How To Leverage Your Force Multipliers  - Peace, Purpose and Process with Eric Thompson - Founder of Liftt Leadership / CMO of Snooze Mattress Co.

Eric Thompson's 10 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes:

1. "When you break bread, that's just such a sacred act."
2. "It's never the food, it's who you're eating with that determines the quality of the meal."
3. "You have mentors, and you have 'tour-mentors'—both teach you valuable lessons."
4. "Passion is critical, but it's not scalable. You scale through purpose."
5. "Entrepreneurship exposes you for who you are—there’s no escaping that."
6. "If you lack self-awareness, you’re living under other people’s priorities."
7. "Gratitude is the bridge between your lower self and your higher self."
8. "Give me five to seven force multipliers—let me pour into them, and good things will happen."
9. "Know yourself, master yourself, and do the work—because awesome ain't easy."
10. "Peace, purpose, and process—when you align with your purpose, you can move mountains."

Learn more about Eric Thompson:

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Force Multiplier Effect: Mastering Purpose, Leadership & Self-Improvement

Introduction: The Power of Leadership & Purpose

In this episode of Close The Deal Podcast, host Ewell Smith welcomes Eric Thompson, founder of Lift Leadership and CMO of Snooze Mattress Company. Beyond his roles in business and franchising, Eric is deeply passionate about leadership, personal development, and helping individuals unlock their full potential.

This conversation revolves around self-mastery, the power of purpose, and the mindset required to multiply success in business and life. Eric shares insights from his years as an executive coach, entrepreneur, and franchise leader, emphasizing the force multiplier effect—the ability to create exponential impact by leveraging the right people, mindset, and strategies.

Breaking Bread: Business, Relationships, and Success

One of the first insights Eric shares is the significance of breaking bread with others. When asked where he takes people to “close the deal,” Eric explains that it’s not about the location or the meal—it’s about the company.

“It’s never the food, it’s who you’re eating with that determines the quality of the meal.”

He references a bit from comedian Chris Rock, who has dined with kings and eaten from street vendors, noting that the quality of the meal is dictated by the people around you, not the food itself.

Eric emphasizes that in business and leadership, success is built on relationships, trust, and meaningful connections. He believes that the ability to build a strong network of force multipliers is one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have.

Mentors vs. Tour-Mentors: Learning From Every Experience

Eric introduces a compelling concept:

“You have mentors, and you have ‘tour-mentors’—both teach you valuable lessons.”

While mentors guide and inspire, tour-mentors (tormentors) push you through difficult challenges, forcing you to grow. Eric explains that both are necessary for success. The hardships and obstacles created by tough bosses, failed business ventures, and personal setbacks shape resilience, adaptability, and growth.

He credits his friend and NBA coach Joseph Blair, who taught him that everyone is a teacher—every interaction holds a lesson if you’re open to learning. Approaching life with curiosity rather than fear or judgment allows for faster growth and deeper insights.

The Lift Leadership Framework: Five Pillars of Self-Mastery

Eric shares how his experiences in executive coaching, education, and franchising led him to develop Lift Leadership, a program designed to help people master themselves, grow as leaders, and multiply their impact.

1. Self-Awareness

The most significant gap in leadership is often a lack of self-awareness.

“If you lack self-awareness, you’re living under other people’s priorities.”

Entrepreneurs and franchisees must deeply understand their strengths, weaknesses, and values to make decisions that align with their true purpose.

2. Self-Compassion

High achievers often have an intense inner critic. To grow, one must develop self-compassion and accept both strengths and weaknesses.

“Gratitude is the bridge between your lower self and your higher self.”

Practicing daily gratitude and self-reflection can help reframe negative experiences, shifting from self-judgment to self-growth.

3. Self-Care

A leader’s emotional and physical well-being is essential to success. Eric believes that entrepreneurs must create the conditions for growth, which includes rest, mindfulness, and personal development practices.

4. Power Base (Force Multipliers)

Instead of traditional networking, Eric focuses on building a small, powerful network of force multipliers—high-value connections that amplify success through mutual support.

“Give me five to seven force multipliers—let me pour into them, and good things will happen.”

5. Emotional Regulation & Growth Mindset

Success in business and life requires the ability to regulate emotions, maintain perspective, and navigate setbacks without being hijacked by negativity.

“Entrepreneurship exposes you for who you are. There’s no escaping that.”

Through mindset mastery, breathwork, and intentional habits, leaders can cultivate resilience and focus.

Tactical Strategies for Self-Mastery & Success

Eric shares two daily practices that help individuals develop self-mastery and mental resilience.

1. Cold Exposure & Ice Baths

Eric discusses the mental and physical benefits of cold exposure, referencing insights from health expert Gary Brecka.

“Doing something hard first thing in the morning sets the tone for the rest of your day.”

Cold plunges force individuals to embrace discomfort, training them to push through resistance and take control of their mindset.

2. 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

Another tool Eric emphasizes is deep breathwork, particularly the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which:

✅ Calms the nervous system
✅ Reduces stress and anxiety
✅ Enhances focus and clarity

“Breathing is the first thing and the last thing you do. It’s your lifelong companion.”

Practicing controlled breathing improves emotional regulation, decision-making, and resilience—all essential skills for leaders and entrepreneurs.

Peace, Purpose, Process: The Secret to Scalable Success

Eric introduces the “Peace, Purpose, Process” framework, which serves as a guiding principle for success.

Peace – Achieving inner clarity and emotional stability.
Purpose – Aligning actions with deep, meaningful goals.
Process – Executing consistently to drive long-term success.

“When you align with your purpose, you can move mountains.”

Eric believes that entrepreneurs must balance execution with vision, ensuring that every action contributes to a greater mission.

Steve Gleason: The Ultimate Example of Purpose-Driven Leadership

Eric shares an inspiring story about Steve Gleason, former NFL player for the New Orleans Saints who was diagnosed with ALS. Despite his physical limitations, Gleason continues to create massive impact, changing policies and improving lives through his No White Flags Foundation.

“Steve is still here today because of his deep connection to purpose.”

His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and the force multiplier effect—one person’s mission can change the world.

Final Takeaway: Master Yourself, Multiply Your Impact

When asked for his final advice, Eric delivers a powerful message:

“Master yourself, align with your purpose, and do the work—because awesome ain’t easy.”

Success isn’t just about skills or talent—it’s about self-awareness, consistency, and purpose-driven action.