Father-Founder Connection: From baby diapers to big deals.

Introduction:

I am raising three boys, with my firstborn son being ten years older than his twin brothers. As I sit here and watch one of them playing, I am filled with gratitude and reflection on my journey as a father to these incredible boys. Throughout this experience, I have come to realize the profound impact that fatherhood has had on my personal and professional growth. Each of my sons has taught me invaluable lessons, and I find that the skills and insights I've developed as a father align closely with those required to build a successful startup. In this article, I will share three key skills and insights I have embraced as a father and how I apply them in my role as a founder.

First Insight: Focus on Being a Father, You can't be a mother:

As a father, I recognise that my role is distinct from that of a mother. While both parents play crucial roles in their children's lives, it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the unique contributions that each brings to the table. By focusing on being the best father I can be, I strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment that complements the love and care provided by the mother.

Being a father allows me to develop and grow in ways that are specific to my role. It provides me with an opportunity to bring my own strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the upbringing of my children. By embracing my fatherhood journey and fully immersing myself in the responsibilities and joys it entails, I can become a better version of myself and a better father to my children.

In both setups, rather than trying to take on the responsibilities of a mother, my focus is on appreciating and supporting the invaluable role that mothers play in the lives of our children. I deeply respect and honor the sacrifices, nurturing instincts, and unconditional love that mothers provide. By recognising and acknowledging the different roles and strengths that each parent brings, we can create a harmonious and balanced environment for our children to thrive.

Ultimately, the goal is not to compare or diminish the role of a mother, but to appreciate and enhance the role of a father. By embracing fatherhood wholeheartedly, I can cultivate a strong bond with my children, instill important values, and be a source of guidance and inspiration in their lives. Together, as parents, we can create a loving and nurturing environment that allows our children to thrive and become the best versions of themselves.

Lesson for Founders: Focus on Being a Founder, Build Your Business:

As a founder, my primary responsibility is to build and grow my startup. While it may be tempting to get caught up in criticising regulators or attempting to change laws, my energy and focus are better spent on building a successful business that serves its customers and creates value in the marketplace.

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, it's easy to become distracted by the actions and strategies of competitors. However, instead of fixating on what others are doing, I have learned that the best approach is to focus on my own startup, its unique value proposition, and the needs of my customers. By understanding my target market deeply and delivering exceptional products or services, I can establish a competitive advantage and drive the success of my business.

Furthermore, as a founder, I recognise the importance of nurturing and developing a strong internal foundation within my startup. This means prioritising the well-being and growth of my employees. By cultivating a positive work culture, investing in their professional development, and providing a supportive environment, I can create a team that is motivated, engaged, and aligned with the vision of the company. A happy and dedicated workforce will ultimately contribute to the success of the startup and its ability to deliver value to customers.

Second Insight: Always Win in Short Term and Long Term:

As a father, I've come to understand that parenting is a long-term commitment, requiring consistent effort, sacrifice, and investment. While immediate wins and achievements are important, the ultimate goal is to raise happy, well-rounded, and successful individuals in the long run. This perspective has taught me the value of balancing short-term needs and desires with the bigger picture of my children's future.

In fatherhood, I celebrate small victories like seeing my children achieve academic milestones or conquer personal challenges. However, I also make strategic decisions and investments in their upbringing that have long-term benefits. This may involve providing them with a strong educational foundation, nurturing their emotional well-being, and fostering their personal growth. By prioritising both short-term wins and long-term goals, I ensure that my children develop into resilient, compassionate, and accomplished individuals.

Lessons for founders: Win this quarter and Build a moat to win next decade: I've learned to balance short-term wins with a long-term perspective. It's essential to celebrate small victories along the way, but also to make strategic decisions and investments that align with the long-term vision and sustainability of the startup. This dual focus on short-term wins and long-term success is a valuable mindset to cultivate in entrepreneurship.

In the startup world, short-term wins can include reaching important milestones, securing initial customers, or generating early revenue. While these achievements are significant, they must also be aligned with the long-term goals and objectives of the business. As a founder, I make strategic choices that position my startup for sustainable growth, such as investing in research and development, building strong relationships with key stakeholders, and prioritizing customer satisfaction and retention. By balancing short-term wins with a long-term vision, I ensure that my startup not only thrives in the present but also lays the foundation for future success.

Third Insight: A Father must build a Village, It takes a village to raise a child:

Raising a child is not a solitary endeavour. It takes a village of support, including family, friends, teachers, and mentors, to provide a nurturing environment for a child's growth. As a father, I've come to appreciate the immense value of building a village around my children. This village comprises individuals who offer love, guidance, and diverse perspectives, all of which contribute to their overall development.

In building this village, I actively seek out the expertise and support of others. I engage with fellow parents, sharing experiences and learning from their unique approaches to parenting. I collaborate with teachers and educators, ensuring my children receive a well-rounded education. I foster connections with mentors who provide valuable guidance and wisdom. By embracing this collective approach to parenting, I create a strong support system that enriches the lives of my children and strengthens our family bonds.

Lesson for founders: Building a Platform so your business can outlive you:

Recognising the importance of building a village in fatherhood, I've carried this mindset over to my role as a founder. Just as a child benefits from a network of supportive individuals, so too does a startup thrive on the foundation of a platform. A platform is more than just a product or service; it is a network of connections, partnerships, and support that fuels the success of a business.

As a founder, I actively build my platform by surrounding myself with talented individuals who bring diverse skills and perspectives to the table. I seek out mentors and advisors who provide guidance based on their own experiences in the industry. I establish strategic partnerships that broaden my startup's reach and enhance its capabilities. By creating this ecosystem of support, I can tap into the collective wisdom and expertise of those around me, propelling my startup forward.

In Conclusion: In closing, the insights and skills I've gained as a father and founder align closely with the principles explored in several important business books. These books, such as "Built to Last," "Great by Choice," "The Four" by Prof Galloway, and "Outliers," shed light on the traits and strategies that contribute to long-term success in business.

The first skill, focusing on being a father and a founder, resonates with the concept of building enduring organisations discussed in "Built to Last." Just as a father focuses on creating a lasting impact on their children's lives, a founder must prioritise the long-term sustainability and impact of their startup.

The second skill, always winning in the short term and long term, aligns with the idea of 10x thinking and the concept of "productive paranoia" explored in "Great by Choice." Both as a father and a founder, I've learned the importance of balancing immediate wins with a long-term perspective, mirroring the disciplined approach advocated in the book.

The third skill, building a village as a father and a platform as a founder, echoes the significance of leveraging networks and connections highlighted in "The Four" by Prof Galloway. Just as successful tech giants build platforms that bring together users, partners, and stakeholders, I recognise the power of building a supportive network around both my children and my startup.

Lastly, the insights gained from being a father and a founder parallel the themes explored in "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. This book emphasises the role of effort, practice, and seizing opportunities in achieving extraordinary success. Through my journey as a father and founder, I've witnessed the transformative power of consistent effort, continuous learning, and embracing unique opportunities.

In essence, these insights and skills derived from fatherhood align seamlessly with the wisdom shared in these business books. They reinforce the importance of a long-term vision, disciplined decision-making, community building, and perseverance. By applying these principles in both my role as a father and a founder, I strive to create a lasting legacy for my children and build a thriving, impactful startup.