Resilience in Sales Leadership: Steve Garraty's Journey from Cancer Survivor to Successful Leader

Oct 2, 2025

Steve Garraty, a tech sales leader and author, shares his powerful journey from cancer survival to a thriving career in sales. He reflects on how his early diagnosis at 18 reshaped his life, emphasizing themes of resilience, empathy, and gratitude. Steve discusses the mental and physical challenges during chemotherapy and how these experiences inform his leadership style today. He offers valuable advice for those facing hardships and highlights the significance of relationships and presence in overcoming adversity.

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ANECDOTE

Cancer Diagnosis And Year Of Treatment

At 18 Steve discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor and began a year of brutal chemotherapy that upended his social life.
He describes vomiting, losing hair, mouth sores, and isolation as friends drifted away during treatment.

ANECDOTE

Garage Breakdown Before Chemo

Steve hit rock bottom in a parking garage before a chemo session and sat crying for about an hour while his mother waited.
After praying he felt strength to continue and returned to treatment, calling that moment his lowest point.

INSIGHT

Trauma Reframed As Life Pivot

Steve reframed his cancer as a blessing because it forced him off a self-destructive path and gave him perspective.
He credits the experience for making him a better husband, father, friend, and leader over decades.

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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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