Startup Dad

In this engaging discussion, Chad Pytel, founder and CEO of thoughtbot and a father of two teenagers, shares his insights on blending parenting with business. He emphasizes the significance of designing household systems collaboratively to foster independence and responsibility in teenagers. Chad advocates for the importance of family rituals, like dinner together, as vital for connection. He challenges traditional screen time limits, arguing for a balanced approach that values creative use over restriction, and highlights the need for personalized parenting strategies.

Jonathan Jamil, founder and CEO of Springboard, shares his story of growing up in a two-bedroom apartment with six family members, building a business powered by stay-at-home moms, and raising two daughters while redefining what success means.In this episode, Jonathan opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has carried from his upbringing, and the realities of being a dad and founder at the same time. We discussed:Why work-life balance doesn’t exist: Jonathan explains why he believes balance is a myth, and instead focuses on being fully presentRedefining success as a father and founder: He shares how his definition of success shifted from chasing cars and houses to prioritizing comfort, family health, and presence.Breaking generational patterns with love: From hugs to family vacations, Jonathan reflects on how intentional affection and kindness help him parent differently than he was raised.Partnership and parenting: He talks about how he and his wife share the load, why he ignores outdated cultural norms around gender roles in parenting, and the promise he kept to support her becoming a stay-at-home mom.Why nice guys don’t finish last: Jonathan describes how leading with empathy and kindness has shaped Springboard’s culture, strengthened client trust, and fueled growth.Where to find Jonathan JamilLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjthatcxguy/ Springboard: https://www.springboardhq.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanjamil/ X: https://x.com/jjthatcxguyWhere to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Welcome Jonathan Jamil(03:55) Starting Springboard and working with stay-at-home moms(06:41) Why Springboard never posts job listings(08:33) Building a business while raising a newborn(10:19) Why work-life balance doesn’t exist(13:27) Redefining success as a dad(14:46) Why you can’t parent alone without community(16:06) Advice to his younger self before becoming a dad(18:23) Never stop dating your wife(20:35) The power of vacation and taking breaks(24:14) His simple fatherhood framework: Show up, listen, love(26:22) Espresso-fueled speeding ticket during the colic phase(28:54) Parenting disagreements: Screen time and sugar(30:56) Tech boundaries and raising daughters in a digital world(32:55) Using AI to plan family vacations(34:39) Why “nice guys finish last” is a myth(37:14) Lightning round: Parenting wins and toy assembly failsResources from this episode:Jambys: https://www.jambys.com/Disney Store: https://www.disneystore.com/toys-plush/toys/ Lime Green Bed Sheets: https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Bedding/s?k=Lime+Green+BeddingCocomelon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCmjCuTUZos6Inko4u57UQWreck-It Ralph: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772341/Ratatouille: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/Home Alone: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/ The Santa Clause: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111070/Play-Doh: https://shop.hasbro.com/en-ca/play-dohToyota Sienna: https://www.toyota.com/sienna/Siqi Chen’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Nm5Mkj0s0Cape May: https://www.capemay.com/Ocean City: https://www.ocnj.us/Rehoboth Beach: https://www.rehobothbeachde.gov/Disney World: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/UPPAbaby: https://uppababy.com/Boppy: https://www.boppy.com/Jamby’s: https://www.jambys.com/—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

