The Dads Project Podcast

In this solo episode, Nick breaks down Leadership Principle #4 from the U.S. Marine Corps:
“Keep your Marines informed”, reimagined for executive dads as “Keep your family and team informed.”

Clarity and communication are essential whether you're leading a business or a household. Nick shares personal stories and tactical insights to help you lead with purpose, build trust, and create alignment with the people who matter most, your team at work and your family at home.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1️⃣ Give the Why

• Keep your team and family informed not just about what you're doing, but why you're doing it.

• Buy-in increases when people understand the purpose behind your decisions.

• "A man with a big enough why can endure anyhow."

  – Viktor Frankl

  
  

2️⃣ Inspect What You Expect

• Trust your team to pass on information, but verify it.

• Leadership means checking in to ensure the message (and intent) is clearly understood.

  
  

3️⃣ Replace Rumors with the Truth

• Rumors grow in silence. Confront miscommunication directly and clarify with ownership.

• Choose the discomfort of hard conversations to prevent confusion and maintain integrity.

  
  

4️⃣ Celebrate Successes

• Take time to acknowledge wins at home and work.

• Own failures publicly; defer credit for wins to your team.

In this episode of the podcast, Mycal Anders shares his multifaceted journey as a father, Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and author.

He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in parenting, the lessons learned from military leadership, and the philosophy of 'Progress Always' in personal growth.

Mycal emphasizes the significance of discipline over grades in children's education and the need for parents to be present and supportive during their children's learning processes. He also introduces the concept of the 'sheepdog mentality' in teaching children to stand up against bullying and the importance of integrating various life pillars for holistic growth.

In this conversation, Mycal Anders and Nick Mann explore the importance of prioritizing personal time, the quality of parenting over quantity, and the significance of being present in family life.

Additionally, they discuss the concept of honest conflict versus dishonest harmony in relationships and the necessity of leading by example. The dialogue emphasizes the need for Executive Dads to protect their values and flow while navigating the challenges of leadership and family life.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Michael Anders

02:45 Lessons from the Marine Corps

06:00 Emotional Intelligence in Parenting

08:48 Navigating Resistance in Learning

12:03 Discipline Over Grades

15:05 The Sheepdog Mentality

18:03 Progress Always: The Philosophy of Growth

20:57 Integrating Life's Pillars

24:02 Bridging the Gap: Lifestyle Integration

30:09 Prioritizing Personal Time

32:56 Quality Over Quantity in Parenting

37:54 Practicing Presence

40:34 Honest Conflict vs. Dishonest Harmony

46:38 Leading by Example

47:07 Protecting Your Values

🔗 Connect with Mycal

• Website
• Instagram

🔗 Connect with Nick

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠The Executive Dad Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ - The Executive Dad Podcast

In this episode of the Podcast, host Nick Mann explores the third principle of Marine Corps leadership: Knowing your Marines and looking out for their welfare.

He emphasizes the importance of being present with family and team members, prioritizing self-care, and fostering an environment of trust and vulnerability. Nick shares personal anecdotes and offers practical advice on supporting loved ones and encouraging individual growth while fostering a positive family culture.

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🔗 Connect with Nick

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠The Executive Dad Podcast Instagram⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ - The Executive Dad Podcast

In this episode of the Podcast, elementary school principal Mike Earnshaw shares insights into the complexities of educational leadership and parenting.

He discusses the often misunderstood responsibilities of a principal, the challenges of raising teenagers, and the importance of authenticity and honesty in leadership and family life.

Mike emphasizes the need for personal growth and the impact of being present for staff and family while navigating the unique dynamics of parenting teenagers.

In this episode, Nick Mann and Mike Earnshaw discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of honesty, trust, humility, and the influence of family.

Mike shares personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of these values in both professional and personal contexts, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their leadership journeys.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Role of an Elementary School Principal

04:02 Navigating the Teenage Years as a Parent

08:40 Personal Growth and Leadership Development

11:55 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership

19:40 The Importance of Honesty in Leadership and Parenting

24:05 Building Trust Through Honesty

26:46 The Role of Family in Leadership

30:43 Embracing Humility as a Leader

32:28 Staying True to Yourself

33:53 The Importance of Doing Hard Things

38:08 Lessons Learned in Leadership and Fatherhood

🔗 Connect with Mike

• ⁠Twitter
• Instagram⁠
• Mike's Blog
• Buy Mike's Book

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🔗 Connect with Nick

• ⁠⁠⁠Nick on LinkedIn⁠⁠
• ⁠The Podcast Instagram⁠
• ⁠YouTube

In this episode of the podcast, Nick discusses the second leadership principle of the United States Marine Corps: being technically and tactically proficient.

