Eric Bailey has spoken to over 3.5 million people globally. Now he is helping Australian entrepreneurs succeed
You came to Australia in your early 20s. Why?
I was born and raised in one of the toughest neighbourhoods in the USA. South Central Los Angeles was the home to gang violence, unemployment, drug use, racial profiling, and poverty. My own challenges included low self-esteem, physical pain due to bone and knee disease, and emotional pains from knowing that my parents put me up for adoption at birth.
At 14, I had to decide on how to get out the hood. Both mentally and physically. I had to adopt a positive attitude and find a mentor who could be honest with me and give me constructive criticism and positive feedback. I worked hard enough to graduate from High School, win a High School Basketball Championship, and also received a scholarship to University. Because of the work ethic and commitment to becoming the best I could be I was invited to trial in the NBA but was unsuccessful. But I then was given an opportunity to play in the NBL in Australia. So I moved here and went on to play for 12 years for a number of NBL teams before retiring due to injury.
You are an activational speaker working both in Australia and internationally. What is an “activational speaker”?
After retiring from basketball, I wanted to share my story of what can happen if you believe in yourself and have an action plan. There is a huge difference between motivation and activation. My story about my life isn’t based on how I feel. But my actions and vision for success. I’ve been fortunate to have spoken in 13 countries to over 3.5 million people. Once you activate your mind to believe and then develop your daily habits then the good feelings will begin to happen.
What are some of the challenges that you see people face as they want to go into business or just take that next step to change their lives for the better?
It all begins and ends with attitude. Attitude and fear of the unknown are the biggest drawbacks for people pursuing their dreams and goals. That is why having a mentor is so important to being able to push past being uncomfortable.
If people want to connect with you, what’s the best way to reach out?
They can go to my website: www.ericbaileyglobal.com.
And because this is your first newsletter of the year I am offering a 30 min complementary coaching session to the first 10 of your readers to email me (eric@ericbaileyglobal.com) with what they would like to accomplish in 2019.