As the CEO of Freedom Personal Development, Eric Plantenberg shows people from all walks of life how to make a greater impact in all areas of their lives.

Eric has an uncanny ability to take things from concept to reality. He believes that when one person lives a life of Purpose, the entire world becomes a better place because of it.

His wife Michelle says the "craziest thing about Eric is that he really thinks he's just living a normal life."

Most people wouldn't use the word "normal" to describe Eric's life. In addition to inspiring people across the globe, here's a snapshot of a few things he's done in his free time:

- Started a school for homeless children in Egypt -- while learning Arabic
- Completed the IronMan four times
- Volunteered at orphanages in India
- Climbed to the Summit of Mt. Everest from the North
- Chases tirelessly after his 2 year old daughter

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)