From Family Legacy to Creative Innovation: Eric Villency on Design, Resilience, and Success

11/22/24 • 47 min

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Eric Villency, CEO of Villency Design Group, an interior and product design firm behind SoulCycle and Peloton. Eric shares his journey of inheriting the family business, exploring other career paths, and ultimately discovering his passion for design and creativity.

He delves into the importance of assembling a talented team, hiring to complement your weaknesses, and focusing on your strengths. Eric also opens up about the humbling experience of recovering from injuries and the impact on his mental health. He explains how he merged creativity with health, wellness, and fitness to shape his career in innovative design.

The conversation touches on navigating failures, overcoming rejection, and actionable advice for anyone facing setbacks in their career. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, creativity, and building success from challenges.

Follow Eric Villency on Instagram at ericvillency.
Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.

Follow Eric Villency on Instagram at ericvillency.
Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.

Previous Episode

Achieving Greatness: Nick Baumgartner on Motivation, Perseverance, and Success

In this inspiring episode, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner to discuss his incredible journey from humble beginnings to achieving greatness. Whether you're pursuing a career in plastic surgery, chasing athletic dreams, or seeking personal motivation, Nick’s story will resonate.

Nick shares how he started snowboarding at 15, took it seriously, and eventually won an Olympic gold medal in 2022. His journey proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams—progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Nick reflects on the challenges of staying motivated during tough times and highlights how perseverance and building consistent habits can lead to long-term success.

They also explore how having a support system is essential, whether you're transforming your body through plastic surgery or striving to reach any ambitious goal. Nick emphasizes using challenges and even doubters as fuel to stay focused and achieve greatness.

If you’re looking for motivation, tips on staying disciplined, or insights into achieving your goals, this episode is packed with value.

Check out Nick’s book Gold From Iron: From Beginning Snowboarding to Olympic Gold and Getting Better With Age. Available here.

Follow nick on Instagram at nickbaumgartner.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.

Next Episode

Creating, Healing, and Growing: Marley Jaxx on Content, Wellness, and Motivation

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome award-winning filmmaker and social media strategist Marley Jaxx. Laura shares how Marley reignited her passion for creating content through her innovative “docu-stunt” concept—a staged stunt in documentary form—motivating Laura to step up her YouTube game.

Marley takes us through her journey from working as a dental hygienist to becoming a viral content creator. She reveals the secrets behind creating impactful content, marketing strategies, and building an engaged audience. Marley emphasizes the importance of consistency, hard work, and patience in achieving success, whether it’s growing a social media platform, embarking on a wellness journey, or building a brand from scratch.

The discussion dives into overcoming challenges, staying motivated when progress feels slow, and the mindset needed to persevere—whether it’s your 100th day at the gym, post-bariatric surgery, or creating content. Marley also opens up about her personal wellness journey, including her battle with adenocarcinoma, undergoing a hysterectomy, and how prioritizing health transformed her life and content creation.

This episode is packed with wellness insights, motivational advice, and actionable tips for creators and dreamers alike. Tune in for inspiration and practical strategies to keep moving forward, no matter where you are in your journey.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.