Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Cooper.
Chris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“In North Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days….” (LOL- well not quite). Ok, I couldn’t resist! No, I’m not “The Fresh Prince,” Will Smith, but we do have some things in common: our hometown and our desire to change lives!
Statistically speaking, the odds were clearly not in my favor. I was an inner-city kid, born to a teenage mom, searching for acceptance and identity, and the list goes on. But I knew that there was MORE in the world, and I knew that I wanted IT! More importantly, I wanted to give IT to others as well. But despite my physical environment, I grew up with love, support, and prayer, and I was taught the importance of self-love, compassion, and concern for others, the will to succeed, the power of perspective and persistence, and so much more.
The entrepreneurial spirit surfaced very early in my life. I remember a conversation with my Grandmother when I was just 7 years old, and her saying “baby, I don’t think you were made to work for someone else.” It stuck with me and through my childhood, I remember being extremely active in extracurricular activities, and sports. I led the student government association and even worked part-time jobs while balancing schoolwork, etc.- ultimately developing the skill-set necessary to operate a business. Even while attending college and acquiring 3 academic degrees (Morehouse College, Georgia Tech & NYU), and pursuing personal and professional development training from Industry Experts (Tony Robbins, John C. Maxwell, Brian Tracy, Brendon Burchard, etc.), I knew that I was learning and building an arsenal of knowledge that would be utilized one day in my own enterprise.
I went on to secure and build an extremely successful Senior Management Career in Technology, but I was unfulfilled. So, I stepped out on faith but with a plan from Corporate America and by the Grace of God, I haven’t looked back since. Today, I am extremely proud to say that I am celebrating the 15th Anniversary of my firm Execute Your Passion and I ‘m looking forward to 15+ more years to come.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, I can say that I’ve been extremely blessed but I’m not immune to the tests, trials, and tribulations of entrepreneurship and life in general. As Maya Angelou said: “My life has not been a crystal stair”
As I stated before, I entered this world without a “winning hand.” My mother was only 16 when she had me and some family members were adamant that if she had me that I would grow up and become a statistic- so my life battles started in the womb so I guess I had to come out swinging.
I grew up with feelings of insecurity, unworthiness, and even feeling unwanted due to the absence of my biological father and I threw myself into activities, sports, etc. to seek that fatherly affirmation in the form of praise from others.
In college, I had to work extra hard as I knew that if I lost my scholarship, I would have to go home and my mother didn’t have the money to support my educational pursuits. So, the sad reality of going back to the streets of North Philly haunted me so I pushed myself even when I felt overwhelmed.
Even in Corporate America, I experienced what I refer to as the Professional Trilogy – I’ve been fired, laid off and I’ve resigned. I’ve had to prove my worth over and over again despite credentials and experience and I’ve had to fight to ensure that my counterparts and superiors knew that I EARNED my seat at the table!
In my personal and entrepreneurial pursuits, I’ve seen great success and ultimate failure- I’ve earned and lost hundreds of thousands of dollars, I’ve gotten the foreclosure and repossession notices, I’ve dealt with clients and organizations that are so far behind in payments that is caused my life to turn upside down living check behind a check. I’ve seen my marriage dissolve not because we didn’t love one another but because we found ourselves in a place where we both weren’t committed to doing the “work” required at the same time. My tragic flaw was that I put my business pursuits and even my children before her and although I was there physically, I wasn’t necessarily present. Lesson Learned!
So, sustaining a business for 15 years has cost me a lot but I’m grateful for those experiences as they have stretched me and enabled me to learn and grow at an exponential rate. So now, I can stand firm today saying that I’ve been blessed to serve thousands of clients on five different continents, I’ve spoken to audiences from 10 to 10,000, I’ve authored 2 #1 International Best Selling Books (Achieve Your Dreams & Get Sh*t Done) and I’ve been able to design my life where I am able to do my Favorite Job of all- that being CJs and Blake’s Dad.
Please tell us about Execute Your Passion – what should we know?
My company, Execute Your Passion (EYP) is an Atlanta-based professional services firm specializing in leadership and professional development training and services. My firm offers innovative ways to assist in the complete development of individuals and organizations through coaching, training, and speaking engagements. Execute Your Passion’s coaching services are specialized in: business, executive, personal, and career coaching. Leadership, management, and communication skills training is offered in addition to: keynotes, workshops, seminars, live events and panel moderation for corporations, schools, colleges and universities, non-profit and church groups, as well as professional and civic organizations.
Built upon the belief that people are the world’s hidden treasures, EYP is a world-class training & development leader with a positive high-performance culture. The mission is to be a catalyst for change for individuals and organizations. Simply stated, to Ignite the Fire Inside!
EYP offers an exclusive combination of services that set it apart from the competition. We’ve served thousands of clients on 5 continents and we are committed to Impeccable Service and Delivery! We rely on these four principles to cater to our clients’ needs: Quality, Convenience, Confidence, and Customization.
As a company, I am most proud of reaching the 15-year mark in operation. Most small businesses fail in year one and here I am on year 15! It’s such a blessing that has allowed me to be seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. As a Lifestyle & Procrastination Expert, I’ve been referred to as one of the most dynamic, engaging and accomplished authors, coaches, trainers, and speakers in America and that makes me feel like I’m truly doing what I know I’ve been called to do. My desire to serve and the impeccable results that I create and deliver fills me with great joy!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
There’s so many to choose from but I think one quality/characteristic that has been important to my success is my tenacity! I am extremely tenacious, I have the grit, perseverance, stick-to-it-tiveness, and fortitude to keep pushing and keep going no matter what. I live by the motto; Never quit and it’s with this principle that I bring my desire to serve, my willingness to FOCUS, my belief in God, myself and others that enable to me transform lives and organizations.
I believe in the Universal Law of Abundance that there are more than enough opportunities for everyone, so there’s no need to be selfish or self-serving. I knew that working for myself would be the hardest thing that I’d ever do, but it would also be the most rewarding.
So, it’s in that tenacious spirit that I succeed.
Contact Info:
- Address: 384 Northyards Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313 - Website: www.ChrisCooperLive.com
- Phone: 404-919-4601
- Email: chris@chriscooperlive.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/chriscooperlive
- Facebook: facebook.com/christopher.j.cooper
- Twitter: twitter.com/chriscooperlive
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