Startup Dad

Immad Akhund is the co-founder and CEO of Mercury, a business banking platform that has raised over $160M in funding and has over 100,000 customers. He has also founded two other companies – Clickpass and Heyzap; the latter of which was acquired in 2016. Immad is a husband and the father of two kids. In today's conversation we discussed: 

* Starting a family at a very young age (by San Francisco standards)

* Navigating founding and running several companies, including Mercury

* The difference between finding more time and finding more energy

* How to think about skill building with your kids

* Dealing with disagreements with your spouse

* The parallels between being the co-founder of a company and the co-founder of a family

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast and YouTube.

—

Where to find Immad Akhund

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iakhund/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/immad

- Curiosity Podcast: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover

[1:31] Welcome

[1:46] Childhood

[2:44] Where does your extended family live now?

[3:19] Why keep doing startups?

[6:52] How did you meet your partner?

[7:56] Tell me about your kids

[8:42] Decision to start a family

[9:51] What does your wife do?

[10:59] Why did it feel like the right time to start a family?

[17:13] Earliest memory of being a dad?

[19:29] Advice for his younger self

[22:36] What is something you worked on after having kids?

[23:56] Skill building and teaching kids finance

[27:46] How has his parenting style evolved?

[30:29] What is an example of you getting out of balance w/kids

[31:29] Has being a dad changed how you run companies?

[34:36] Conflict/managing through disagreements

[39:10] Kids relationship w/tech

[42:07] Restore batteries

[44:08] What is a mistake you made as a dad?

[46:32] Follow along

[47:23] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Mercury: https://mercury.com/

Model X: https://www.tesla.com/modelx

The Matrix: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/

Union Square Ventures: https://www.usv.com/

Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/

ClickPass: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/clickpass

Hayzap: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heyzap-com/

Inside Out: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/

Frozen: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/

Teen Titans: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343314/

Doona: https://www.doona.com/en-us

Juni Learning: https://junilearning.com/

—

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/

David Lat is a lawyer turned legal writer who created Above The Law and his current, legal newsletter and podcast Original Jurisdiction, which is now his full-time job. Prior to writing he was a practicing attorney and worked as a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice under Chris Christie. David is a husband and the father of two kids. In today's conversation we discussed: 

* The transition from an in-house legal career to the world of writing and podcasting and what that has done for his family

* Surrogacy

* Important legal considerations for parents

* Navigating feelings of parental guilt

* How to talk to your kids about different family types and configurations

* The fallacy of making logical appeals to children

* His approach to interviewing for childcare

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast and YouTube.

—

Where to find David Lat

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlat/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidLat

- Original Jurisdiction: https://davidlat.substack.com/ 

Where to find Adam Fishman

- FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover

[1:47] Welcome

[2:04] Professional background

[2:53] The decision to go from practicing law to writing about law

[5:02] David's family now

[5:37] Their decision to start a family

[7:21] Surrogacy

[9:37] Family/work balance

[12:34] Was career choice influenced by becoming a dad?

[14:54] Legal considerations for parents

[17:32] What is a pre-birth order?

[19:11] Earliest memory of becoming a dad

[20:57] What emotions came up when you realized it was “real”?

[22:57] Most surprising thing about becoming a dad?

[25:15] Advice for younger self

[28:40] His interview approach for childcare

[30:17] Parental guilt

[34:56] Parenting Frameworks

[36:27] How has your parenting style changed over time?

[38:10] Area where David and his partner don’t align

[40:30] Logical appeals vs. children

[41:59] How do you recharge your batteries?

[43:38] What is a mistake you made as a dad?

