The Examined Life

What’s next after a brain tumor? [Steven Mallouk]

Feb 27, 2025

Steven Mallouk, a former management consultant turned adventurer, shares his life-altering experience after a brain tumor diagnosis. He discusses the transformative journey from a career-focused mindset to embracing meaningful life experiences. Steven highlights the emotional challenges of facing surgery, the importance of vulnerability, and how his definition of success shifted from material gains to cherished relationships. His story demonstrates the beauty of confronting mortality and the deep connections formed during life’s toughest challenges.

01:01:40

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Steven Mallouk

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Quick takeaways

Steve Mallouk's brain tumor diagnosis prompted a life-altering shift from career ambition to prioritizing meaningful life experiences and relationships.

Confronting the realities of his health challenges led Steve to redefine 'enough,' choosing quality of life over financial success.

Embracing vulnerability has allowed Steve to forge deeper connections, transforming his identity from achievement-focused to authentically living in the moment.

Deep dives

Transitioning Identity Post-Career

After experiencing a pivotal change in his life due to a brain tumor diagnosis, Steve Malouk reflects on how his identity has shifted from defining himself through his career to prioritizing a fulfilling lifestyle. He shares that he now introduces himself as retired, emphasizing his focus on outdoor activities, travel, and connection with others. This shift underscores a major transformation from a career-oriented mindset, particularly in management consulting and startup ventures, to a focus on living life to the fullest. He expresses happiness in sharing stories about his biking adventures and the various places he has visited, showing how his identity is now intertwined with personal experiences and relationships rather than professional achievements.

Intro

2min

Navigating Career Challenges and Facing Health Concerns

3min

Navigating the Uncertainty of a Tumor Diagnosis

5min

Navigating Aging and Health Challenges

7min

Redefining Success: A Journey Toward Fulfillment

17min

Navigating Vulnerability: A Personal Journey

25min

A Journey of Courage and Connection

2min

What happens when a brain tumor forces you to actually take a break and stop? After decades in management consulting and startups, Steve Mallouk's diagnosis made him confront the difference between chasing "enough" money versus "enough" life experiences. His journey from BCG partner to embracing vulnerability reveals how facing mortality can have unintended consequences. [Episode 91]

Steven Mallouk is a happily retired executive living life to the fullest.

Learn more about Steven:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemallouk/

References from the show:

• My wish this Christmas: More of the gift of life itself.: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-wish-christmas-more-gift-life-itself-steve-mallouk-3hhbc/• My Update, 4 Weeks After Brain Surgery: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-update-4-weeks-after-brain-surgery-steve-mallouk-thszc/—-

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