Episode 92: From Hollywood to the Heart: Building Resilient Teams and Communities with Eric Hannah

Guest Bio

Film & Television Director/Producer
Founder, CEO, CSO – Ambassadors of Compassion

Eric grew up in Orange County, California, with a fascination for making movies. While in high school Eric played football, which ultimately led to a scholarship as the starting place kicker at the University of Colorado and a member of the National Championship team. After an injury returned him home from college, – Upon returning home from college, Eric once again pursued his passion for film making.

Eric’s first independent film called Extreme Attitude was considered by the ski industry to be one the year’s best. From the success of Extreme Attitude, he and a friend formed a unique film and clothing company that targeted the elusive youth generation. The company, Truth Soul Armor, was named “One of the Top 50 Trends of the 90’s” by Entrepreneur Magazine and “What’s Hot in America” on Good Morning America.

Eric directed, produced and wrote The Moment of Truth, and with the remarkable fan support of the first film followed The Moment of Truth 2, which broke all retail records for sales in its genre. Eric went on to direct and produce multiple projects for European television.

Eric’s feature film debut which he directed and co-wrote Extreme Days received a 90% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. His next feature film he produced and directed was Meet Me in Miami, a romantic comedy starring Latin heartthrobs Carlos Ponce and Eduardo Verástegui. Warner Bros. made a generous offer to purchase the film, but Eric wondered could it be possible to use the film to help at risk families. Thus, was formed the Meet Me in Miami: Giving Hope Tour, which premiered the movie across America, Mexico, Canada and Australia generating over $120,000,000 in prescription glasses, hearing aids, food, college scholarships and more for countless in need children and families.

During the premieres Eric saw the needs of today’s youth and founded Ambassadors of Compassion to help youth build emotional resiliency and mental wellness with nearly 100,000 students taking the transformational program in schools across the world. This passion led him to integrate entertainment and education by producing and directing the international live simulcasts and televised Ambassadors of Compassion TV shows that aired across the US, co-hosting with his wife and producing partner, Jodi Hannah along with Wilmer Valderrama.

Eric along with Jodi, produced and creative directed the Lombardi Honors, one of the most prestigious college football award shows, live for CBS Sports and ESPN.

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast
00:17 Meet Eric Hanna: From Hollywood to Mental Health Advocate
01:34 The Journey of Forgiveness and Healing
03:59 Ambassadors of Compassion: Mission and Impact
06:15 The Power of Small Groups and Personal Leadership
22:02 Service Projects: Making a Difference
25:28 Building Connections Through Service
26:44 The Illusion of Transformation
28:21 Corporate Training and Real Change
28:50 Teaming Up with Community and Sponsors
36:02 The Power of Safe Spaces and Vulnerability
38:36 Hopes for the Future of Teamwork
42:19 The Importance of Forgiveness
45:42 Final Thoughts and Call to Action