[45:02] Talking to son about same-sex parenting

[48:27] Follow along

[49:23] Rapid fire

—

Show references:

Clueless: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112697/

Carly Aroldi, Good Enough Parenting: http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-enough-parenting/id1708282417

Creative Family Connections: https://www.creativefamilyconnections.com/

Chris Christie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Christie

Chris Christie on David's Podcast: https://davidlat.substack.com/p/chris-christie-podcast-interview-with-david-lat

Above The Law: https://abovethelaw.com/

BabyConnect: https://en.babyconnect.com/

My Two Dads and Me by Michael Joosten: https://www.amazon.com/My-Two-Dads-Michael-Joosten/dp/0525580107

Snoo: https://www.amazon.com/SNOO-Smart-Sleeper-Happiest-Baby/dp/B0716KN18Z

—

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/

Tod Francis is the founder of the world-renowned investment firm Shasta Ventures. He has made early investments in companies like Canva, Tonal, ClassDojo, LiquidSpace, Task Rabbit, Mint and more. About 15 years ago Tod started on a journey to understand why and how great memories and connections are formed between kids and their parents. He surveyed over one thousand young adults, analyzed that data, and developed a framework for memory making and building meaningful connections. He has presented his findings to standing-room-only conferences, parents groups, and more! We talk about his findings on today's episode and what you can do right away to build lasting memories with your kids. Tod is a husband and the father of two adult children. In today's conversation we discussed: 

* Growing up without a father

* How losing a child motivated him to focus on every moment

* The research behind building meaningful connections

* The Pyramid of Connection and its different stages

* Tear-jerking stories from Tod's research

* What parents can do right now to change their thinking on memory making and connection

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast and YouTube.

—

Where to find Tod Francis

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todfrancis/

- Shasta Ventures: https://www.shasta.vc/bio/tod-francis/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Startup Dad Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover

[1:49] Welcome

[2:28] Tod's childhood

[3:52] Growing up without a Dad

[4:47] What is life like now?

[6:28] Did child loss change your priorities as a dad?

[8:49] Why did memory making matter to you as a dad?

[12:24] The research behind connection

[18:51] The Pyramid of Connection

[33:56] How do parents get out of the bottom layer?

[39:44] Making memories with adult kids

[42:36] Parting thoughts

[44:12] How are his sons involved in this project?

—

Show references:

Survey Monkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/

Johnson & Johnson: https://www.jnj.com/

Mint: https://mint.intuit.com/

Shasta Ventures: https://www.shasta.vc/

Canva: https://www.canva.com/

Tonal: https://www.tonal.com/

Class Dojo: https://www.classdojo.com/

Liquid Space: https://liquidspace.com/

Task Rabbit: https://www.taskrabbit.com/

—

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/

Eben Pingree is a serial startup founder who is currently building the startup Kinsome -- a product focused on helping grandkids better connect with their grandparents. He has founded and sold multiple companies over the past 10 years. He's also a husband and the father of three kids. In today's conversation we discussed: 

* Growing up in the same house (or apartment) you were raised in

* What it's like living in a multi-generational building with your parents and siblings

* The importance of proximity of family

* Eben's earliest memories of fatherhood

* Building multiple companies with a young family

* Parenting advice he'd give his younger self (and whether he'd listen to it)

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Eben Pingree

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eben-pingree-1711647/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/EbenPingree

- Kinsome: https://kinsome.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[2:05] Welcome

[2:35] Professional background

[5:42] Do you have a strong relationship with your Grandparents?

[7:53] Childhood

[10:20] Who first had kids among siblings/parenting advice

[11:24] How did you meet your wife/what does she do/decision to start a family

[14:52] Earliest memory of being a dad

[16:04] Having 1st kid while scaling company

[17:44] Genesis for starting company

[22:23] Advice for younger Eben

[24:06] Advice Eben ignored

[25:26] Frameworks

[26:49] Living under the same roof as parents

[30:27] Areas you align/don’t align with partner

[32:20] Kid’s relationship to technology

[34:09] What did you give up to be a dad?

[35:11] A mistake you made as a dad?

[37:01] Startup hustle culture vs. family life

[40:02] How do you charge your batteries?

