On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Jeff and Brian welcome Eric Peterson back to the show to talk about his organization, Project Headspace and Timing. Established with the mission of providing resources for veterans, Eric underscores the vital role that cultivating a sense of community plays in achieving his organization’s goals.

The organization’s three main approaches—veteran advocacy, outreach programs, and the veteran village project—underscore its commitment to holistic support. Eric highlights the importance of peer support for mental health and how important it is to give people a space free of judgment where they are loved unconditionally. The discussion also touches on crisis intervention and the significance of building relationships through outreach. 

Inspired in part by Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Eric says that once someone finds their why, they are able to bear any how. If you would like to support Project Headspace and Timing, connect on social media, visit projectheadspaceandtiming.org and check out the I’m F.I.N.E. podcast.

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Meet Your Guest

Eric Peterson

Eric Peterson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Project Headspace and Timing, which since 2017 has aimed to help veterans in need. Raised in the Kankakee County Area, Peterson graduated from Herscher High School and went on to serve in the Army National Guard, serving in Afghanistan. 

In 2020, Peterson received the Daily Journal’s Young Citizen of the Year Award and was placed on the Kankakee County’s 40 under 40 list by the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce. He is an ordained minister for the Universal Life Church, currently works in Veteran Services for Banyan Treatment Centers, and lives in Manteno with his wife and children.

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Hosts

Jeff Williamson

Brian Prairie

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.