What if the very things that once made someone feel like an outsider could become their greatest strengths?
In this powerful conversation, Stephen Oommen shares how growing up without belonging to any "tribe" taught him adaptability, empathy, and the ability to step into anyone's world. From facing racism and identity struggles to transforming defensive coping mechanisms into professional superpowers, Stephen’s story is both raw and inspiring.
The episode explores the “Chameleon Effect,” the belief that hurt people heal people, and the three questions every 18-year-old, and every adult, should ask themselves to discover their purpose and monetize their talents.
Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments
- Stephen’s boldest choice: becoming proud of who he is and fully comfortable in his own skin.
- How growing up between cultures and outside of every “tribe” shaped his empathy and adaptability.
- The Chameleon Effect: shifting from blending in as a defense to using adaptability as a superpower.
- “Hurt people heal people”, why healing yourself first is key to helping others.
- The three career questions everyone should answer: What are you naturally great at? Do you love it? Can you monetize it?
- Why passion alone isn’t enough, monetization matters.
- How basketball became his sanctuary, kept him grounded, and saved his life.
- Choosing to live the mamba mentality, being the best version of yourself every day.
Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode
- “Be a chameleon, and that doesn’t mean fake. It means adapt while staying true to yourself.” - Courtney Turich
- “Hurt people can heal people. Which side of the spectrum do you want to be on?” - Courtney Turich
- “Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean the money will flow in, we’re told that, but it’s not always true.” - Courtney Turich
- “We all have to be the best versions of ourselves, because that’s how we connect with others.” - Courtney Turich
- “Be bold, be confident, and be you.” - Courtney Turich
- “The bold choice was becoming proud of who I am and comfortable with me.” - Stephen Oommen
- “Hurt people heal people, because you can’t help others heal until you’ve done the work yourself.” - Stephen Oommen
- “At first, being a chameleon was a defense mechanism. Now, it’s my superpower.” - Stephen Oommen
- “Find what you’re naturally great at, make sure you love it, and figure out how to monetize it.” - Stephen Oommen
- “Basketball was my sanctuary, it kept me grounded and saved my life.” - Stephen Oommen
About Stephen
Stephen brings over 25 years of GTM experience across entrepreneurship, finance, and tech leadership. With success in both B2B and B2C across diverse industries, he offers a rare, well-rounded perspective. As an award-winning seller and sales leader, he embodies The JOLT Effect with a customer-first, empathetic approach, shaped by his time on both sides of the deal. Now CEO of ExecuComm, Stephen helps companies refine GTM strategies to drive revenue. A passionate Go-to-Network advocate, he believes lasting business success is built on real relationships.
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