Quick look: In the second episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast, Eric Goodman shares how personal challenges and leadership experiences have shaped his approach to service, mindset and giving back.
The second episode of FutureCurrent is out now, featuring a wide-ranging conversation with Eric L. Goodman about resilience, purpose and what it means to serve a community.
Hosted by County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, the latest podcast explores how mindset and purpose shape the way leaders respond to adversity and show up for others.
Goodman, a bestselling author, speaker, philanthropist and entrepreneur, reflects on lessons drawn from personal health challenges — including a life-altering back surgery he underwent as a teenager — as well as his experience as a business owner.
He describes entrepreneurship as the hardest work he has ever taken on, not because of the physical demands, but because of the responsibility it carries for employees and the people whose lives are affected by an organization’s decisions.
The discussion also highlights the idea that service does not always begin with large gestures. Goodman points to the impact of using existing resources — time, talent, relationships and business capacity — to support nonprofits and strengthen communities.
“I believe with our businesses and the work in Orange County, we’re building bridges because we’re bringing people together,” Goodman said.
Goodman’s career has centered on service and giving back, both through his business leadership and his involvement on numerous nonprofit boards across Orange County. In 2024, he was honored as a National Philanthropy Day Honoree and named Orange County Philanthropist of the Year.
He has also been included in Orange County Register’s Most Influential list and the Orange County Business Journal’s OC500.
Produced by the Orange County Department of Education, FutureCurrent features unscripted, story-driven conversations with leaders from across Orange County who are working to make a difference in education and beyond.
The podcast officially launched last week. New episodes are available in both audio and video formats on major podcast platforms and YouTube.