[42:35] Any urgency to change childhood apartment

[45:02] Follow along

[45:46] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

Tuck Business School: https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/

Fidelity: https://www.fidelity.com

Session M: https://www.mastercardservices.com/en/sessionm/what-we-do/why-were-different

Bruce Springsteen: https://brucespringsteen.net/

Dave Eggers: https://daveeggers.net/dave-eggers

McSweeney’s: https://www.mcsweeneys.net/

EverTrue: https://www.evertrue.com/

iPad: https://www.apple.com/ipad/

Stand By Me: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092005/

Robin Hood: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070608/

Princess Bride: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/

Celtics: https://www.nba.com/celtics/

Washington Post Article on Chickens: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/02/feature/the-silicon-valley-elites-latest-status-symbol-chickens/

—

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/

Stew Bradley is a former linebacker in the National Football League and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. Following a successful NFL career he joined Goldman Sachs and then found his way into co-founding the early stage venture firm El Cap Holdings. He's also a husband and the father of two kids. In today's conversation we discussed: 

* His unique career path in navigating from professional football to finance and investing

* His earliest memories and emotions around becoming a Dad

* The Fallacy of Control as a parent

* What it's like raising an autistic child and what he and his wife did to understand and learn

* Negotiating parenting with both neurotypical and neurodivergent kids

* His framework and approach around "putting in the reps" both professionally and personally

* The differences in a successful career and being successful as a parent

* How he recharges his batteries amidst the chaos of parenting

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Stew Bradley

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stew/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/stewbradley

- El Cap Holdings: https://elcap.xyz/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:51] Welcome Stew!

[2:20] His childhood

[3:39] Stew’s unique career path

[9:44] All about his wife & kids

[11:04] Decision making for Stew’s wife to be full-time mom

[12:47] Earliest memories of becoming a dad

[14:06] Emotions around becoming a dad

[15:24] The Fallacy of Control

[19:00] Advice for younger Stew

[21:09] Raising a child with Autism

[24:38] What did you do to understand Autism?

[27:27] Negotiating parenting neurotypical and neurodivergent

[32:44] Favorite book to read to the kids?

[34:03] Frameworks and “putting in the reps”

[40:03] Where he and his wife don’t always align

[43:58] Success in career vs. parenting

[45:56] What did you give up to be a dad?

[48:02] What is a mistake you made as a dad?

[50:56] How do you recharge your batteries?

[54:03] How to follow along with his journey

[54:50] Rapid fire

—

Show references:

The Tao of Steve: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0234853/

Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman: https://www.amazon.com/Neurotribes-Legacy-Autism-Future-Neurodiversity/dp/0399185615

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida: https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Jump-Inner-Thirteen-Year-Old-Autism/dp/081298515X/

El Cap Holdings: https://elcap.xyz/

Goldman Sachs: https://www.goldmansachs.com/

Philadelphia Eagles: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/

Denver Broncos: https://www.denverbroncos.com/

Arizona Cardinals: https://www.azcardinals.com/

Steadfast: https://www.steadfastequity.com/

Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/

How To Train Your Dragon: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/

Baby Shark: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdwLMPsaU2ezNSJU1nFoBQ

Magic Eraser: https://www.mrclean.com/en-us/shop-products/magic-erasers/magic-eraser-original/

Training Potty Seat: https://www.amazon.com/000-NextStep2-Training-Slow-Close-Removable/dp/B07ZQT2R9N

—

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/

Brian Rothenberg is a general partner at Defy, an early-stage venture firm. He was the former Head of Growth at Eventbrite and has been a serial marketplace founder; starting a services marketplace that was acquired by TaskRabbit in 2011. He's also a husband and the father of four kids. In today's conversation we discussed:

* Pivoting your plans to follow your future spouse

* How to divide and conquer when you've got four kids

* How the family dynamic changes as it grows from one to four kids

* How to prioritize time with your wife amidst the "controlled chaos" of a large family

* Advice he'd give younger Brian and advice he'd ignore

* The wildcard of the "third child"

* How to give up being self-absorbed and become more selfless as a parent

* Mistakes made as a father and the most surprising aspects of becoming a dad

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Brian Rothenberg

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrothenberg/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/bmrothenberg