In this episode of Startup Dad, I sit  down with Adam Lieb, the founder and CEO of Gamesight, a marketing technology company that helps video game studios connect with players and launch their biggest titles. Adam started his first gaming business at just 11 years old and has spent his entire career building in the industry ever since.As a dad of 11-year-old twins and husband to Camille, a lawyer who now leads the legal team at Gamesight, Adam shares what it’s like to grow a company and a family at the same time. From the challenges of raising twins to why he doesn’t believe in separating work mode from dad mode, Adam offers an honest look at the overlap of parenting and entrepreneurship. We discussed: Raising twins while building a company: Why he compares it to running three startups at once.The sleep training strategy: How it became the most important defensive move for survival with twins.Work mode vs dad mode: Why Adam believes in being the same person everywhere.AI at home: Creative ways his kids use AI for learning, projects, and fun.The mantra “show up and try”: Why presence is the foundation for leadership and parenting.Where to find Adam Lieb:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslieb/ X: https://x.com/adamslieb Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ X: https://x.com/fishmanafInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Adam Lieb(02:16) What Gamesight does and how Adam started in gaming(05:32) Raising 11-year-old twins with his wife, Camille(07:38) Running “three startups” at once: company and twins(09:34) Working with his wife inside the business(10:01) What’s unique about having twins, and why sleep training mattered(16:05) Why doesn’t Adam separate dad mode and work mode(18:30) Cheering from the baseball field while sending emails(20:13) The mantra that guides parenting and leadership: show up and try(24:30) Lessons learned since becoming a dad and mistakes along the way(26:17) The balance between coaching your kids and supporting them(29:16) Aligning with his wife on parenting philosophy(31:29) Setting limits on video games and tech at home(39:46) Raising kids with AI and creative projects they’ve built(47:16) Lightning round: indispensable products, useless gear, quirks, and dad superpowersResources From This Episode:Gamesight: https://gamesight.io/ Collapsible Wagon: a.co/d/dmFVnSI Table For Two: https://buytablefortwo.com/ Alexa: https://alexa.amazon.com/ Happy Gilmore: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116483/Happy Gilmore 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31868189/ The Lord Of The Rings: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/ —For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Rishabh Jain, the CEO of FERMÀT Commerce, a company he launched when his oldest daughter was just a few weeks old. He’s also a husband and father of two kids under the age of four.In this conversation, Rishabh shares why he believes parenthood actually makes entrepreneurship easier, how he manages family life alongside scaling startups, and the frameworks that help him stay focused and balanced. We discussed:Starting a company as a parent: Why Rishabh believes kids force you to prioritize what really matters.Advice to colleagues: Why he seriously tells stressed-out founders to “have kids” and how it improves their work.Family as an anchor: How a strong marriage allows him to take big risks in his professional life.Balance through kids: How playing, creating, and connecting at home helps him show up sharper at work.Technology in parenting: Using AI and voice assistants to answer kids’ questions and prepare them for a tech-driven world.Where to find Rishabh JainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishabhmjain/ X: https://x.com/rishabhmjain The Intelligent Marketer: https://www.intelligentmarketerpod.com/Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ X: https://x.com/fishmanafInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Rishabh Jain(02:10) Why starting a company as a parent is easier(05:14) Advice to stressed-out colleagues: “Have kids”(07:18) Traveling internationally with toddlers(09:44) Hacks for surviving long flights with young kids(12:40) Starting FERMÀT Commerce with a newborn at home(16:56) Why kids should see parents doing what they love(18:21) Raising expectations of adults and patience with kids(21:02) Morning routines for balance and presence(25:56) How time with kids makes work more energizing(33:25) Technology and AI as parenting tools(41:35) Lightning Round: Dad superpowers, minivans, and moreResources From This Episode:FERMÀT Commerce: https://www.fermatcommerce.com/ The Bum Brush:  https://www.amazon.com/Bumco-Diaper-Cream-Spatula-Mom-Invented/dp/B00LYQ53JW What to Expect When You’re Expecting: ​​https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-When-Youre-Expecting/dp/0761187480 Twitter: @rishabhmjainRishabh’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rishabh-jain-show-marketing-podcast-for/id1656571291Rishabh’s Website: https://www.therishabhjain.com/Zootopia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948356/ Lion King: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 Iron Man: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 VW Electric Bus: https://www.vw.com/en/models/id-buzz.html —For sponsorship inquiries, email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Zach Teutsch, founder of Values Added Financial and former leader at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, shares his unique insights on parenting and emotional resilience. He emphasizes picturing kids as independent adults to guide parenting choices. Zach discusses fostering independence through safe risks and experiential money lessons, allowing kids to learn values and responsibilities. He also highlights the importance of validating emotions over problem-solving, and why embracing boredom can spark creativity and deeper family connections.

In this engaging discussion, Jeremy King, founder of Ocean Orchestra and a passionate ocean advocate, shares his experiences as a tech entrepreneur and dedicated father of two. He talks about the importance of protecting family time with calendar blocks to maintain routines. Jeremy applies scientific principles to parenting, including scheduled meal structures to encourage adventurous eating. He also highlights his work at Reach2, aiming to improve primary education, and emphasizes the significance of creating lasting core memories with his daughters during their epic travels.

Jeff Selingo, a bestselling author and higher-education expert, dives into the college admissions maze, drawing from his experience as a dad of two soon-to-be college students. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit over prestige, explaining how societal pressures shape choices. The conversation covers practical tools for parents, like the College Scorecard, and reframes 'dream school' around mentorship and experiential learning. Selingo also shares insights on balancing costs with educational value, equipping families for informed decisions.

