Meet Eric Capehart: Expert Mentor and Professional Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Capehart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I think about work life balance in its simplest meaning my thought is t’s either balanced or its not. The meaning of work life balance and my thoughts around it have evolved overtime as my life has changed. When I was in my late teens and early twenties attending Tennessee State University I thought of my self to be pretty balanced. I went to class, helped manage the campus radio station with my fellow peers and did all the things I wanted to do. I even got to announce the halftime performance show with the Aristocrat of Bands. The entire time I was at TSU I felt balanced. After graduation in Spring 2004 I went into business for myself reviving a lawn care service my uncle passed to me while he was in prison. The meaning of work life balance at that time in my life was all about balancing my ability to live the lifestyle I wanted to live and being an ambitious young entrepreneur. I soon realized that my passion for mentoring would help provide the work life balance I wanted during my mid to late twenties. At 26 I founded All The King’s Men Mentoring Organization for black boys and operated for a decade. Living life on my own terms made me feel balanced. Now at 39 years old, married and a father to two awesome children, work life balance almost seems like a myth. Now, I think abut my initial thought; it’s either balanced or it’s not. Work life balance either exists or it does not exist. I cannot see work life balance as a perfect formula or a perfect schedule. I see work life balance more of a state of being. I think its about being of good mental health and wellness and then giving your best to others. When things get off balance the evidence are the areas in life that seem a little wobbly.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have two mental health companies. One of my companies is my private counseling and consulting practice. My typical clients are black men who work in Executive/Corporate environments or they are full time Entrepreneurs. I do have clients that are women and generally fit the same description. In my consulting I’ve worked with Fortune 100 companies, City Governments, as well and many small business as a mental health consultant. My other Company is which is just over 1 year old is Experience Mental Health, Inc. Our purpose is to help Black Americans improve their mental health. We do this by creating fun and engaging content and live events. The thing that I think sets me apart from others in my field are 1. My relatability factor and approach to mental health. 2. My background in Mass Communications and Business Administration. I want people to know that I have dedicated my entire professional career to helping black men and boys thrive and it never feels like work. It comes easy to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t necessarily have a single best friend but if I had to single one out I’d say we would spend everyday going to another location to fly our drones. We would spend time biking around city. Im sure we would go for a hike and just spend alot of time just being guys finding things to do at my house. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ll start with my momma! Truthfully. She always told me that I could be an entrepreneur and gave me the freedom to make decisions while providing a much needed safety net. My wife provides the much needed in- house motivation, while my friend and mentor Ron Johnson keeps me going with encouragement. I would be remiss if I didnt shout out my homeboys from day 1. BJ, Beef, Don Don, Smoke, Sheed and Swerve. Although many people played a role in my success I wouldn’t be who I am without these people in circle.

Website: ericthecounselor.com
Instagram: eric_thecounselor @emhnow
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ericcapehart
Twitter: e_thecounselor
Facebook: Eric The Counselor & Experience Mental Health The Podcast
Youtube: Experience Mental Health

Image Credits
Rolands Photography