Eric Alexander

CORPORATE EVENTS:

Trust – Eric knows that to succeed as a team each individual on that team must be a person who is trustworthy and must also demonstrate the ability to trust those around them.  Eric speaks of the extraordinary trust that the NFB Everest expedition shared and how it contributed to the success of safely reaching Mt. Everest’s 29,035’ summit.

Team spirit - Taking on a monumental task, like guiding a blind man to the summit of Mt. Everest, is not something that a person can do alone.  Eric details how this extraordinary achievement was made possible by team-members putting aside their individual differences for the greater good of the team.  By utilizing each person’s strengths this team was able to accomplish the “impossible” and prove to the world that underdogs can still play and win.  Eric says it is not about work, rather it is about the spirit of the team and the belief in each other and the desire for the other’s success over one’s own.

Leadership – In moments of crisis each person will need to have what it takes to lead.  As the expedition leader fell ill on summit day and turned back the team faced a critical decision – turn back or move forward.  The team chose to take on the responsibility of leadership and made the decision to press on.  Opportunities to quit present themselves at every step of our journeys, we all must be willing at times to take the lead and keep striving for our goals.

Courage – Dare to risk it all when the “experts” say the risk is too great.  Eric speaks of moving forward in spite of our fears, stepping out in faith and courage to prove, as he says, “that we are the experts on ourselves.”  Demonstrating this courage Eric joined the Everest expedition after a nearly fatal accident climbing in the Himalayas the year before and showed his commitment to the team by not giving up.  Eric shares that the task of climbing Everest in and of itself would require great courage, but to add that Eric would be guiding his blind friend to the summit would require far more.

Innovation - It is innovation which leads to invention.  This takes our small steps of progress and transforms them into giant leaps over time, turning what was once thought of as impossible to be totally plausible. The mountain had not changed nor did the route get easier.  What had changed was our approach. It is on the way to the top, it is along the journey that we learn, grow, innovate, and adapt. Innovation, like wisdom, is just as those steps up the mountain; each one building on the one before it, the summation of which gets us to our goal.

Integrity – In the high mountains it is critical that people do as they say they will do.  Lives depend on following through on promises with action.  To survive here, and be successful, a team must be comprised of individuals willing to stand by their word.  This lesson carries over into many aspects of our personal and professional lives and is quite a recipe for growth and success.

Adventure Beyond Limits – Eric shares his secrets for success: Prepare for the ascent; Ascend – dare to dream as dreams are still worth striving for; Triumph – miracles do happen so never give up, never listen to your critics, remember that champions adjust and that there are no limits to what we can achieve.

FAITHBASED GROUPS:
Eric can tailor a talk specifically for faith-based groups. As a Christian, his faith helped him through many trials and difficulties.  He shares how God’s plan hasn’t been about summits, but about trust - one step at a time.

Step Out – Dare to risk it all by stepping out in faith, acting on a God given desire utilizing your unique gifts to accomplish a greater goal. Acting on faith gives one the chance to allow God to work when the task at hand seems to be too great – and usually is. ‘….You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart……’ – Jeremiah 29:11-13

Prayer – As you step out in faith, ‘Devote yourselves to prayer…’ – Colossians 4:2
Ask others around you to pray as you yourself pray for God’s guidance every step of the journey.

Teamwork – Taking on a monumental task, like guiding a blind man to the summit of Mt. Everest, is not something that a person can do alone. Eric details how this extraordinary achievement was made possible by team-members putting aside their individual differences for the greater good of the team. By utilizing each person’s strengths this team was able to accomplish the “impossible” and prove to the world that underdog’s can still play and win. As Christians we are all part of God’s team serving an important function: 1 Corinthians 12:12 states that “the body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts.” Maximize the different strengths, because a body of believers or a team that all have the same strengths will fail.

Courage – “…The Lord will guard your going out and your coming from this time forth and forever” – Psalm 121:8. Dare to risk it all when the “experts” say the risk is too great. Eric speaks of moving forward in spite of our fears, stepping out in faith and courage to prove, as he says, “that we are the experts on ourselves.” Demonstrating this courage, Eric joined the Everest expedition after a nearly fatal accident climbing in the Himalayas the year before and showed his commitment to the team by not giving up. Eric shares that the task of climbing Everest in and of itself would require great courage, but the added responsibility of guiding his blind friend to the summit would require far more. “Be strong and very courageous.” Joshua 1:7.

Trust – Eric knows that to succeed as a team, each individual on that team must be a person who is trustworthy and must also demonstrate the ability to trust those around them. Eric speaks of the extraordinary trust that the 2001 NFB Everest expedition shared and how it contributed, along with God’s help, to the success of safely reaching Mt. Everest’s 29,035’ summit. Trust that God will be faithful as you step out in faith, supported by prayer. Be faithful to him and to the team. View each experience as an opportunity to trust God and to walk in faith. Be noticeably different by being one in whom others may place trust without regret. This is a great reflection of your Father in heaven.Leadership – In moments of crisis each person will need to have what it takes to lead. As the expedition leader fell ill on summit day and turned back, the team faced a critical decision – turn back or move forward. The team chose to take on the responsibility of leadership and made the decision to press on. Opportunities to quit present themselves at every step of our journeys. We all must be willing at times to take the lead and keep striving for our goals. “For all things are possible with God” – Mark 10:27

Perseverance – ‘We count those blessed who endure’ – James 5:11. Don’t give up when God gives you trials because there will always be trials. Trials are opportunities to depend fully and wholly upon God. One of God’s promises is that a life committed to him won’t be too easy. It is about getting up WHEN you are knocked down and pursuing God’s will. Don’t let your guard down or give up after a success. It is just the beginning of the trip down off the mountain and the start of His next big adventure which will require all of these elements once again.

Integrity – In the high mountains it is critical that people do as they say they will do. Lives depend on following through on promises with action. To survive here, and be successful, a team must be comprised of individuals willing to stand by their word. This lesson carries over into many aspects of our personal and professional lives and is quite a recipe for growth and success. 1 Timothy 4:7-12 ‘…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…

Adventure Beyond Limits – Eric shares his secrets for success: Prepare for the ascent; Ascend – dare to dream as dreams are still worth striving for; Triumph – miracles do happen so never give up, never listen to your critics, remember that champions adjust and that there are no limits to what we can achieve

Experiential:
Eric can also bring your group into an experiential learning event that will teach and tear down walls. Eric can lead your group into a kinesthetic insight whether you’re meeting in a conference hall, or for an outdoor adventure.   He will teach your group about trust, courage, teamwork, leadership, integrity, and innovation.  We all learn through experience, and Eric provides an experience of a lifetime, not only with his words but with actions.