All Segments
Coping with the loss of a child | Brian Balfour (father of 2, CEO and co-founder Reforge)
73 segments available
Brian Balfour is the founder and CEO of Reforge, former VP of Growth at Hubspot, and a venture partner at Long Journey Ventures. He is one of the foremost experts on Growth and also a husband and the father of two young kids. In this episode we discuss: - His parents opinion of his profession - Other family members' influence on his entrepreneurial spirit - His decision to start a family and whether he took to fatherhood right away - The tragedy of losing his first child at birth and challenges of conceiving - How to protect your time as a CEO and a father - Brian's frameworks for parenting - How to align with your partner - Life during the pandemic with a partner who is a nurse, young kids and a fast-growing startup — Where to find Brian Balfour - Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbalfour - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbalfour/ - Personal Website: https://www.brianbalfour.com Where to find Adam Fishman: - Newsletter: https://www.fishmanafnewsletter.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf - Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fishmanaf — In this episode, we cover: [1:40] Intros [2:06] Professional background [3:28] Personal background [6:38] Parents' opinion of his career [9:33] Uncle’s influence on his entrepreneurial spirit [11:59] About his family [14:39] Decision to start a family [18:07] Whether or not he took to Fatherhood right away [18:30] Losing a child at birth [21:29] The “Instagramification” of parenting [22:52] Parenting reality check [25:26] Most surprising thing about Fatherhood? [28:08] How to protect your time as a parent and a CEO [30:21] More discussion of losing a child and Brian's coping strategies [37:09] Parenting frameworks [41:34] Aligning as a couple [45:11] Life during pandemic [48:58] Rapid fire round — Show references - www.reforge.com - H.A.N.D. - Helping After Neonatal Death — 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/
Segments Timeline
The Journey of Parenthood
Brian Balfour discusses the emotional and challenging journey of parenthood, touching on topics such as miscarriages, stillbirths, and postpartum depression. He emphasizes the importance of open conversations about these experiences, highlighting that many people face similar struggles. This segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Brian's personal experiences with loss and resilience.
"[Music] so when you add all of these things up right trouble getting pregnancy things like miscarriages to stillborn to postpartum depression like all this that the whole journey right yeah like the p..."
The Journey of Parenthood
Brian Balfour discusses the emotional and challenging journey of parenthood, touching on topics such as miscarriages, stillbirths, and postpartum depression. He emphasizes the importance of open conversations about these experiences, highlighting that many people face similar struggles. This segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Brian's personal experiences with loss and resilience.
"[Music] so when you add all of these things up right trouble getting pregnancy things like miscarriages to stillborn to postpartum depression like all this that the whole journey right yeah like the p..."
Introducing Brian Balfour
In this segment, host Adam Fishman introduces Brian Balfour, the founder and CEO of Reforge. Brian's impressive background includes being a former VP of Growth at HubSpot and an early entrepreneur. The conversation hints at Brian's personal journey, including the challenges he faced as a father and leader in the startup world.
"I hope you do too please welcome Brian Balfour to the program Brian good to have you here thanks for having me as well nobody's ever referred to me as a Titan of the industry but maybe you weren't thi..."
Introducing Brian Balfour
In this segment, host Adam Fishman introduces Brian Balfour, the founder and CEO of Reforge. Brian's impressive background includes being a former VP of Growth at HubSpot and a venture partner. The conversation hints at Brian's entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges he faced, including a personal tragedy that shaped his perspective on fatherhood.
"I hope you do too please welcome Brian Balfour to the program Brian good to have you here thanks for having me as well nobody's ever referred to me as a Titan of the industry but maybe you weren't thi..."
From College to Entrepreneurship
Brian shares his early entrepreneurial journey, including founding a precursor to social networks like Myspace and Facebook during his college years. He reflects on the challenges of building a college-specific social network and the lessons learned from that experience, setting the foundation for his future ventures.
"did I leave out about your professional life well I'll just add a little tidbit that precursor to Myspace and Facebook was the official name I still own the domain hinted if anybody wants it partycamp..."
From College to Entrepreneurship
Brian shares his early entrepreneurial journey, including founding a precursor to social networks like Myspace and Facebook during his college years. He reflects on the challenges of building a college-specific social network and the lessons learned from that experience, setting the foundation for his future ventures.
"did I leave out about your professional life well I'll just add a little tidbit that precursor to Myspace and Facebook was the official name I still own the domain hinted if anybody wants it partycamp..."
Midwest Roots and Family Influence
Brian discusses his upbringing in a small town near Detroit, where education was highly valued. He reflects on his supportive yet risk-averse parents, both educators, and how their backgrounds influenced his entrepreneurial spirit. This segment explores the contrast between his family's values and his desire to pursue a path in entrepreneurship.
"introduction into social viral Loops guerrilla marketing can't it is all sorts of fun so wow that's amazing and it was probably fueled by many a Bud Light many a Collegiate Bud Light was consumed no b..."
Midwest Roots and Family Influence
Brian discusses his upbringing in a small town near Detroit, where education was a significant part of his life. He shares insights into his supportive yet risk-averse parents, both educators, and how their backgrounds shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. This segment explores the contrast between his family's values and his desire to pursue a more entrepreneurial path.
"introduction into social viral Loops guerrilla marketing can't it is all sorts of fun so wow that's amazing and it was probably fueled by many a Bud Light many a Collegiate Bud Light was consumed no b..."
The Spark of Entrepreneurship
Brian recounts a pivotal moment when he visited his uncle in Los Angeles, who was running a successful event planning business. This experience ignited Brian's entrepreneurial aspirations and led him to start his first company. He reflects on how exposure to successful businesspeople influenced his career trajectory.
