Steven Okoye is a corporate and healthcare attorney based in New York. He currently serves as Deputy General Counsel, where he leads on issues of compliance, corporate strategy, and risk management. With more than seven years of experience, Steven has helped organizations streamline operations, meet regulatory standards, and create internal systems that support long-term growth.
Outside of work, Steven stays just as busy. He’s involved in mentorship, scholarship programs, and community outreach, all while cheering on his favorite Philadelphia teams. In this interview with SurveyNow, Steven shares how his path took shape, how he defines success, and what keeps him grounded.
How do you define success and how long did it take you to find it?
For a while, I thought success meant hitting the next target getting the job, earning the title, and feeling like I had arrived somewhere. That mindset kept me moving, but it also kept me chasing. Over time, I came to understand that success is not a destination. It’s how you show up every day.
Now I define success through consistency and balance. Am I showing up for my family and friends? Am I being the kind of person others can rely on? Am I consistently trying to be better than yesterday? Once I started focusing on those things, everything else started to fall into place naturally. My career became more rewarding, my relationships grew stronger, and I felt more grounded in who I am.
What are the qualities of a good entrepreneur?
Starting something new, whether it’s a company or a career shift, rarely goes the way you think it will. There are setbacks, missteps, and plenty of days when the finish line moves farther away instead of closer. What separates people who make it through from those who burn out is consistency. I think of it like going to the gym. You do not begin on the first day by attempting to lift the heaviest weight or run ten miles. That only leaves you exhausted, possibly injured, and dreading the next visit. The people who stick with it show up every day, do a manageable amount, and let the effort compound over time.
That same mindset applies to entrepreneurship. The founders I’ve seen thrive are the ones who pace themselves. They don’t chase every opportunity just because it looks exciting, and they don’t let one setback throw them off course. They build habits.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of your journey?
One of the big ones was learning how to communicate effectively outside of legal circles. I had the training. I knew how to research and write. But being able to sit in a room with leadership and translate legal risk into business language took practice. I had to learn when to be detailed and when to step back and just say what matters most. It was a shift in mindset, and it took time to get there.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Legal technology is moving fast, and I think that is a good thing. When systems are built right, they take pressure off legal teams and make room for more strategic work. At EHE Health, we implemented a contract management platform that allows us to be more efficient, and the feedback across departments has been positive. I like where this is going. It helps legal teams contribute more broadly to company goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush the process. It is easy to feel like everything has to happen now. But growth takes time. I would also say trust your instincts. There were moments early on when I second-guessed myself too much. Eventually, I learned that most people are figuring it out as they go too. It is not about having every answer. It is about staying open, learning fast, and not being afraid to speak up.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Blocking time on my calendar makes a huge difference. If something matters, I give it space and focus. That might mean early mornings or carving out time before meetings start. I also try not to jump straight into email. If I can get one focused task done before my inbox pulls me in, the whole day runs smoother.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I usually take a short break. Sometimes that means stepping outside, other times it is just shifting my attention to something unrelated for a bit. I also lean on sports as a reset. Catching a Sixers game or checking in on how the Eagles are doing helps me unwind. It is a way to refocus without forcing it.
What do you enjoy outside of your professional work?
I stay active in my community through Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, specifically the Mu Gamma Gamma Chapter. I also help lead our chapter’s scholarship foundation. Supporting young people in their education is something I care deeply about. I coached youth basketball in Winslow for a couple of years, and during law school, I was a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Those experiences shaped how I think about leadership and giving back.
On the personal side, I am a proud Philadelphia sports fan. Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, you name it.
I follow them all. Regardless of the outcome, the sense of loyalty and camaraderie adds to the enjoyment. And during my last year of law school, I even ran for 3L class president and created a few YouTube videos to promote the campaign. That was a creative moment for me and one I might revisit. I think there is a lot of value in creating content that reflects who you are.
Final Takeaway
Steven Okoye brings a steady, thoughtful approach to everything he does. He always makes sure to conduct his work with care and purpose, whether he’s helping a corporation stay compliant or mentoring a kid through a scholarship program. His experience shows that being a good leader frequently means being there for people, being consistent, and remembering where you came from.
Want to read more about Steven Okoye? Visit his website.
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