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After college, Saperston bought a 1971 Volkswagen Bus, took his golden retriever Jack, and set out to follow the Grateful Dead and work a ski season in Aspen. Challenged by his mentor to make his trip more meaningful, Saperston decided to call up some of the most powerful people in the world and ask them out for a cup of coffee.
What started out as a personal journey to find the answers to life's biggest questions-Why am I here? How can I find happiness? What is success? -quickly turned into something much bigger than he ever had imagined.
As his journey unfolded, it attracted the attention of three others: Dave Murcott, Paige O'Brien and Kathleen Kelly. They too were searching for purpose and meaning in their lives. So they quit their jobs, risked it all and jumped in the bus.
Saperston's summer vacation quickly became four people's vocation. This team of eager travelers meandered across the country, from Atlanta, Ga., to Seattle, Wash. They bought a video camera, shot 500 hours of footage and interviewed more than 200 people in search of wisdom and inspiration from the famous and not so famous. These interviews resulted in a development deal with Walt Disney Studios, an award winning feature film, speaking engagements and a tour with a rock star.
The Journey is about four young people in search of the meaning of life. The Journey made its world debut at the 2001 South By Southwest Film Festival and was the Audience Choice Award Winner for the 25th Annual Atlanta Film & Video Festival. Since then, 20,000 people have paid to see the film at AMC Theatres in Atlanta, Ga., and Phoenix, Ariz., Loews Theatre in Washington, D.C., and The Pioneer Theatre in New York City. In addition to these theatrical runs, the film has also screened for such corporations as Coca-Cola, Fast Company and Nike.
Saperston has spoken at thousands of conferences and events across America. He has provided keynotes, workshops, leadership seminars and interactive events and productions to organizations including UC Santa Barbara, Georgia Tech, University of Oregon, University of Texas, University of Florida, UCLA, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Conference, Coca-Cola, Fast Company, NIKE and the Americorps.
In addition to his successful speaking career, Saperston recently teamed up with Atlantic Recording Artist Edwin McCain in the critically acclaimed Do Your Thing Tour. It is one of the top collegiate tours in the country and was featured by Campus Activities Magazine as the "Best College Act of 2001." The performance masterfully interweaves Saperston's captivating stories with several of McCain's Top 10 hits, including I'll Be and Just Do Your Thing. In addition to Saperston's live performances, he also is a leading author of Chicken Soup for the College Soul.
Program With Brief Description
- Never underestimate the power of the individual. If you think something small cannot make a difference, try falling asleep
with a mosquito in your tent.
Why live our lives from cradle to grave with the intention of arriving safely and in a well preserved body?
Instead, skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, with a fine bottle of Scotch in one hand, a box of Ding-Dongs in the other, screaming, “Whoo Hoo! What a ride!!”
- Don’t take no for an answer. The world is full of genies eager to grant your wishes. Ask for what you need.
- Do what you can, with what you have, where you are, and all things are possible.
- Curiosity, determination, integrity and resourcefulness
always precede success. Even in the dictionary.
- Your most important journey might be when you meet another half way.
- Sometimes the smartest thing you can say is nothing.
- Love people. Laugh a lot. Tell bad jokes.
- What you seek is ultimately what you’ll find.
- Remember: You count. You matter. You make a difference!
Client Testimonials:
"Eric blew us all away. He was our closing keynote speaker at our national conference. Eight thousand people were in attendance. The speakers before him were Walter Cronkite and Jay Leno. He had some mighty big shoes to fill and he brought the house down with his laid back, conversational, quick witted and insightful delivery of his message to our audience. Eric did his homework and weaved in poignant messages that were uniquely important for our organization.
The crowd loved him for it. If you get the opportunity to hire Eric to speak at your event, do it!"
-- Larry Minix, President And Ceo, (Aahsa) American Association Of Homes And Services For The Aging
"If you have the opportunity to meet Eric Saperston, you must do yourself the pleasure of taking time to allow this extraordinary individual into your life. He will surely inspire you."
-- Paul Villadolid, Senior Vice President, Walt Disney Company
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