Startup Dad
Surviving Cancer, Stepping Back From The Workforce And Then Working For Your CEO Spouse | Eric and Sara Mauskopf (parents of 3, Winnie, Google, YouTube)
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Facing a cancer diagnosis can reshape priorities, emphasizing the value of life's moments.
- Challenges of stepping back from the workforce as a man highlight societal norms.
- Support from family during tough times is crucial for managing health and childcare.
- Navigating gender stereotypes in parenting roles sheds light on societal pressures.
- Transitioning back to work after parenting involves personal, family, and career considerations.
Deep dives
Eric's Experience with Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Eric recalls the emotional impact of discovering his lymphoma diagnosis through an unexpected pathology report. He describes the profound effect it had on his perspective, emphasizing the newfound appreciation for life. Eric reflects on the challenges of accepting the diagnosis, highlighting the silver lining of gaining a deeper understanding of life's value and the significance of each moment.
Decision to Step Away from the Workforce for Family
Eric and Sarah navigate a significant decision where one of them must step away from the workforce, ultimately leading Eric to choose to take a break. Sarah's role as CEO of their company necessitated shared childcare responsibilities. Eric reflects on the difficulty as a man in taking this step, noting the isolation and lack of support networks prevalent for stay-at-home dads.
Early Fatherhood Memories and Transition to Stay-at-Home Parenting
Eric recounts heartwarming memories of fatherhood, including emotional moments such as viewing early ultrasound images and holding his daughter Bryn for the first time. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by men transitioning to stay-at-home parenting roles, highlighting the lack of established networks and the isolating nature of this choice, contributing to a sense of disconnection.
Support Network during Cancer Treatment and Family Challenges
Sarah shares the pivotal role of family support during Eric's cancer treatment, outlining the practical and emotional assistance provided by her mother and aunt. The critical decision to involve immediate family members in caregiving amplifies the complexity of managing medical emergencies alongside childcare responsibilities. The discussion underscores the value of comprehensive support systems during trying times.
Impact of Gender Stereotypes in Family Role Decisions
The conversation touches upon gender stereotypes influencing decisions regarding breadwinning and stay-at-home parenting, particularly for men. Eric and Sarah delve into the traditional identity norms concerning professional success and familial roles, shedding light on the challenges and societal pressures faced when deviating from gender-based expectations.
Community Challenges and Social Dynamics for Stay-at-Home Dads
Sarah addresses the community dynamics and social challenges experienced by stay-at-home dads, focusing on the lack of established networks and support groups. The conversation highlights the isolating experience faced by fathers in caregiving roles, accentuating the importance of community connections and shared experiences for parental well-being.
Navigating Work-Life Balance and Transitioning Back to Work
The dialogue navigates the complexities of work-life balance as Eric transitions back to the workforce after a period of stay-at-home parenting. The decision-making process, encompassing personal fulfillment, family needs, and professional aspirations, underscores the multifaceted considerations central to achieving a harmonious work-family integration.
Emotional Resilience and Growth through Adversity
Eric and Sarah reflect on the emotional resilience honed through challenging life experiences, emphasizing the transformative growth arising from adversity. The conversation underscores the profound shifts in perspective, values, and priorities catalyzed by confronting significant life hurdles. Their narratives illustrate the capacity for personal evolution and strength forged in navigating difficult times.
Transition back to work and working together
Transitioning back to work after being a stay-at-home parent can present challenges. In the podcast, Eric discussed his initial resistance to returning to work, focusing on family needs. Sarah's suggestion for Eric to join Winnie sparked his eagerness to re-enter the workforce, leading to a successful transition from part-time to full-time work.
Parenting adventures and experiences
Eric and Sarah shared insights about taking their kids on diverse adventures, including sporting events and business trips. They highlighted the importance of engaging children in activities that interest the parents, fostering enjoyable family experiences. The podcast emphasized the significance of shared experiences in strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories in various settings.
In this special Startup Dad (and Mom) episode I interviewed husband and wife team Eric and Sara Mauskopf. Sara is the co-founder and CEO of Winnie, a platform that helps parents find much needed childcare and helps childcare providers find parents and run their business. She founded Winnie after a decade-plus career in product at Postmates, Twitter, and Google. Eric is a product leader at Winnie where he joined about 18 months ago after leaning in as a stay-at-home-Dad for 3.5 years. Prior to that he was a long-time product leader at Google and YouTube for over 10 years.
In this episode we discuss:
* Eric and Sara's personal and professional backgrounds including how their parents shaped them and how they met
* Their decision to start a family and whether three kids was the goal
* Eric's cancer diagnosis, treatment, recover and raising a young daughter during this process
* How to prepare for your family's future when you have a serious illness
* Eric's decision to step back from the workforce and why that is so hard for men
* Eric's transition back to work and what it's like to work with your spouse
* How to take your kids on exciting adventures
* Philadelphia sports (if you know Sara this is a requirement)
* Rapid fire!
Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.
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Where to find Eric Mauskopf:
- LinkedIn: https://twitter.com/mauskopf
- Twitter: https://linkedin.com/in/mauskopf
Where to find Sara Mauskopf
- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/sm
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smausk/
Where to find Adam Fishman
- Newsletter: http://www.startupdadpod.substack.com
- Newsletter: http://fishmanafnewsletter.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/
- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/
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In this episode, we cover:
[2:56] Professional backgrounds
[5:28] Personal backgrounds
[7:52] Their parent’s careers
[11:38] How did you meet?
[13:00] Tell me about the kids?
[15:29] Decision to start a family
[17:52] Was 3 kids ideal?
[18:52] Kids' interaction with each other
[20:26] Eric’s cancer/perspectives
[24:23] Preparing for the future with cancer
[27:53] Family support
[32:28] Earliest memory of being a dad
[33:54] Eric’s decision to step back/why is that hard for men?
[40:32] Transition back to work
[42:30] Eric’s Winnie interview
[46:10] Taking kids on adventures
[49:35] What has been the most fun adventure?
[53:10] Sharing your kids online
[56:02] Where Sara and Eric don’t align
[57:56] One mistake you made as a dad?
[59:11] Where can we follow along?
[1:00:01] Detroit Lions VS. Philadelphia Eagles
[1:01:05] Rapid fire round
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Show references:
Winnie - https://winnie.com/
Kobe Bryant - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kobe-Bryant
Google - https://www.google.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/
Phil Simms - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Simms
Phillies - https://www.mlb.com/phillies
Giants - https://www.mlb.com/giants
Warriors - https://www.nba.com/warriors
Traveling Wilburys - https://www.travelingwilburys.com/
Bob Dylan - https://www.bobdylan.com/
Seahawks - https://www.seahawks.com/
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Thanks to my sponsor for this episode: unitQ!
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Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at
http://www.armaziproductions.com/
Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com
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