About Erick Rheam
My name is Erick Rheam. I’m a professional speaker and author. I speak and write about human dynamics. I was recruited the run cross country and track by the United States Military Academy. After graduating from West Point, I served in Bosnia-Herzgovina as Military Police Platoon Leader. Once I left the military I entered the public power utility industry in Indiana and Colorado. I worked in the energy efficiency field with an organization out of Oklahoma for several years before transitioning into the professional speaking world in 2019. I’m married with three lovely children, a trusty Labrador Retriever and loyal Doberman Pinscher. I currently live in Southern Indiana and intend to relocate to the coast of South Carolina in a couple of years.
You can find me online at ErickRheam.com
Why Did You Become an Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author, Etc. in the First Place?
I value creating things that have an impact on the world. It’s fulfilling when I take an idea and turn it into a viable product or service that the world can use. I also like creating my own schedule and focusing solely on my strengths and talents and being an entrepreneur allows for that.
How Do You Deal With Fear?
I see fear as my body and mind’s way of surviving. Fear and the influence of it is critical in survival as it influences my decisions and motivates me to work harder in order to avoid the consequences of it. I see fear as an indication that I’m on the right path. If it’s not scary, then it’s probably not worth. My best life is usually found on the other side of fear.
How Do You Deal With Rejection?
When I’m rejected I allow myself to mourn the sting and loss associated to rejection. I evaluate the rejection and focus on the areas leading up to rejection and focus on the things I control and how I may do it differently next time to achieve a more favorable outcome.
What’s the Name of Your Company? What Exactly Does Your Company Do, How Do You Help People?
Team Rheam Productions, Inc. We help busy and overwhelmed professional men and women rediscover their passion, so that they can redefine their purpose and gain the courage to act. We developed a five-part methodology that when applied allows professionals to cut through the whirlwinds of their life so that they may rise above the chaos and live a life of significance.
Name One of the Biggest Challenges You Have Faced and How Did You Overcome It?
While deployed to the war torn country of Bosnia in 1996 I was charged with leading a 33 person military police platoon into harms way as we attempted to separate the muslim and serbs from killing one another. It was a highly charged and stressful year leading my unit and getting them home safely. I navigated this time by trusting my soldiers and giving them grace and myself grace when I wasn’t perfect. I found that the only way to survive and ultimately thrive any issue in life is though cooperative spirit. I realized I could never do life alone and if I were going to get home alive and healthy after my deployment it would be with the help and professionalism of the soldiers I was deployed with and so that always stuck with me and something I still use today. I never face a challenge alone and I am very deliberate with whom I surround myself with in life, all as a result of that year in Bosnia.
What Piece of Advice Do You Wish Someone Had Given You at the Start of Your Career?
Don’t overthink it and try to figure everything out. Just clarify the next step you need to take to move towards your dreams and gain the courage to do that. Don’t worry about the journey, just take the next step.
Who Are Your Biggest Influences and People You Admire and Why?
My dad – He’s a man of action and I always admired that.
My mother – She’s a world class encourager.
My wife – Her loyalty is inspiring.
Michael Hyatt – He’s not afraid to take the next step.
Grant Baldwin – He’s an awesome leader because he allows he team the flexibility and space to leverage their talents.
My Lord and Savior – Jesus is love and in the end, love is usually the answer.
Name a Person Who Helped You Along the Way?
Howie – He came into my life at a critical moment and taught how to be a husband and father during the first few years of marriage and fatherhood.
What Do You See as Your Greatest Success in Life, So Far?
My relationship with my wife. I believe the union between to people and the basic family unit is the cornerstone of society. Being able to navigate my love for my wife and the evolution of our marriage is something I’m very proud of.
What Book Would You Recommend and Why?
Now Discover Your Strengths – by Clifton and Buckingham. This book gave me permission to focus on my strengths and was a game changer for me.
What’s a Personal Self-Talk, Mantra, Affirmation or Self-Belief That Contributes to Your Success?
I will get through this. I’ve a 100% success rate of getting through the challenges in my life. When I’m at my darkest moments, I always remind myself how resilient the human spirit is and that I have a track record of figuring it out.