- Defy: https://defy.vc/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:45] Welcome

[2:06] Professional background

[5:10] Childhood

[6:47] His kids and how he met his partner

[8:36] Dividing/conquering in the household

[12:07] Managing larger households and controlled chaos

[15:21] Prioritizing time with your partner

[17:04] Brian’s wife stepping back from career for household

[19:23] His earliest memory of being a dad

[20:23] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[21:17] Advice for younger Brian/Advice to ignore

[24:04] His kids’ favorite book

[24:57] Partnership/natural conflict

[27:09] Where you don’t align with partner

[29:19] Kid’s relationship to technology

[31:27] How to give up self absorption

[32:43] Importance of exercise

[34:38] Mistake as a dad

[38:03] Startup hustle culture

[41:28] Where to follow along with Brian

[42:10] Rapid fire

—

Show references:

Die Hard: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/

Indiana Jones: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087469/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3

Cocomelon: https://cocomelon.com/

Blippi: https://blippi.com/

Maclaren F1: https://www.mclaren.com/racing/

Patagonia Fleece Jacket: https://www.patagonia.com/shop/category/fleece

Vuori Sunday Jogger: https://vuoriclothing.com/collections/joggers

Crib net: https://www.amazon.com/RUNNZER-Baby-Safety-Canopy-Climbing/dp/B08NJGZQZM/

Defy: https://defy.vc/

EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/

USC: https://www.usc.edu/

Yahoo: https://www.yahoo.com/

Skill Slate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkillSlate

TaskRabbit: https://www.taskrabbit.com/

The Lorax: https://www.amazon.com/Lorax-Classic-Seuss-Dr/dp/0394823370

Dragons Love Tacos: https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Love-Tacos-Adam-Rubin/dp/0803736800/

—

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/

Tye DeGrange is the founder and CEO of Round Barn Labs, a performance and affiliate marketing company that has worked with companies like Oculus, thredUp, ModCloth and Nextdoor. Prior to that he had career stints at Amazon, eBay and Commission Junction. He grew up on a horse ranch in Northern California!  He's also a husband and the father of two kids. In today's conversation we discussed:

* What life was like growing up on a ranch and the work ethic that instilled in him

* Tye's parenting philosophies and the books they're rooted in

* His relationship with social media and its influence on his kids

* How he met his wife -- possibly my favorite story yet!

* The importance of consistency, simplicity and a well-structured day

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Tye DeGrange

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyedegrange/

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/TyeDeGrange

- Round Barn Labs: https://www.roundbarnlabs.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:58] Welcome

[2:33] Tye’s professional background

[5:57] Work ethic from ranch childhood; the story of round barns

[10:24] How Tye met his wife

[12:07] Tye’s kids

[14:11] Their decision to start a family

[20:13] His earliest memory of being a dad

[21:32] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[23:15] Advice that resonates with Tye

[25:35] Parenting frameworks

[33:29] Where Tye and his partner don’t align

[36:18] His kid’s relationship to technology

[42:38] What did Tye give up to be a dad?

[45:33] A mistake Tye made as a dad

[47:47] Balance work/life

[50:34] Follow along with Tye

[51:20] Rapid fire—

Show references:

How To Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki: https://www.amazon.com/How-Raise-Successful-People-Lessons/dp/1328974863/

Yellowstone: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4236770/

Bob Feist invitational: https://bfiweek.com/schedule/

Cool Gray City of Love: 49 Views of San Francisco Hardcover by Gary Kamiya: https://www.amazon.com/Cool-Gray-City-Love-Francisco/dp/1608199606

National Lampoon’s Vacation: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085995/

Fountain Grove, Ca: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountain_Grove,_California