He emphasizes the importance of seeking a well-rounded education, learning from other leaders, and applying knowledge to create positive changes in both personal and professional life.

The discussion encourages listeners to analyze their inputs, seek growth, and learn from diverse perspectives to enhance their leadership skills at home and in the workplace.

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🔗 Connect with Nick

• ⁠⁠⁠Nick on LinkedIn⁠⁠
• ⁠The Executive Dad Podcast Instagram⁠
• ⁠YouTube - The Executive Dad Podcast

In this episode of the Executive Dad Podcast, Nick interviews Scot Poore, an executive and father of two, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with a demanding career.

They explore themes of leadership, empathy, and the importance of being prepared, creating purpose, and having a plan in both parenting and professional life. Scot shares his personal experiences and insights on how to lead by example, prioritize family, and instill values in children while managing a successful career.

Leadership Principles:

• Create Purpose
• Be Prepared Mentally & Physically
• Have A Plan

🔗 Connect with Scot

• Instagram

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🔗 Connect with Nick

• ⁠⁠Nick on LinkedIn⁠
• The Executive Dad Podcast Instagram
• YouTube

In this episode of the podcast, Nick introduces a solo episode series focused on the Marine Corps Leadership Principles, starting with Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses, seeking feedback from peers and family, learning from the successes and failures of others, and the critical role of accountability in personal growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Marine Corps Leadership Principles

01:34 Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement

04:02 Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses

06:00 Seeking Feedback for Growth

07:48 Learning from Others' Successes and Failures

09:13 The Importance of Accountability

Podcast Mentioned:

• How To Take Over The World
• Founders

I am honored to share this week's episode with Danny Frazer. Danny is a father of two boys and has been a leader in the outdoor behavioral health industry for more than 25 years.

"Your attitude and behaviors at work are contagious but especially at home, so live a life you are comfortable with your kids emulating,"

- Danny Frazer

1️⃣ Leaders Define the What and Why, Not the How
2️⃣ Start with Structure
3️⃣ Beside Every Problem is an Opportunity

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

• Gain practical leadership insights you can apply in your business and personal life.
• Learn how structure creates freedom and clarity in leadership.
• Understand how to shift your mindset to see opportunities where others see problems.

🔗 Connect with Danny:

• LinkedIn:Danny Frazer

• Website: Gain The Ridge Consulting

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Follow⁠ Nick on LinkedIn⁠

I am honored to introduce Mr. Jason Vonk as our guest on this week's episode. Jason is a father of 5 boys, a former collegiate gymnastics coach, and a certified Sherpa Executive Coach.

Jason's 3 Dad Leadership Principles:

1: The Cop, Coach, & Consultant Paradigm

2: Feedback as a Conversation

3. Climbing Weakness Mountain

Be sure to follow and support Jason at the following links:

Jason's Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

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Follow Nick on LinkedIn

*Name change post episode...

📢 Podcast Summary:

High-performance leadership shouldn’t stop at the office. The Executive Dad Podcast is your playbook for excelling in both your career and your family life—without sacrificing one for the other.

This podcast, hosted by Nick Mann, executive coach, and high-performance dad, is for driven professionals who refuse to choose between career success and being a present, impactful father.

We bring you real strategies, expert insights, and high-level conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders who have cracked the code on leading with intention—both at work and at home.

What You’ll Get:

✅ Tactical Leadership Strategies to advance your career while creating time for what matters.
✅ Real Conversations with high-achieving dads who share what’s worked—and what hasn’t.
✅ Proven Systems to avoid burnout, master time, and lead your family with the same precision you bring to work.
✅ No-Fluff, Actionable Takeaways so you can execute immediately.

Who This Is For:

🔹 Business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs who want to level up at work AND at home.
🔹 High-achieving dads who refuse to settle for “just getting by” in their personal lives.
🔹 Men who believe leadership is more than a title—it’s a responsibility to those who matter most.

Because success isn’t just about what you build at work—it’s about the legacy you create at home.

Subscribe now and join the movement of high-performance fathers redefining leadership.

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