In this episode Stefanos Koutsoumpis shares how his childhood shaped a lifetime of chasing success; but happiness always eluded him. Raised as the third of four boys in a crowded household, and a strained relationship with his father, Stefanos grew up learning routine, duty, and a message that “finding a job, a wife and kids” was enough. Emotional expression — especially anger or conflict — was discouraged, and practical encouragement was mainly limited to school performance.Those early patterns left Stefanos with under-developed self-esteem, a fear of risk, and a habit of looking outward for validation. Despite earning a PhD and building a corporate career, he describes a cycle of perfectionism, constant interest-hopping and restless achievement-seeking that never satisfied him — until he discovered mindfulness, Positive Psychology and CBT. Today he combines that lived experience with training to help men stop living on autopilot and rebuild internal confidence.This episode highlights how early family experiences influence the choices, confidence, and emotional health of boys as they grow into men.**********Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest Bio:The third of four brothers, Stefanos Koutsoumpis earned a Ph.D. in Physics and built a successful career as a researcher and corporate project manager in multinational IT.He knows what it’s like to achieve success on paper while still feeling unfulfilled. His personal journey led him to mindfulness, CBT, and happiness studies training at leading institutions in the US and UK—including the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, the Mindfulness Coaching School, and the Happiness Studies Academy. Today, Stefanos coaches men in their 30s to recover purpose, strengthen emotional resilience, and define success on their own terms.Topics:What it was like growing up in a home of four boys—and how family dynamics shaped his views on masculinity.Why confidence is a skill (not a trait) and how men can build it step by step.The silent struggles men face with conflict, vulnerability, and emotional growth.How societal expectations of success clash with men’s inner needs for happiness and authenticity.The unique challenges men face in their 30s—and why community, mentorship, and male role models matter more than ever.Why healthy masculinity isn’t outdated—it’s urgently needed.Links:Website: https://www.mindfullife.coach/ https://www.mindfullife.coach/guidehttps://www.instagram.com/mindfullife_coach/ Email: [email protected] more about raising boys who...

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