Oculus: https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3/

ThredUP: https://www.thredup.com/

ModCloth: https://modcloth.com/

NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com

Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/

Commission Junction: https://www.cj.com/

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

Bowflex: https://www.bowflex.com/home

StubHub: https://www.stubhub.com/

Baby Bjorn: https://www.babybjorn.com/

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting (now with Bébé Day by Day: 100 Keys to French Parenting) by Pamela Druckerman: https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-B%C3%A9b%C3%A9-Discovers-Parenting/dp/0143122967

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids Paperback by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross: https://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Parenting-Extraordinary-Calmer-Happier/dp/0345507983/

Lion King: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/

Sing 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6467266/

The Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/

Daniel Tiger Potty Episode: https://pbskids.org/video/daniel-tigers-neighborhood/2328918496

—

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/

Casey Handmer is the founder of Terraform Industries, a company that is turning CO2 into natural gas through solar electricity. He's an astrophysicist with a PhD from Caltech who has worked on frontier technologies at NASA and Hyperloop. He's also a husband and the father of three kids. Including a newborn! In today's conversation we discussed:

* Productivity and priorities

* How to make it work without a support structure

* How to work on having optimism be the default so you can build a better future

* How he and his wife (also an astrophysicist and engineering leader) manage a busy household and three under the age of five

* The importance of long-term projects, both professionally and personally

* The worst parenting advice he's ever given and received

* His kids and their relationship with technology

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Casey Handmer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-handmer-60183262/

Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/CJHandmer

Casey's Blog: https://caseyhandmer.wordpress.com/

Casey and Christine's Podcast

Where to find Adam Fishman

Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:46] Welcome

[2:01] Caesy’s Professional background

[7:04] Casey’s wife & kids

[10:28] How did you meet your wife?

[14:26] Support structures (or not having any!)

[17:21] Getting joy vs. minimizing work

[20:51] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[24:13] Worst parenting advice Casey has ever given and received

[30:37] Optimism as a default

[36:00] Where do you not align with your wife?

[38:46] Kids relationship to technology

[42:19] How to follow along with Casey’s journey

[43:21] Rapid fire round

[53:39] Thank you

—

Show references:

Snoo: https://www.amazon.com/SNOO-Smart-Sleeper-Happiest-Baby/dp/B0716KN18Z

Terraform Industries: https://terraformindustries.com/

NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/

Hyperloop: https://www.hyperlooptt.com/

CalTech: https://www.caltech.edu/

JPL: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/

Kip Thorne: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kip_Thorne

Planet: https://www.planet.com/

LARP: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_action_role-playing_game

Rubik's cube: https://rubiks.com/en-US/

Lego: https://www.lego.com/en-us

Kid-safe knives: https://www.amazon.com/Tovla-Knives-3-Piece-Nylon-Baking/dp/B0711QYPJD/

Tesla Model Y: https://www.tesla.com/modely

Tesla Cybertruck: https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck

—

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/

Patrick Moran is the Head of Growth Marketing at Robinhood, a fintech platform helping to democratize finance. Prior to that he had an illustrious career at Houzz, Spotify, YikYak, Netflix and more. He is a loving husband and the father of two kids (and one Golden Retriever). In today's conversation we discussed:

* His childhood moving back and forth from the Philippines to the US

* The value system of families in the Philippines

* What it's like having a 10+ year gap between his children

* How to instill "grit" in your children

* Top tips for international travel with your kids

* Having aging parents who live very far away

* 80's parenting vs. today

* Parenting frameworks and the power of patience

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Patrick Moran

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcmoran/

- Finding Market Fit Podcast: https://www.findingmarket.fit/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.fishmanafnewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[1:59] Welcome Patrick

[2:58] Professional background

[4:04] Childhood in the Philippines and the U.S.

[6:54] Value system

[11:20] How did you meet your wife?

[15:46] Life in the Philippines

[16:49] All about his kids

[18:11] What it’s like having a 10+ year gap between his two kids

[21:55] Instilling “grit”

[24:53] Travel tips with kids

[29:04] Raising kids as immigrant parents

[34:32] Cultural identity and aging parents

[40:20] Most surprising thing about being a dad

[42:39] 80’s parenting vs. now

[45:41] Parenting Frameworks

[48:32] Where he and his wife don’t align

[50:31] What did you give up to be a dad?

