Beyond The PHD: Rethinking Masculinity, Confidence and Happiness

Recently I had a chance the guest the "Unlocking the Parenting Code" Podcast by Coach and Author Kathryne Imabayashi, M.Ed., B.S.Ed.

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, 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.

Listen on Youtube.