Eric Bailey,
Visionary
biography

The ability to see yourself in the future begins with the realization that the future starts in the present.- Eric Bailey

Eric Bailey has spoken to over 2 million people in more than 10 countries.

Whether creating a successful business or the life of your dreams, the outcome you truly desire is not something that happens magically. You need a clear picture of what it is and what it looks like. Eric has helped over 2 million people in more than 10 countries to craft visions for themselves and their organizations and manifest these into reality!

Eric is one of the world's foremost speakers on the subject of motivation and vision. Drawing on successful careers in professional sport, executive management, sales, and as a husband and father, Eric is the spark that can ignite the burning passion that dwells in each of us. He draws on his unique life experiences and a wealth of knowledge in the field of personal & organizational excellence to create powerful and inspiring keynotes that leave audiences in awe. With presence and personality, he commands a room like few can.

His message has been delivered across media channels. Eric hosted an Australian radio call-in show for 3 years and also wrote a weekly newspaper column called Body and Soul, both on the subjects of health and motivation. He has appeared on television as an expert in the field of personal development and also as an ex-pro athlete.

Eric holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, conferred by the National Speakers Association and the International Federation for Professional Speakers. The CSP designation has strict standards & a rigorous five-year certification process during which speakers must demonstrate both experience and expertise. Less than 10 percent of all speakers worldwide have this certification and it represents one of the highest achievements possible for a speaking professional.

Eric continues to inspire audiences around the world with his story and the incredible power of vision. He has delivered talks and training sessions to many multinational corporations, including Nike, McDonald's, Ford, Nissan, Reebok, Toshiba and Canon, to name a few. He has also brought uplifting, youth-focused messages to students at hundreds of schools around the world.

Eric has shared the stage with Sir Richard Branson, Jamie McIntyre, Former Prime Minister John Howard, Tim Ferriss, Harry Dent, Michael Jordan, and many more. Whether it is in business or in life, Eric will show you that there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build your life by, and this you will become. - James Allen

On the rainy evening of November 26, 1960 in South Central Los Angeles, Eric Bailey came into the world. His story, one of success against overwhelming odds, was just beginning.

At birth Eric was identified as having Osgood-Schlatter's disease, a congenital deformity of the knee joint. Unwilling and unable to handle the responsibility of caring for a disabled newborn, Eric's biological parents gave him up for adoption.

Growing up in South Central L.A. Eric was forced to confront the significant barriers around him. Abject poverty, crime, drug abuse, inadequate medical care, a flawed educational system and negative peer influence were problems he routinely faced. Many told him of an inevitable fate: gang violence, drug addiction, prison or death. The message was simple: You are destined to be an uneducated, disabled black man who will never amount to anything.

In spite of his knee disease, which doctors said would rule out any athletic endeavors in life, Eric was determined to play basketball. He made his high school team, training for up to 35 hours a week. His diligence was rewarded and by the time he graduated he had earned numerous awards, including Player of the Year, All CIF (California Interscholastic Federation), All City and Most Valuable Player.

In class, however, Eric struggled. Initial rejection by all of the colleges he applied to was something he took in stride. Undeterred, Eric went to a junior college to improve his grades and ended up obtaining a scholarship to Boise State University.

Though passed over in the NBA draft he was determined to play pro basketball and headed off to Australia for a career in the NBL. Eric went on to a successful pro career, playing for over a decade with the Hobart Devils, Melbourne Tigers, Gippsland Lakers, Gold Coast Rollers, and Southern District Spartans.

After retiring from his basketball career Eric went on to have a successful career as a top salesman with a number of companies. He has organized children's charity events and hosted celebrity basketball tournaments alongside the likes of ex-NBA phenomenon Michael Jordan and movie star Jamie Foxx. Eric also hosted an on-air radio show for 3 years and wrote a weekly newspaper column on the topics of health and motivation.

Ultimately, a desire to share his life experience and insights into the importance of vision led Eric to begin his career as a professional speaker.

Eric continues to inspire audiences around the world with his story and the incredible power of vision.