Startup Dad The Unhappy Achiever Paradox | Mike Yan (Dad of 1, Co-founder/CEO, Manychat)
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Mar 13, 2025 Mike Yan, co-founder and CEO of ManyChat, shares his transformation from aspiring magician to tech entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges of starting a family while leading a growing company and how he navigated paternity leave. Yan explains the paradox of being an 'Unhappy Achiever,' balancing success with personal fulfillment. He shares heartfelt stories about sleep training and adapting to new childcare realities, along with insights into the evolving role of technology in parenting. The conversation is both insightful and relatable for founders and parents alike.
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Magician Dreams
- Mike Yan initially aimed to be a magician, even learning card tricks and considering it a career.
- His dad advised him to talk to other magicians, which he did, but still planned to pursue magic.
First Entrepreneurial Venture
- Recognizing the time constraints of performing magic, Mike Yan began teaching it offline, then transitioned to online video tutorials.
- He used YouTube as a marketing channel, which led to his first entrepreneurial venture selling magic content online.
Decision to Start a Family
- Mike Yan and his wife discussed having children for nearly a decade, aligning with the start of ManyChat.
- They decided to start a family when the company was doing well and they felt they had enough time.