The $50 Million Transformation: Stephen Gillen's Journey from 17 Years in Prison to Global CEO

Stephen Gillen’s life is a story of extremes, defined by a journey from the depths of organized crime and incarceration to the heights of international entrepreneurship and peace advocacy. 

His transformation illustrates a profound shift from a person "forged" in a war zone to a leader who views himself as a "conduit" for positive change.

A Foundation of Extremes

Gillen’s life began in the "war zone" of Belfast in the early 1970s, an environment he describes as "unhealthy" and violent. After being abandoned there, his childhood was marked by a succession of "brutal" children's homes in the East End, leading to a life groomed into organized crime. This path eventually resulted in 17 years spent in prison.

However, Gillen notes that his "formative years" also contained a spark of kindness from his grandparents, which he believes helped him eventually find his way back to himself after years of "darkness".

The Business of Internal Breakthroughs

Today, Gillen is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and TV personality. His business ventures are significant, with $50 million currently under management and projections to reach $100 million in the coming years.

Crucially, Gillen argues that his external success is a direct result of internal work. He teaches that true visibility in leadership starts with healing and authenticity. For Gillen, the most powerful force in any medium is being "real" and authentic, which he describes as an "inside job". He maintains that his greatest breakthroughs in business were not strategic, but rather internal breakthroughs in his character.

A Philosophy of Faith and Simplicity

Gillen’s worldview is rooted in the idea that humans are "conduits" for a higher power, which he variously refers to as the divine, the "field," or fate. He emphasizes a few core principles for personal growth:

• Awareness: Life is a journey of constant learning and becoming aware.

• Simplicity: He advocates for keeping things simple and staying focused on "creation" and "positivity" rather than destructive energies.

• Faith: He believes "real faith" is what remains when everything else is stripped away and you are left wondering if you will survive.

• Self-Love: He highlights the importance of being kind to oneself and "getting out of your own way," noting that the "only way is up" when you reach your lowest point.

Building a Legacy

As Gillen looks toward the future, his focus has shifted from "chasing the business" to philanthropy and mentorship. He is particularly dedicated to helping impoverished children in inner cities, providing them with the education and frameworks he lacked as a child. He believes that changing a child's environment can radically alter who they become.

Words for the Struggling

For those currently facing their own "dark moments," Gillen offers a simple yet rigorous directive: "Stay away from bad people, places, and things and just always do the next right thing no matter how hard that is". He encourages others to stop hiding, embrace their authenticity, and be a "finisher" in their pursuit of a better life.

His story serves as a reminder that real impact begins the moment a person stops running from who they are and chooses to lead with love.