How Did Cancer Shape Your Leadership and Empathy?

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon are joined by Steve Garraty, a tech sales leader and author who shares his inspiring journey from a troubled teen diagnosed with cancer to a successful career in sales leadership. Steve delves into his incredible story of resilience, how he overcame a devastating cancer diagnosis at 18, and how this battle shaped his personal and professional life. Highlighting key themes of gratitude, empathy, and the power of positive thinking, Steve discusses the impact of cancer on his leadership style and offers valuable advice for those facing personal challenges. The conversation also touches on the importance of relationships and knowing one's story. Steve’s newly released book, Greatfruit, captures these life-changing experiences and provides further insights into his journey.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Connect with Steve Garraty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegarraty

Get Greatfruit at Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/greatfruit-steve-garraty/1147081359 

Get Greatfruit on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2sWFNEw

Explore Force Management’s Free SKO Planning Resources: https://hubs.li/Q03K94cs0

Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0

Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGS

Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0

HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT

[00:01:13] Steve's Early Life and Cancer Diagnosis
[00:01:39] The Battle with Cancer
[00:02:02] Life After Cancer: Career and Family
[00:03:04] Writing 'Great Fruit' and Reconnecting with John
[00:08:08] Steve's Journey Through Chemotherapy
[00:10:21] The Mental and Physical Toll of Cancer Treatment
[00:22:08] Finding Blessings Amidst Tragedy
[00:26:33] The Importance of Relationships and Leadership
[00:34:49] The Brutal Interview Process
[00:36:02] Revealing the Cancer Story
[00:39:17] Writing the Book: A 37-Year Journey
[00:46:58] Mindset and Health: The Power of Positive Thinking
[00:54:19] Impact on Sales Career and Leadership
[00:57:39] Advice for Overcoming Personal Challenges

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

[00:01:48] “He went from victim to Victor, from asking ‘Why me?’ to ‘Why not me?’”
[00:21:32] “Blessings can be found amidst the tragedies.”
[00:25:11] “Every day is a gift.”
[00:26:20] “You never know what people are going through—everybody’s got a story.”
[00:27:51] “The greatest sign of leadership is when your people don’t need you anymore.”
[01:00:48] “If you’re going through something tough, the worst thing you can do is isolate.”
[01:01:14] “Just show up. You don’t have to say anything.”
[00:27:09] “I want to help people achieve success—not for me, but for them.”
[00:25:36] “Perspective is what turns adversity into a blessing.”

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