From the Living Room to the Conference Room: My Fatherly Advice for Business and Life

As a CEO and dad, I often find that the same lessons apply whether I’m at the office or helping with homework. The values my parents instilled in me, like hard work, empathy, and integrity, have not only shaped who I am, but they’ve also shown me how to raise my kids and run a company. I’d like to share some straightforward advice I give to my children with the hope that it can guide you, too.??

Earn your opportunities.

In our family, we’re all about chasing dreams, whether that’s going to college or kicking off a career. But one thing’s clear in our house: if you want something, you’ve got to put in the work to get it. Success doesn’t just fall into your lap. This idea of earning your stripes is crucial. It teaches resilience and independence and these are qualities that everyone needs to succeed, no matter the goal.

Hard work wins over luck, every single time.

My kids are huge fans of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. I’m a big fan of Jack Nicklaus. Sure, it might be tempting to look at stars or golf legends or business leaders, like Jamie Dimon, and think they’ve got it made because they’re lucky. But you’ve got to remind yourself that behind every "overnight success" comes a lot of hard work and a relentless pursuit of excellence. That 10,000-hour rule? It's real. It’s about the dedication that’s required to excel at anything, from sports to songwriting to sales to running a Fortune 500 company. Talent is very important, but without hard work, it doesn’t go anywhere.

Determination and vision are your best friends.

I like to think I’m a reasonably smart guy, but what sets me apart is my determination. I don’t shy away from challenges, whether that’s improving my golf swing or leading a business through tough times. I tell my kids and my team that a vision without relentless effort is nothing more than a daydream. Keep your eye on the prize and work like hell to get it.

Tackle obstacles head-on. Then go around. Then go under, if you have to.

Yes, you will run into obstacles, but there will always be a way around them (or over or under or beside them) if you're determined enough. My method, much to my wife’s amusement, is full speed ahead. She calls it, “All throttle, no brakes, and no rearview mirror.” I agree with her on the throttle and brakes stuff, but I do take time to reflect on past mistakes. My kids know that mistakes are great learning experiences but they shouldn’t get stuck in the past. No matter what, keep moving forward and never step in the same pothole twice.

Education is invaluable.

I constantly emphasize to my kids the importance of a good education. It’s not just about landing a great job – it sets the foundation for a stable, successful life. The numbers don’t lie: higher education levels correlate strongly with financial stability. But this goes beyond just high schools or universities. It's also about lifelong learning, whether that's taking courses that enhance your skills, attending workshops that align with your career, or listening to, and learning from, people who have more experience than you.?

Commit to excellence. Then commit again and again.

"Anything worth doing is worth doing well" is a mantra we live by in our household, and it's a standard I uphold in my professional life, too. If you’re doing something, make it count. This is true for anything you set your sights on. Settling for mediocrity isn't an option in our house, nor should it be in your professional life. At Advent, I constantly strive for excellence, and I surround myself with like-minded, talented people who push me forward? – people who are committed to excellence, too, and who genuinely care about the success of our business.

Strive to be better and do better.

Every day, I strive to be a better dad, a better husband, a better person, and a better business leader than I was yesterday. The challenges we face in life are not just obstacles; they are the true tests of our resolve and capacity. Each day presents a new opportunity to excel and demonstrate our full potential. Embrace these challenges with passion and determination, because the path to excellence is extremely demanding, but always worth it.?