Eric Thomas, PhD—known to millions as ET—is one of the world’s most influential motivational speakers, leadership coaches, and educators. Blending the intensity of a championship coach with the conviction of a preacher, Eric has built a global platform centered on discipline, purpose, and sustainable excellence.

His message has reached hundreds of millions through viral videos and keynote stages, and his work extends far beyond inspiration. Eric partners with top organizations across business, education, and athletics, including the NFL, NBA, NCAA, Fortune 500 companies, and elite professional and collegiate teams. He is also deeply committed to impact at every level, working with schools, nonprofits, and prison systems nationwide.

Eric holds a PhD in Education from Michigan State University, where his academic research focused on leadership, achievement, and student success. This foundation allows him to bridge lived experience with evidence-based insight—bringing credibility, structure, and long-term strategy to conversations often dominated by hype.

A bestselling author and sought-after speaker, Eric challenges leaders to move beyond individual grind toward systems, discipline, and collective responsibility. His work consistently pushes audiences to ask not just how to succeed—but how to build something that lasts.

Eric lives out the principle that true leadership is not about spotlight, but legacy.

Carlas “CJ” Quinney Jr. is a dynamic leader, strategist, and co-architect of one of the most influential motivational brands in the world. As President and one of the founding leaders of Eric Thomas & Associates, CJ has played a central role in scaling the organization from grassroots beginnings into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that impacts individuals and teams across business, athletics, and personal development. 

For over twenty years, CJ has worked alongside global speaker Eric Thomas, helping shape the strategic direction, brand expansion, and systems that have elevated their work into international reach. He is widely recognized as the “brain trust” behind building ET’s platform into a household name and a trusted source of leadership wisdom in both corporate and high-performance environments.