The $100 MBA Show – Episode MBA2731: "Why People Turn Against You When You Start To Succeed"
Host: Omar Zenhom | Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Omar Zenhom tackles an often-unspoken challenge for entrepreneurs and high achievers: the backlash and distancing from people in your life when you begin to see real success. Drawing from personal and professional experience, Omar explores why people may turn against you as you grow, how to interpret these changes in your relationships, and most importantly, practical ways to respond without losing yourself or your dignity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Inevitable Shift When You Succeed

• Growth Alters You:
  Omar sets the stage by explaining how success changes more than your bank account; it shifts your thinking, priorities, time allocation, and standards.

  • “When you start succeeding, something very important happens. You change. You don’t just make more money or get better results. You start to think differently. That’s why you got the results.” (03:44)

• Old Expectations Clash with New Reality:
  People in your life may be attached to the “old you” and discomforted by your evolution.

  • “Not everyone in your life signed up for this new version of you... They signed up to be friends with the original you.” (04:11)

2. Why People Turn Against the Successful

Omar identifies three core reasons why personal and professional relationships can become strained when you begin to win:

a. You Disrupt Their Comfortable Narrative

• People assign simple roles to others (the funny one, the broke one, the creative one), and when you break out of that role, it unsettles them.
  • “It’s because you’re no longer the archetype they have in their head. You’re no longer playing the role that they have for you in the story of their life.” (04:56)
  • “Everybody is playing the main character in their own story. You’re a supporting character…” (05:16)

b. Your Success Removes Their Excuses

• Especially if you share the same background or circumstances, your achievements become uncomfortable proof that their own excuses are invalid.
  • “Your success quietly removes their excuses... You become living proof that change is possible. And for them, that hurts.” (06:04)
• For some, this forces a painful reckoning:
  • “Now it seems like, ‘wow, I made the wrong decisions in life.’” (06:53)

c. Growth Creates Distance

• As you change, your habits, conversations, and priorities shift, creating perceived or real emotional distance.
  • “You start spending your time differently... that can feel like rejection to a lot of people, even when it’s not.” (07:36)
• It’s not about blame:
  • “No one’s right or wrong. It’s just how it is…people start to grow apart because people start to change.” (08:20)

3. How to Handle the Backlash Constructively

Omar shares practical, actionable steps for maintaining your integrity and navigating growing pains in relationships.

a. Ask If the Relationship Is Worth Your Time

• Assess if the person deserves continued access as your life evolves.
• Open honest dialogue if the relationship matters:
  • Example script:
    • “Hey, Sarah, I’m sure you noticed that I am growing and I’m changing...I still value our relationship. But I’m not going to stop growing to make anyone else feel comfortable.” (10:04)

b. Develop Internal Boundaries

• Differentiate between criticism and helpful feedback.
• Accept that discomfort isn’t always danger; sometimes, it’s just uncomfortable.
  • “Criticism is not the same thing as feedback...you have to understand that just because you’re uncomfortable doesn’t mean this is a bad thing.” (11:00)
• Don’t take responsibility for how others feel about your growth.
  • “Other people’s emotions...are not your responsibility.” (11:29)

c. Don’t Overcorrect or Shrink Yourself

• Don’t hide your ambitions or dull your goals to please others.
• Avoid arrogance, but don’t apologize for self-improvement.
  • “Growth is not betrayal. It's just a fact of life.” (12:00)
  • “Outgrowing people doesn’t mean you’re better than them...your path kind of diverged and you’re moving in a different direction.” (12:32)

d. Embrace the Upside

• As you outgrow old circles, you'll find new friends who align with your ambitions and values.
  • “The friends I have now, after 20 years of entrepreneurship, are some of the best people I can rely on...we support each other.” (13:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Success is personal development in disguise.” (12:08)
• “Losing people doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. In fact, sometimes it’s confirmation you’re doing it right...” (12:52)
• “Growth creates friction before it creates stability. Always, in my experience.” (12:58)
• “If success is changing you in ways you feel more aligned, more alive, more fulfilled, more purposeful, don’t apologize for that. You are allowed to evolve... Anyone who truly cares about you will eventually understand that...and if it takes time, they’ll come around.” (15:52)

Important Timestamps

• 03:44 - How success changes your mind and priorities
• 04:56 - People assign “roles” and feel discomfort when you change
• 06:04 - Your success challenges others’ excuses
• 07:36 - Growth’s impact on relationships and perceptions of rejection
• 10:04 - Example conversation to address changing dynamics with a friend
• 11:00 - Setting and understanding internal boundaries
• 12:00 - The difference between healthy growth and arrogance
• 13:29 - Attracting new, supportive peers with shared values
• 15:52 - Closing encouragement: Don’t apologize for evolving

Tone and Style

Omar delivers the episode in his signature direct and supportive style—empathetic yet practical, blending personal anecdotes with actionable advice and motivation.

Summary Takeaways

• Expect resistance and discomfort from others as you advance; it’s normal and often not malicious.
• Reevaluate which relationships matter and communicate with empathy—but don’t slow your growth to preserve others’ comfort.
• Set boundaries, distinguish criticism from feedback, and don’t make yourself small.
• The loss or distance in relationships may just mean your path is diverging.
• Embrace new connections that value who you've become. Keep evolving—those truly invested in you will understand, eventually.