Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Fage
Hi Steven, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For most of my life, I lived in the tension between technical success and suppressed creativity. I started out as a robotics engineer, working for large companies before launching my own business selling automation and manufacturing equipment—a structured, logical career that paid the bills and was easy for people to understand.
But there was always something deeper pulling at me.
Growing up, I was trained in jazz, tap, and ballet, but I quit around fifth grade after being teased at school. Creativity—expression—felt unsafe. So I buried it. Instead, I took the path that felt “right”—a technical, stable one. And for years, it worked. I built a successful business and had autonomy, but something was missing.
Then in 2018, nearly 25 years later, I found my way back—first through improv, then acting, and now stand-up comedy. What started as a creative outlet quickly became a mirror for my own self-discovery. I realized I had been performing my entire life—not just on stage, but in how I showed up in the world.
Now, I’m in transition—shifting from business to full-time creativity. My work is centered on writing, storytelling, and performance, exploring themes of masculinity, mental health, and personal transformation. I use my Substack, A Man’s Mind, to document this journey and challenge outdated narratives, helping others navigate similar transitions.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. The hardest part wasn’t external—it was unlearning the identity I built to feel safe.
For years, I defined myself by success, structure, and predictability—because that’s what I thought I needed to be respected, valued, and stable. But the truth was, I was avoiding the real work—understanding myself.
One of my biggest struggles was overcoming Nice Guy Syndrome—the belief that if I was agreeable, self-sacrificing, and avoided conflict, life would work out in my favor. I spent years pleasing others, waiting for permission to take up space, and hoping my efforts would be noticed and rewarded. Instead, I felt resentful, overlooked, and like I was living someone else’s script.
Creativity exposed all of that. You can’t be a great performer if you’re still waiting for permission. You can’t be a great storyteller if you’re censoring yourself. Acting and stand-up forced me to confront myself in ways I never had before.
The biggest challenge was (and still is) transitioning from business to creativity. There’s no clear path, no guarantees, no structured “ladder” to climb like in a traditional career. But that’s the challenge I embrace now—betting on myself, trusting the process, and sharing what I learn along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now, my focus is on writing, performance, and deep storytelling.
I write A Man’s Mind, a newsletter about masculinity, mental health, identity, and personal transformation. I blend psychology, philosophy, and performance art, using storytelling to break down complex ideas in ways that resonate.
I also perform stand-up comedy, using humor as a way to explore deep, sometimes uncomfortable truths. Comedy isn’t just about making people laugh—it’s about getting them to think. I explore the identity shifts men go through, the narratives we inherit, and the ways we hold ourselves back.
What sets me apart? I bridge two worlds—the structured, logical thinking of my engineering/business background and the raw, expressive nature of creativity. I understand how systems work, whether they’re technical or psychological, and I use that lens to deconstruct outdated narratives and reframe them into something useful.
I’m most proud of the fact that I didn’t let my past define me. That I stepped into the unknown, even when it felt risky.
And most importantly—I’m most proud when people actually resonate with my work. The men who message me saying, “This hit home,” or, “I’ve never thought about it this way before.” That’s why I do this.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely. My work is fueled by books, psychology, and deep conversations. Some of the most influential ones for me:
Books
📖 No More Mr. Nice Guy – Robert Glover → The book that started my journey into understanding my own patterns.
📖 The Way of the Superior Man – David Deida → A deep dive into masculinity, presence, and purpose.
📖 King, Warrior, Magician, Lover – Robert Moore & Douglas Gillette → Understanding the core archetypes of masculinity.
📖 The Courage to Be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga → A powerful lesson on letting go of external validation.
📖 The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron → A must-read for unlocking creativity and overcoming self-doubt.
📖 The War of Art – Steven Pressfield → The ultimate guide to battling resistance and doing the work.
Apps & Tools
🧠 Notion – Keeps my creative projects and ideas organized.
📖 Readwise – Helps me retain and revisit key takeaways from books.
🎤 Voice Memos – Essential for capturing stand-up material and creative insights on the go.
📝 Morning Pages – daily writings allowing the critic to have their way
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amansmind.substack.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stevenfage/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenhfage/
