The 3rd Wheel To A Million Dollar Brand. Eric Thomas’ Left Hand & Secrets To Success Podcast Co-Host

Carl Wesley Phillips, the third wheel in the Eric Thomas and Associates organization, recounts how he joined the organization, the challenges he faced in finding his place, and the importance of thinking differently to achieve success. Phillips emphasizes that while loyalty is valuable, it doesn't always translate into financial success and that one must be willing to challenge their limiting beliefs and think outside the box.

Joining ETA

• 00:02:44 Phillips met Eric Thomas through his brother, who was attending Michigan State University. After graduating with a Master's Degree in biology, he offered his assistance to Eric, CJ, and Ken, who were already working on various projects. Phillips was initially drawn to the energy he felt when working with them and was not driven by financial gain.

Early Beginnings

• 00:07:15 Phillips witnessed Eric's charisma and ability to connect with diverse audiences, recognizing the potential for expansion beyond the university setting. He was drawn to technology and video editing, and after witnessing Ken's videography work, he shadowed him for two weeks, eventually becoming the unofficial editor.

Building The Advantage Program

• 00:12:52 The team started a program called The Advantage, designed to engage and support students, particularly African-American students. They hosted events with music, skits, and live acting, aiming to create a sense of community and family. This program became the foundation for their future ventures.

The Guru Story

• 00:16:28 The Guru Story, a motivational speech delivered by Eric Thomas, was the turning point for the team. The video captured during one of their Advantage events gained significant attention after being uploaded to YouTube and used as a training tool for incoming students. It later went viral when a student at Eastern Tennessee University used Eric's voice over workout footage, garnering national attention.

Shifting The Focus

• 00:22:02 After the Guru Story went viral, the team had a conversation about the direction of their brand. CJ emphasized the importance of focusing on Eric Thomas as the primary brand, recognizing his potential to become a household name. This shift in focus meant that Phillips and CJ were willing to sacrifice personal recognition and financial gain to support Eric's success.

Building The Brand

• 00:28:23 Phillips explains how the team started producing merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and iPhone cases. They initially made no money from these products, with Eric choosing to focus on speaking engagements and events, while Phillips and CJ took on the responsibility of managing the merchandise. The team's decision to prioritize Eric's success and focus on building the brand led to the eventual success of the organization.

The Value Of Thinking

• 00:49:13 Phillips reveals his own personal struggle with the value he was bringing to the organization. He felt overwhelmed by the workload and questioned his own importance in the team's success. He highlights the dangers of comparing oneself to others and the importance of recognizing one's own unique value.

Taking Ownership

• 00:56:04 Phillips emphasizes the importance of actively taking ownership of one's potential and creating a vision for the future. He shares how his own thinking shifted after five years of feeling undervalued, recognizing that his skills and experience could be leveraged to create a media company and expand the Eric Thomas brand.

The Paradigm Shift

• 01:09:24 Phillips concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of changing one's thinking. He explains that our subconscious minds absorb information from our environment throughout our lives, shaping our beliefs and actions. He encourages listeners to intentionally expose themselves to new ideas and perspectives to break free from limiting beliefs and achieve greater success.