Rise Strategies

ClientPersona

Persona Of People We Train

John Steele

Male | 32 YO | Sales Executive

Psychological and Emotional Struggles: John Steele

Inner Conflict: The Mask vs. The Reality

John has mastered the art of presenting himself as the epitome of success, powerful, composed, and invulnerable. But beneath this polished exterior lies a deep sense of emptiness. His identity is built on achievements, control, and providing for others, yet these external markers of success fail to bring him the fulfillment he craves.

The Mask: He’s the fearless leader, the family provider, the go-to problem solver. He thrives on the image of being “the one who holds it all together.
The Reality: He feels disconnected from his true self. Years of suppressing emotions have created a void, leaving him unsure of who he is beyond his roles and accomplishments.

Struggles in Family Dynamics

Emotional Distance

John’s inability to process or express emotions has created a chasm in his relationships. His spouse and children sense his love but rarely feel it in a way that resonates deeply.
John has mastered the art of presenting himself as the epitome of success, powerful, composed, and invulnerable. But beneath this polished exterior lies a deep sense of emptiness. His identity is built on achievements, control, and providing for others, yet these external markers of success fail to bring him the fulfillment he craves.

Role Pressure

John feels the weight of being the family’s foundation. This pressure isolates him, as he believes admitting vulnerability or asking for help would let everyone down.

Coping Mechanisms

To manage his stress and avoid confronting deeper issues, John turns to numbing behaviors. He relies on excessive drinking or substances to unwind, overworks himself to avoid time alone with his thoughts, and retreats into hobbies or distractions rather than addressing conflicts head-on. These coping mechanisms provide temporary relief but ultimately keep him from facing the deeper struggles weighing on him.

Struggles in Business

Burnout

John’s relentless pursuit of success has left him physically and emotionally drained, yet his fear of slowing down keeps him trapped in a cycle of overwork. He struggles with decision-making and creative blocks, constantly feeling a sense of urgency even for non-critical tasks. No matter how much he accomplishes, he never feels like he’s doing enough, leaving him stuck in an exhausting loop of pressure and self-doubt.

Control Issues

John believes that letting go of control equals failure, leading to micromanagement and strained relationships with his team. He struggles to delegate effectively, creating bottlenecks in his business. His need for perfectionism makes collaboration challenging, stifling innovation and growth.

Isolation at the Top

As a leader, John feels lonely. He can’t confide in his team without fearing it will undermine his authority. He avoids vulnerability with peers, worried it might tarnish his reputation.

Disconnect Between Vision and Reality

Despite his business success, John feels unfulfilled because his achievements don’t align with his deeper values or purpose. He prioritizes external wins like money and status while neglecting internal growth, leaving him with a lingering sense of dissatisfaction.

Deeper Emotional Struggles

Fear of Vulnerability

John equates vulnerability with weakness. He’s terrified of being perceived as “less than” by his peers, family, or himself. This fear prevents him from seeking help, deepening his isolation.

Shame and Guilt

John carries unspoken shame over moments when he’s lost his temper or hurt loved ones through his emotional unavailability. Despite his outward success, he struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. His coping mechanisms, whether alcohol, drugs, or other forms of escapism, stand in stark contrast to the disciplined persona he projects, deepening his internal conflict.

Grief and Regret

He may feel grief over missed moments with his family, opportunities for deeper connections, or the price of his success (health, relationships, time).

Lack of Identity Beyond Roles

John has spent his life excelling in predefined roles: provider, leader, husband, father. He hasn’t explored who he is outside of these labels, leaving him unsure of what he truly wants or values.

John Steele’s Core Desire

At his core, John craves freedom—not just financial or professional freedom, but emotional and spiritual liberation. He wants to:

⦁ Feel deeply connected to his family and purpose.
⦁ Lead with authenticity and confidence, unburdened by masks.
⦁ Transform his pain and struggles into strength and wisdom.
⦁ Rediscover joy, peace, and fulfillment beyond his achievements.
⦁ This depth of understanding allows a program to target his needs at every level—breaking through his armor, building resilience, and creating space for genuine transformation.