Peter Kazanjy is the best-selling author of Founding Sales and co-founder of Atrium. He’s also a dad to a seven-year-old son, Michael, and husband to Tracy, a designer and entrepreneur.In this episode, Pete reflects on building companies, building capabilities, and building a family. He talks about the grit and perseverance behind their seven-round IVF journey, delivery room chaos, and how he now teaches his son to embrace responsibility, reduce entropy, and take pride in doing things well. We talked about: The road to parenthood: Pete shares his seven-round IVF journey, what he wishes he’d known sooner, and why he champions fertility education.Making time on purpose: Pete breaks down his calendar philosophy and how he builds in quality time, from Muni rides to museum visits.Raising with purpose: He talks about teaching values like grit and responsibility—whether it’s cleaning up after others or training for soccer.Tiger Light parenting: Pete models excellence without pressure, helping his son stick with hard things and celebrate progress.Why sound matters: He reflects on recording audio memories—and how a child’s voice can bring back moments photos can’t.Where to find Peter KazanjyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazanjy/ X:  https://x.com/kazanjy   Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Pete Kazanjy(02:13) Pete’s family and personal life(06:20) The IVF journey to parenthood(13:00) Michael’s birth story(17:38) Balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship(23:53) Instilling values and duty in children(27:02) The importance of grit and a growth mindset(34:53) Capturing memories: the power of audio(37:00) Balancing professional and personal life(41:52) Technology and parenting(55:05) Lightning round: silly stories and smart solutionsShow references:Founding Sales (book by Pete!): https://www.foundingsales.com/Atrium: https://www.atriumhq.com/ UCSF Center for Reproductive Health: https://fertility.ucsf.edu/ Modern Fertility: https://modernfertility.com/ 23andMe: https://www.23andme.com/ Exploratorium: https://www.exploratorium.edu/ California Academy of Sciences: https://www.calacademy.org/ The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt: https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Process-Ongoing-Improvement/dp/0884271951/ The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/product/the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team/ The Phoenix Project: https://itrevolution.com/product/the-phoenix-project/ Use of Knowledge in Society by Friedrich Hayek: https://fee.org/articles/the-use-of-knowledge-in-society/ Brain Flakes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N8GWZ4M Lego: https://www.lego.com/ Blippi: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PYHgAzJ1wLEidB58SK6Xw Avatar: The Last Airbender: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417299/ Ghostbusters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/ —For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

James Currier is a serial entrepreneur, founding partner at NFX, and a father of 4 boys. Known for his sharp insights into human behavior and startup dynamics, James brings that same clarity and intention to his parenting. He’s not just raising kids, he’s cultivating creators, adventurers, and independent thinkers.In this episode, James shares how he designed his family life with the same care and foresight as he would a startup. From helping his son sail solo across the Atlantic at 16, to building secret passageways in their home, James offers a deeply personal and practical look into parenting with purpose. We discussed:Parenting with realism and intention: James explains why he doesn’t take too much credit as a parent, and how genetics, not just parenting techniques, shape a child’s destiny. Parenting inevitably includes heartbreak, so embrace the ride without trying to control every outcome.Fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance: James never gave allowances. Instead, he paid his kids a dollar for every new business idea and had them pitch startup concepts at the dinner table. Adventure and risk as tools for growth: Rather than shielding his kids from danger, James leaned into it. He saw risk as a necessary ingredient for confidence. His boys climbed 80-foot trees, explored Burning Man, and one even became the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic. The goal? Face the wild and learn who you are.The seven-to-one rule for feedback: James shares a powerful framework for encouraging positive behavior. For every one piece of correction, offer seven moments of genuine, specific positive reinforcement. It works for parenting and leadership.On technology, phones, and the limits of control: Despite thoughtful efforts, James admits that his kids were guinea pigs for the smartphone era. He reflects honestly on what worked, what didn’t, and why he believes delaying access to tech, and encouraging real-world adventure is more important than ever.Where to find James CurrierLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescurrier/ X: https://x.com/jamescurrier Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing James Currier, general partner at NFX and dad of four(02:52) Fostering entrepreneurship in kids(05:19) The neuro camp initiative(06:47) Teaching kids about money and avoiding entitlement(14:12) The importance of a strong marriage(27:39) The importance of wilderness experiences(28:15) Learning new skills with your kids(29:50) Prioritizing individual time with each child(31:44) Building projects and secret layers(34:25) Focusing on who your kids hang out with(36:05) Positive reinforcement over reprimanding(38:59) Talking to kids like adults(42:03) The role of a dog in the family(43:20) Managing technology in the household(47:12) Lightning Round: Parenting insights and embarrassing momentsResources From This Episode:300 (Graphic Novel): https://www.amazon.com/300-Frank-Miller/dp/1569714029 300 (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/ White Noise Machine: https://a.co/d/6YqDwMMBaby Einstein: https://www.kids2.com/pages/baby-einsteinMadagascar: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351283/Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351283/—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com

