Kevin Hanaford is an engineering leader at popular chat application, Discord where he oversees security, safety, privacy and platform teams. His career has included companies like Microsoft, PayPal, Amazon, Salesforce, and autonomous vehicle company, Cruise. In addition to his roles at some of the most significant technology companies of the last two decades he’s also a husband and the father of two kids. In our conversation today we discussed:

* How his Dad started the local ISP in his home town

* How the world of internet safety and trust has shaped his perspective on parenting

* Frameworks and principles that he and his wife hold dearly for their family

* The relationship he wants his daughters to have with technology

* Balancing the demanding, 24/7 job of security with a commitment to his family

* His earliest and most surprising memories of becoming a Dad

* How he explains to his kids what Dad does for work

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Where to find Kevin Hanaford

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhanaford/

* Kevin’s Website: https://kevinhanaford.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

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In this episode, we cover:

[1:34] Welcome

[1:47] How we got connected (thank you Behzod!)

[2:37] Kevin’s professional background

[4:48] His Dad starts an ISP

[6:57] Life now

[9:58] Partner’s work

[11:09] Decision to start a family

[13:57] Earliest memory of becoming a dad

[16:44] Most surprising thing since becoming a dad

[18:16] Advice for younger Kevin

[20:34] Advice to ignore

[23:07] Frameworks

[28:53] Where do you and your partner not align?

[32:38] Kid’s relationship with technology

[40:21] Managing job and family

[44:28] Explaining to kids what you do for work

[45:24] Mistake you have made as a dad

[47:51] What is one thing you gave up to be a dad?

[51:04] Follow along

[52:02] Rapid fire

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Show references:

Discord:https://discord.com/

Microsoft:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/

PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/us/home

Amazon: amazon.com

Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/

Cruise: https://www.getcruise.com/

Moonfall Inc: https://moonfallink.com/

Sour Patch Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Sour-Patch-Kids-Chewy-Candy/dp/B003EMOPMK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Inside Out 2: https://movies.disney.com/inside-out-2

TikTok: tiktok.com

Halo: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/halo

Dr. Pepper:https://www.drpepper.com/s/

Mtn. Dew: https://www.pepsicopartners.com/pepsico/en/USD/PEPSICO-BRANDS/MTN-DEW%C2%AE/c/brand_mtnDew

Topo Chico: https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/topo-chico

Xbox Live: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/live

Destiny: https://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Standard-PlayStation-4/dp/B00BGA9Y3W

Stardew Valley: https://www.stardewvalley.net/

Insulated coffee mugs: https://www.amazon.com/YETI-Stackable-Insulated-Stainless-MagSlider/dp/B0CCJYXC4M

New Balance: https://www.newbalance.com/

Vans: https://www.vans.com/en-us

Britney Spears: https://britneyspears.com/

Oops I Did It Again: youtu.be/CduA0TULnow?si=4MEX39dbqu9C2uOE

Tina Turner: https://www.thetinaturner.com/

Taylor Swift: https://www.taylorswift.com/

Coco Melon: https://www.netflix.com/title/81273085

Star Wars Trilogy: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls052192052/

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For sponsorship inquiries email: [email protected].

For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com 

Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com