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Eric Allen has years to his roles as an inner-city teacher and collegiate basketball coach, Eric shifted gears to become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Over the past two decades, he has founded over a dozen companies across various sectors, impacting millions of customers and generating billions in revenue.
Eric, his wife Casey, and their four children have always been driven by a deep commitment to the Golden Rule, serving others, and making a positive social impact. His global travels, speaking engagements, and dedication to personal and professional development have solidified his reputation as a thought leader. Eric’s professional focus is on raising the standard of excellence in relationship marketing through Nélo Life, aiming to create a global force for good. In this interview, Eric shares his insights on leadership, decision-making, and the principles that guide his life and career.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I’ve always believed that leaders strive to lead by example, making sure their ACTIONS are congruent with their words. Leaders tend to have an uncanny ability to stay excited and maintain vision and belief in their dreams longer than others. Often it is at our dark valleys and near ‘breaking points’ where the true breakthroughs arise! Also, character—doing the things we said we were going to do long after the moment we said them has passed, tends to separate leaders from the masses.
What are some of the keys to effective decision-making?
As simple as it may seem, following the Golden Rule—treating others the way we want to be treated—has become a lost art in so many ways in today’s society. At Nelo Life, it’s paramount to consider the impact of decision-making on the very livelihoods that are co-creating the dream with you!
How do you build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues and mentors?
Listen 10X as much as you talk! If you are the smartest person in any given room, you are in the wrong room!
What continuing education or training initiatives are you currently involved with to stay ahead?
Leaders are constant readers and listeners. It’s critical to stay on top of industry trends and timeless proven principles in order to be an effective leader.
What methods or techniques do you employ to help set achievable goals and track progress?
Setting goals is the easy part; adjusting, learning, pivoting quickly, and being fluid are keys to success in today’s economy!
How do you handle difficult clients, customers, or coworkers?
Follow the Golden Rule, but also provide clear, measurable objectives to hold each other accountable. Doing your best to ensure those you collaborate with are of the same values and principles, and share a similar vision for the greater good can help alleviate a lot of difficult situations.
What do you believe are the most crucial qualities or skills a leader should possess, and how do you embody these qualities?
Would you follow you? I ask myself this every single day. Also, before I go to bed, I look myself in the mirror, and ask myself, if your team and tribe worked EXACTLY as hard as you did today, what results should you realistically expect? Leaders roll up their sleeves and are willing to do the work they expect others to do!
Can you share a specific example of how you helped a colleague or coworker overcome a significant challenge or obstacle?
Recently, a colleague was going through some difficult personal issues outside of our professional relationship. Just listening, empathizing, and giving them time to process and best handle the unfortunate situation allowed them to come back even more grateful and committed to the dream at hand!
How do you decide what to do yourself and what to delegate to others?
Focusing on my strengths commands most of my behaviors. Accepting my limitations and trying not to be mediocre at many tasks allows me to determine which decisions and tasks to delegate to others.
How do you motivate your team for outstanding results?
By doing my best to embody the type of servant leader and human being that others are inspired to run alongside.
We thank Eric Allen for sharing his insights and taking the time to participate in this interview. His approach to leadership and relationship marketing offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to make a lasting impact in their professional and personal lives.