Mike Malloy is the founder of Malloy Industries, a firm that connects scaling entrepreneurs with vetted fractional executives. He's also a Georgetown professor, a husband, and the father of Max, the company's self-declared Chief Cuteness Officer. Mike’s life is an intersection of serious business systems and silly dad jokes, all woven together by an intentional approach to work-life integration.In this episode, Mike shares how building a business around his family values helped him show up better both as a parent and as a professional. We discussed:Parenting in public: From potty training during a client call to his son interrupting meetings to demand frisbee time, Mike embraces the chaos of parenting while working from home, and sometimes those interruptions help close deals.The transition to camp and growing independence: Mike opens up about the emotional milestone of sending his son to camp for the first time after three years of full-time care. Designing a business with family in mind: Mike started Malloy Industries not just to serve founders, but to reclaim his own time. After losing his mom and learning he was about to become a dad, he redesigned his business to run without relying solely on him, and has since built a network of 400+ fractional executives.Time-blocking and nightly maps: Mike walks us through his framework for managing energy and focus throughout the week, including why he blocks off Wednesday mornings for uninterrupted dad adventures.Dad jokes, magnet tiles, and parenting hacks: Whether he’s swapping jokes at the library or bringing a second monitor to Panera for a “crush-it day,” Mike brings levity and intentionality to every corner of life as a founder and a father.Where to find Mike MalloyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwmalloy/ X: https://x.com/mwmalloyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwmalloy/Website: https://malloyindustries.com/ Where to find Adam FishmanFishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introducing Mike Malloy(02:35) Max the deal-closer and executive artist(04:50) First day of camp and emotional milestones(07:17) Starting Malloy Industries and the fractional future(10:07) Grieving his mom and preparing for fatherhood(14:28) The "who not how" mindset shift(15:35) Be where your feet are and present parenting(19:35) The great cheese stick negotiation(23:28) Pro dad hacks for books and lullabies(24:36) Time blocking and scheduling around energy(29:16) Monthly “crush it” days and managing flow(30:54) Nightly maps and intentional daily planning(34:37) The wooden box and tech boundaries(38:08) Chef Jacques and using AI to plan meals(41:18) Modeling tech habits and setting rules(43:56) Advice to his pre-dad self during nap traps(46:23) Lightning round: parenting quirks and dad jokesResources From This Episode:Daddy and Me: https://www.amazon.com/Daddy-Me-Tiya-Hall/dp/1680524526Never Touch a Porcupine: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Touch-Porcupine-Believe-Ideas/dp/1788439856A Crack in the Track (Thomas and Friends): https://www.amazon.com/Crack-Track-Thomas-Friends/dp/0375827552Fox is Coming!: https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Coming-James-Patterson/dp/0316572837Like a Boss Play Kit: https://shopping.mattel.com/en-gb/products/fisher-price-2-in-1-like-a-boss-activity-center-hbm26-en-gbLewis Library Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lewisulibrary/Zootopia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948356/Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0784896/Cars: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/Blank Check: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109287/Empire Records: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112950/Santa Clause: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111070/ Cal Newport: https://calnewport.com/Georgetown U: https://www.georgetown.edu/Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamworkby Dan Sullivan, Benjamin Hardy: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-not-how-dan-sullivan/1136703973The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kidsby Ryan Holiday: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-daily-dad-ryan-holiday/1141941652Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Beby Becky Kennedy: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-inside-becky-kennedy/1140501121Nir Eyal’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqogSRDhzeUNotion: https://www.notion.com/Door knob safety cover: https://www.amazon.com/Door-Knob-Covers-Child-Safety/dp/B071GWJX4DMuppet Babies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086764/Super Wings: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3600266/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_suoper%2520wingsToy Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_toy%2520storyGoofy Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113198/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1Mini Magnatiles: https://magnatiles.com/products/micromags-travel-set?srsltid=AfmBOopwJyPjVfhLblqNFq2f1QIUtupBKjvD0tqIrY8kydu8LlX00XYH—Help Support Startup Dad:For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.comFor Startup Dad Merch: