PROOF OF LIFE – EP 13: The 30+ Man Trapped in a Teenager’s Face ft John Oyem.

“It’s both a blessing and a curse. But lately, I have learned how to make it just a blessing.

Jul 12, 2025

Have you ever worked with a colleague across two different companies?

Well, that’s a unique trivia I share with our 13th guest on the Proof of Life newsletter.

John Oyem has been many things across the years—writer, developer, social media manager, and most recently, a sharp and intuitive client relationship lead. But beyond the job titles, John is the type of person who brings calm to chaos, insight to silence, and laughter to the most unexpected corners.

Now, here’s the twist: though John is in his 30s, he could easily be mistaken for a teenager. That youthful look has, over time, both opened doors and raised eyebrows—and in this episode, he shares how he’s learned to navigate both perception and presence.

We also pull back the curtain on matters of the heart. He speaks openly about the emotional terrain of loving someone who had to leave to chase their dreams beyond Nigeria, and what it means to rebuild joy in solitude. Throw in his passion for Liverpool FC, his creative wandering, his fear of failure, and his hilarious thoughts on plantain, and what you get is a conversation that’s light, layered, and unmistakably John.

1. What does Proof of Life mean to you right now?

“Life is actually better than we think. It’s all about POV, really. If I decide I am happy today, I will most definitely be happy. I’ve seen life through so many POVs, and I can say it is actually ‘easy’ to be happy. Right now? I am happy and at peace. But it took a long while to get here.”

2. You and I have worked together at two companies now, and I’ve watched you shape-shift through roles. What is something those half-identities have taught you and what’s your best role in a company?

“It’s both a blessing and a curse. But lately, I have learned how to make it just a blessing. Being able to fit into almost gap in a company is an amazing gift or skill. But making myself invaluable in that same breath rather than being the one who takes all the burden for little or no reward is something I learned, but the hard way. I thoroughly enjoyed my role as an Account Manager; it was like working for a dozen companies at once. That experience is immeasurable.”

3. You’ve found love in recent years (Our Lulu’), but distance has entered the chat. How are you navigating this new chapter as she is abroad and you are here—and what has it taught you about commitment, space, and hope?

“Love? Lol. My last relationship made me self aware. I will always be grateful for what she meant to me. Now, I have to learn to be happy alone, enjoy life alone and be contented with my own happiness. It’s not easy because I come home and I have no one to tell how my day went. But, all I can say is there will be a new announcement of a new chapter, soon.”

4. Your baby face stays undefeated, but you’re in your 30s now. Be honest—has looking 15 ever helped you… or absolutely worked against you?

“It’s a bit of both actually. It makes people underrate me until they hear me speak. Kind of like setting low expectations and get peoples minds blown. But on the other side, we don’t always get the opportunity to speak before being judged. So, some opportunities might pass me by because of this. This is because I’m at the point of my life where I’m meant to be getting more supervisory roles.”

5. Let’s talk Liverpool. The Klopp era gave you greatness. Do you think the club can ever fall into another 2012–2016 era of pain, and what’s your best Liverpool memory so far?

“Right now, with Slot, and with the moves the club is making? I think NOT in this era. Only time will tell. But for now, we are looking not just to compete, but to dominate, hence the quick superstar signings. My best Liverpool moment so far was the UCL comeback at Instanbul in 2005.”

6. You’ve always been the quiet one who observes more than you speak. What’s one thing you feel deeply about but rarely say out loud?

“Lol. Some things aren’t as serious as people make them. A lot of panicking and shouting can be avoided by having simple conversations. Sometimes when I see people shouting and getting angry, and I find out what the fuss is about, Im usually like “This does not warrant all this fuss”.”

7. What are you currently listening to on repeat, and what’s a song that has stayed with you over the years like a theme song?

“Right now, Davido’s 10 Kilo. I don’t know how but the song is just so beautiful. Over the years, Hope by Winona Oak and The Chainsmokers. The song is special to me because I listened to it on repeat when I started forex trading in 2019 and made my first million.”

8. Fear is often quieter than ambition, but it’s there. What’s one fear you’re currently wrestling with—and how are you managing it?

“My biggest fear has always been failure. Not achieving my full potential. But lately, I have been on top of it mostly. I keep trying new things, learning and relearning and pushing myself beyond what people call boundaries. I set weekly targets and try to track progress.”

9. The gym? How is that journey going?

“Omooo. E get as work choke gym gats stop. Lol. But I will be back there this H2. It’s part of the plan.”

10. Finally, drop one random thought or opinion—funny or pure chaos—that’s been renting space in your head. We need it.

“Not liking plantain is grounds for a breakup.”

Random Thoughts because I can…

The cost of living wan kpai the living ooooo!!!

Some of my favourite memories were drinks and chatting with friends around 12pm. Whoever said we must wait till 6pm before going to lounges?

Summary of a whole lot rn…

Proof Of Life From TBB

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