend where I crashed not once but twice what was my first ever race.
If not that then I know they’ll say that I loved my family and that I wanted to see everyone thrive. It would be great if they took the time to share their momentum shifts as examples and inspiration to empower others to create shifts towards unlocking their true potential and living a life they once believed to be impossible. Or discuss the power created when you “Just Keep Pushing!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cericcollier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cericcollier/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cericcollier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1MomentumShift
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgzF3SXgLgioG5yACdZpJcg
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-momentum-shift/id1671331232
https://open.spotify.com/show/0blqGH6l7eWqBdlsJoMSYM?si=e5a059860a8c48e1
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
