Rise Above the Chaos – A Journey of Significance with Erick Rheam
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes speaker, author, and human dynamics expert Erick Rheam. With a rich background spanning military service, public power, and professional speaking, Erick shares his transformative journey—from war-torn Bosnia to personal burnout and ultimately to a life of purpose and significance.
From Military to Mission-Driven Speaker
Erick recounts his early days at the United States Military Academy and a life-altering deployment to Bosnia during the 1990s conflict. Witnessing the brutal realities of war and human suffering, Erick developed a fascination with human behavior and nonverbal communication—insights that would later become cornerstones of his speaking career.
The Power of Human Dynamics
Serving as a Special Investigator in the military helped Erick refine his understanding of human interaction. This foundation guided his future work as a coach and trainer, equipping business leaders, athletes, and executives with the tools to better connect with others. His lessons in body language and authenticity are now central themes in his keynotes.
Hitting Rock Bottom
Despite a successful professional life, Erick faced a personal crisis in 2005 that disrupted everything—marriage struggles, job suspension, and fractured family relationships. But in that season of reflection, he discovered his life’s mission: to communicate truth and inspire transformation.
The Rise to Significance
Erick shares his insight on how the most successful people he’s worked with—NFL players, CEOs, and actors—share one trait: they act despite uncertainty. They don’t wait for clarity; they create it through movement. Erick applies this philosophy through every talk, seeing them not as speeches but conversations meant to deeply connect.
Keys to a Fantastic Life
Erick believes living a fantastic life begins with grace—for yourself and others. He encourages listeners to seek beauty, write down what a meaningful life looks like, and surround themselves with positive influences. Chaos, he reminds us, is constant—but we can learn to rise above it.
Learn More
To connect with Erick and explore his book Rise Above the Chaos, visit www.erickrheam.com.
About Erick Rheam
Erick Rheam is a former military police officer turned renowned speaker and author. His passion lies in helping people discover purpose through human connection and intentional action. With his book, Rise Above the Chaos, Erick challenges readers to embrace life's complexities and thrive through the power of grace and focus.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Lycka and Erick share mutual respect and insight as seasoned communicators. Their conversation underscores the value of authenticity, the necessity of overcoming adversity, and the importance of writing down your vision to manifest a more meaningful life. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by chaos, Erick reminds us that our focus determines our direction.
BIO:
Erick Rheam is a speaker and published author specializing in human dynamics and discovering significance. With a background in the public power industry and military service, he has spent over a decade training athletes, business leaders, and executives on customer service, culture, and organizational success. As the former Director of Student Success at The Speaker Lab, he helped aspiring professional speakers build their careers while continuing to inspire audiences with his expertise.
Social Media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickrheam/