Financial success, business wins, or big titles aren’t what drive Eric Stopper; for him, devotion is the central theme—being fully present, aligning values, and mastering the things that matter most. A jiu-jitsu coach, podcaster, father, blacksmith, and entrepreneur, Eric has walked a winding path of self-discovery since 2019—one that’s taken him through existential questions, spiritual transformation, and even Ayahuasca ceremonies. Today, he shares how devotion fuels his life: from building a “billion-dollar” relationship with his kids, to teaching young athletes resilience on the mat, to shaping businesses built on integrity and service, while also opening up about leaving the Mormon church, choosing his values with intention, and embracing the beautiful chaos of fatherhood and entrepreneurship.
Summary:
Eric Stopper is a business owner, podcaster, jiu-jitsu coach, and father of two who defines himself less by titles and more by devotion. After a profound spiritual and existential journey, he distilled his core values into five guiding principles—wisdom, presence, integrity, gratitude, and self-mastery—and in this episode he shares how those values shape everything from his approach to business partnerships to parenting two young boys, including one with a traumatic brain injury. Eric discusses how teaching martial arts fuels his passion for encouraging others, how losing can be more instructive than winning, and why he believes devotion—not hustle—is the key to living fully.
Quotes:
* “Your devotion to something is a practice of being 100% present with it, eliminating distractions from your life.”
* “When I’m devoted to something, I feel a deep and profound sense of gratitude for it.
* “I’m trying to build a billion-dollar relationship with my kids.”
* “If you’re always winning, you’re not really developing. The character development begins when you lose.”
* “Don’t partner with your friends. Partner with someone you can argue with effectively and still move forward.”
Takeaways:
* Define your values intentionally – Eric used a “single-elimination” process to distill his values, ending with wisdom, presence, integrity, gratitude, and self-mastery.
* Devotion fuels everything – Whether it’s family, business, or hobbies, immerse yourself fully, practice presence, and eliminate distractions.
* Resilience comes from loss – Teach yourself and others to handle setbacks with grace; it’s where character crystallizes.
* Partnerships thrive on healthy conflict – Find business partners who complement your strengths and can argue productively.
* Fatherhood shapes leadership – Building intentional relationships with your children refines patience, presence, and self-mastery.
Timeline:
[00:21] Eric Stopper’s Journey of Self-Discovery
[00:32] Values and Devotion
[08:12] Parenting and Personal Growth
[09:47] Military Influence and Personal Style
[21:18] Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Challenges
[27:58] Exploring Metaphysical Questions
Conclusion:
Eric Stopper’s journey is a testament to the power of living by your values and leading with devotion. His story reminds us that fulfillment isn’t found in titles or achievements but in presence, service, and the impact we have on others. By aligning our actions with our deepest principles, embracing challenges as lessons, and showing up fully for the people and work that matter most, we can create a life of true mastery—one built not on hustle, but on intention and purpose.
Links/Resources:
Website:
https://davinsalvagno.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvagno/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davinsalvagno/
Thieves of Purpose: Overcoming the 12 Mindsets Robbing You of Your Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Thieves-Purpose-Overcoming-Mindsets-Potential/dp/1684816785
Finding Purpose at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Purpose-Work-Davin-Salvagno/dp/109833373X
If you like what you’re hearing and want to dive deeper into credibility, clarity, and how to show up as your best self, visit MitchellLevy.com. You can also book time directly on the calendar at https://mitchelllevy.com/contact-us to start your journey toward greater credibility today!
Credibility Nation:
Website:
https://MitchellLevy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllevy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CredibilityNation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CredibilityNation
Community: https://aha.pub/Superheroes