[52:14] What is a mistake you made as a dad?

[53:43] Follow along with Patrick

[54:39] Rapid fire round and thank you

—

Show references:

RobinHood:

https://www.robinhood.com/

Office Space: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0151804/

Inside Out: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

The Philippines: https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines

Awakenings - Robert DeNiro: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099077/

University of Michigan: https://umich.edu/

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/

YikYak: https://yikyak.com/

Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/

Costco: https://www.costco.com/

Entourage: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387199/

Golden Retrievers: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/

Tiger Woods: https://tigerwoods.com/

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos: https://www.amazon.com/Cheetos-Crunchy-Flamin-Cheese-Flavored/dp/B019KE3616

Melatonin Gummy: https://www.amazon.com/Melatonin-Gummies-Sleep-Aid-Supplement/dp/B0864S2W4Q

—

For sponsorship inquiries: [email protected].

Interested in some Startup Dad merch? Check out: www.startupdadshop.com

Editing for Startup Dad provided by Tommy Harron.

Mike Smith is General Partner and co-founder at Footwork, an early stage venture capital firm. Previously, Mike was President, COO, and interim CFO at Stitch Fix, the online personal styling service where he oversaw operations, styling, client experience, merchandise, and finance. Prior to Stitch Fix, Mike was COO at Walmart.com, overseeing all operations for a $5 billion division, including one of the most successful multi-channel offerings in the industry. Mike serves on the boards of MillerKnoll and Ulta Beauty. He has been married for 28 years and is the father of one daughter. In today's conversation we discussed:

* The impact of childhood experiences on parenting

* How to raise an independent and opinionated child

* The delicate balance between professional pursuits and family life

* Advice he'd give to himself before his daughter was born

* How to navigate privilege with your kids

* The differences of opinion on discipline and the importance of presenting a united front in parenting

* The impact of geographic distance on family dynamics as kids start to move away

Listen or watch Startup Dad on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.

—

Where to find Mike Smith

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcsmith1/

- Footwork: https://www.footwork.vc/

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: startupdadpod.substack.com

- Newsletter: www.fishmanafnewsletter.com

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

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

—

In this episode, we cover:

[2:02] Welcome Mike

[2:36] Mike's Professional background

[5:43] His childhood

[7:12] Why he didn't follow his Dad's profession

[8:55] Moving as a military family and finally putting down roots

[10:27] How did you meet your partner?

[12:55] His daughter

[14:57] Daughter’s journey to college

[16:11] Their decision to have 1 child

[17:28] His wife’s unique and interesting career

[20:52] Their decision to start a family

[22:18] What his career was like when his daughter was born

[24:09] Mike's earliest memory of being a dad

[26:16] Most surprising thing about becoming a dad

[27:36] Is his daughter daughter more like Mike or his wife?

[29:51] Frameworks for parenting

[32:05] How to align with your spouse

[35:31] Advice for younger Mike

[38:07] Terrible advice to ignore

[40:21] Does he ever give his business partner advice?

[41:46] What did he give up to be a dad?

[45:42] Becoming an empty nester

[49:00] What is a mistake you made as a dad?

[50:51] Talking about privilege

[56:34] Balance

[1:00:46] Where to find Mike

[1:01:41] Rapid fire round

—

Show references:

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/facility-locator/sq/

Stitch Fix: https://www.stitchfix.com/

Wal-mart: www.walmart.com

University of Virginia: https://www.virginia.edu/

Accenture: https://www.accenture.com/us-en

Berkeley: https://www.berkeley.edu/

Morgan Stanley: https://www.morganstanley.com/

Louis Vuitton: https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/homepage

“Frozen”: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/

“Time Bandits”: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081633/

—

For sponsorship inquiries: [email protected].

Interested in some Startup Dad merch? Check out: www.startupdadshop.com

Editing for Startup Dad provided by Tommy Harron.