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.

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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• Why healthy masculinity isn’t outdated—it’s urgently needed.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/guide

https://www.instagram.com/mindfullife_coach/

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about raising boys who become remarkable men @sonhoodcoaching.com

Why Season 3 Is Different

Too many boys today feel lost, alone, and misunderstood. And far too often, the same is true for their parents.

Behind the troubling statistics is a generation of boys quietly longing to be seen, heard, and valued — yet the conversation around boys’ emotional lives remains far too quiet.

Season 3 of Unlocking the Parenting Code is here to change that.

In this new season, you’ll hear:

🔹 Real conversations with young men who are ready to share their truth.

🔹 Powerful insights from experts in boys’ mental and emotional health.

🔹 And raw, real wisdom from dads who are walking this road every day

🔹 Solo episodes where I reflect on what I’ve witnessed, wrestled with, and learned

At the heart of this season — and at the heart of Sonhood Coaching — is a mission:

To understand the inner emotional world of boys, to recognize the very real challenges they face, and to name the damaging myths and societal expectations that continue to shape how we see, treat, and raise our sons.

This is not about fixing boys.

It’s about truly seeing them — and learning how to show up differently, with compassion, courage, and connection.

Together, we’re building a world where boys feel safe to be their authentic selves.

Because when we get it right for our boys, we begin to heal something much bigger.