5 Secrets to Father Son Leadership Success

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Jun 4, 2025

Join high school senior Ethan Hagner, a passionate future firefighter and musician, as he dives into relatable father-son dynamics with his dad, Larry. They share insights on the pressures of leadership and the importance of authenticity, navigating challenges with humor and empathy. Ethan reveals how his musical journey shaped his leadership skills, from being a trombone player to a drum major. They discuss the balancing act of fun and accountability in parenting, and candidly reflect on childhood memories and the lessons learned from mistakes.

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ANECDOTE

Early Signs of Protectiveness

Ethan helped his friend Noah, who had a broken arm, by managing daily tasks.
Even as a child, Ethan showed a protective and helpful nature towards others.

ANECDOTE

School Change and Repeating Grade

Ethan was bullied at his first school and disliked it, so he switched to a better district.
Repeating first grade helped him adjust to more advanced curriculum and new environment.

ANECDOTE

Unexpected Third Child Story

The family planned for two kids but unexpectedly had a third, requiring last-minute house changes.
They downgraded upgrades to basic finishes knowing kids would wear down the house.

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Have you ever asked yourself:

"How do I teach my kids to lead when I'm still figuring it out?"
"What does true accountability look like in a family setting?"
"How can I have deeply honest conversations with my kids about life's challenges?"

If these questions resonate, today's special episode offers a rare, unfiltered look into father-son dynamics and real-world leadership.

Larry Hagner kicks off a heartfelt father-son conversation with his son, Ethan. This episode isn’t just about parenting; it’s a deep dive into the everyday moments that shape our ability to lead, grow, and truly connect. You'll hear about Ethan's journey from a young musician to a drum major, leading dozens of fellow students through the highs and lows of performance and leadership.

Become the best husband and leader you can: bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube

In this powerful episode, we dig into:

Navigating Leadership Nerves & Judgment: Larry and Ethan open up about the pressures of being at the front of the pack, embracing authenticity even when facing scrutiny.
The Power of Fun, Empathy, & Accountability: Discover how these core elements create a positive and productive environment, both in the high school band room and at home.
Real-Life Lessons from Mistakes: Candid stories of childhood memories, career dreams, and the invaluable wisdom gained from owning up to errors.
Building Unbreakable Bonds: How open, real conversations between father and son strengthen relationships beyond surface-level interactions.
Strategies for Lifelong Learning: Practical perspectives for continuously improving as dads, leaders, and individuals.

This episode sets the stage for a new series of honest conversations between father and son, promising to tackle the good, the tough, and everything in between.

Here's what research and observation highlight about father-son dynamics and leadership:

Studies show that sons with actively involved fathers are 30% more likely to exhibit strong leadership qualities.
Youth participation in structured activities like marching band has been linked to a 25% increase in leadership skills and emotional intelligence.
Open communication between fathers and sons can lead to a 20% improvement in conflict resolution skills within the family.

Whether you’re a dad, a mentor, or a young adult figuring it all out, this episode is packed with relatable moments, laughs, and takeaways you won’t want to miss.