Name:  Eric Maxwell

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Asheville, NC. However, I spent most of my adolescent life in Florida.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
Life itself is just a continual evolution of transitions, and I think it would be pretty boring if it wasn’t. However, I would have to say the biggest transition that I’ve faced in life was stepping into fatherhood. Before becoming a parent, I was extremely driven by what I then thought was “success.” I poured everything into my career and continually sought out “the next best thing,” and I associated my value as a person with what I could accomplish. However, when we had our first child (and later two others), there was this deep realization and shift in my mentality and priorities. Suddenly, my life’s purpose revolved around shaping the lives of my children and guiding them on their own journeys of growth and success. Little did I know it then, but becoming a father drastically changed the course of my life in more ways than one. It permeated throughout all aspects of my life and career choices, from how I approach leadership to how I define myself as a person. Ultimately, it led to the discovery of my “Why” and true life’s passion: helping others find their own way in life.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Be yourself and stay true to that person because only you can define your happiness.

Your Personal Why?
To guide others so that they may find themselves.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
My “Why” and passion are rooted in service to others, and so are The Honor Foundation’s mission and ethos. As an Alumni, I am deeply grateful for what this program has done for me, and as a Special Operations Veteran, there is no greater honor for me than to be able to help my brothers and sisters find themselves as they navigate that major life transition.

Military Connection or why do you respect Special Operators?
I served 20 years in the Marine Corps, 17 of which I served as a Marine Raider.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Be You. There is so much depth and applicability to this value; everything from self-awareness to just being authentic and “comfortable in your own skin.”

Area/Industry of expertise:
Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership and Management, Coaching and Mentorship, Talent Management, Creative Thinking.

Contact Eric directly at eric.maxwell@honor.org