Startup Dad

Astrophysics, Saving the Planet and Raising Three Kids | Casey Handmer (father of 3, founder of Terraform Industries)

Feb 15, 2024

Casey Handmer, astrophysicist and founder of Terraform Industries, discusses productivity, optimism, and parenting three kids. He shares how he and his wife manage a busy household, the importance of long-term projects, and their kids' relationship with technology.

54:34

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Episode guests

Casey Handmer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Intrinsic motivations drive extraordinary achievements in tasks and inventions, emphasizing negotiation and empowerment over authority for effective motivation.

Transitioning to sustainable energy sources like turning solar power into natural gas is essential for reducing carbon emissions and creating a better world for future generations.

Fostering optimism, engaging in long-term projects, and providing children autonomy with healthy boundaries are vital for personal growth, innovation, and parenting.

Deep dives

Focus on Intrinsic Motivations for Extraordinary Achievements

Understanding and providing intrinsic motivations is key to getting people to do extraordinary things, whether it's in daily tasks or groundbreaking inventions. Negotiation and empowerment over authority are highlighted as effective approaches in motivating individuals with agency.

Introduction

2min

Professional Journey from Physicist to Entrepreneurship

2min

Building a Sustainable Business to Combat Climate Change

2min

Navigating Parenthood and Work Life Balance

25min

Exploring Optimism, Long-Term Projects, and Declining Birth Rates

18min

Challenges of Assembling Furniture and a Poorly Designed Caravan

3min

Casual Conversations on Food Safety and Minivans for Parents

3min

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

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Where to find Casey Handmer

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

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