"failing car ecosystem not the most entrepreneurial place so a lot of people ask me like well like how did you go from there to you know starting multiple companies and you know the turning point was l..."
The Turning Point: Uncle's Influence
Brian recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he spent time with his uncle, who was an entrepreneur. This experience opened his eyes to the world of business and inspired him to pursue his own entrepreneurial endeavors. He shares how this exposure ignited his passion for starting companies and shaped his career trajectory.
"failing car ecosystem not the most entrepreneurial place so a lot of people ask me like well like how did you go from there to you know starting multiple companies and you know the turning point was l..."
Navigating Family Expectations
In this segment, Brian reflects on his parents' reactions to his entrepreneurial ventures. He shares a story about raising funds for his first startup and how his parents struggled to understand the risks involved. This highlights the generational differences in perspectives on entrepreneurship and the support he received despite their concerns.
"moving expenses in your life a lot of cross-country moves there there have been a lot I have driven across the country in a car like maybe like six or seven times something like that so that's amazing..."
Navigating Family Expectations
In this segment, Brian shares the mixed reactions from his parents when he raised funds for his first venture. He discusses their supportive nature but also their lack of understanding of the entrepreneurial world. This highlights the generational gap in perspectives on career choices and the challenges of pursuing a non-traditional path.
"moving expenses in your life a lot of cross-country moves there there have been a lot I have driven across the country in a car like maybe like six or seven times something like that so that's amazing..."
Understanding the Entrepreneurial Journey
Brian reflects on how his parents' backgrounds influenced their understanding of his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the disconnect between their experiences and his path, emphasizing the importance of support while acknowledging the challenges of explaining his career choices to them.
"they've always been very supportive but haven't like fully understood it right of like where it comes from and those types of things and I made it worse I made it harder because that first Venture bac..."
The Disconnect of Generational Perspectives
Brian elaborates on the disconnect between his parents' understanding of his entrepreneurial journey and their own experiences. He discusses how their backgrounds shaped their views on risk and success, and how he navigates their pride and support while pursuing his own path in the startup world.
"they've always been very supportive but haven't like fully understood it right of like where it comes from and those types of things and I made it worse I made it harder because that first Venture bac..."
The Spark of Entrepreneurship
Brian shares a memorable experience from his uncle's event planning business that inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship. He reflects on how witnessing young entrepreneurs succeed motivated him to believe in his own potential. This segment emphasizes the importance of mentorship and exposure in shaping one's career aspirations.
"than I did and you know with very different characteristics and so yeah I still think there's like some disconnect there but did they know that I'm not gonna go hungry or without a roof over my head o..."
The Event Planning Experience
Brian shares memorable experiences from working with his uncle in the event planning industry, including high-profile celebrity events. He discusses how these experiences opened his eyes to the world of entrepreneurship and the potential for success, further fueling his desire to start his own ventures.
"than I did and you know with very different characteristics and so yeah I still think there's like some disconnect there but did they know that I'm not gonna go hungry or without a roof over my head o..."
Meeting His Partner
Brian talks about how he met his wife, Sean, shortly after college. They both attended the University of Michigan and had mutual friends, leading to their eventual meeting in Chicago. This segment provides insight into Brian's personal life and the foundation of his family.
"surrounded by that in Michigan and even worse than that like a lot of the things I'm missing in the time suppressed that and so like even when I went to when we started the company and I was still at ..."
Meeting His Partner: A Love Story
Brian recounts the story of how he met his wife, Sean, shortly after college. They both attended the University of Michigan and had mutual friends, leading to a serendipitous meeting in Chicago. This segment highlights the personal side of Brian's life and sets the stage for discussing their family.
"surrounded by that in Michigan and even worse than that like a lot of the things I'm missing in the time suppressed that and so like even when I went to when we started the company and I was still at ..."
Meeting My Partner
Brian shares the story of how he met his wife, Sean, in Chicago through mutual friends. He recounts their long-distance relationship, the decision to wait until he was 30 to marry, and the joy of starting a family together, highlighting the importance of timing and mutual understanding in their relationship.
"of your life which is tell me about your family where did you meet your partner and then tell me a little bit about your kids yeah my wife and I her name is Sean we met pretty early on it was about a ..."
Building a Family Together
Brian shares insights into his family life with his wife Sean and their two children. He reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting, hinting at the deeper discussions about loss and resilience that will follow in the conversation. This segment emphasizes the importance of partnership in navigating the complexities of family life.
"of your life which is tell me about your family where did you meet your partner and then tell me a little bit about your kids yeah my wife and I her name is Sean we met pretty early on it was about a ..."
Deciding to Start a Family
Brian discusses the nuanced conversations he and Sean had about starting a family. He emphasizes the importance of alignment on their vision for family life and the challenges they faced, particularly as he was launching Reforge, reflecting on the complexities of balancing personal and professional aspirations.
"are can't wait to get into that you have a dog too right your first baby yeah yeah George our French Bulldog yeah yeah he doesn't get as much attention these days and yeah it's very sad I've seen him ..."
Deciding to Start a Family
Brian discusses the nuanced conversations he and his wife had about starting a family. He emphasizes the importance of alignment on their vision for family life and the challenges they faced, particularly as he was launching Reforge, reflecting on the complexities of balancing personal and professional aspirations.
"a dog too right your first baby yeah yeah George our French Bulldog yeah yeah he doesn't get as much attention these days and yeah it's very sad I've seen him in the background sometime and he looks l..."
The Weight of Fatherhood Decisions
Brian opens up about the emotional weight of deciding to have children while starting a new company. He shares his fears about how fatherhood might impact his entrepreneurial drive and the ongoing journey of reconciling his professional ambitions with family life.
"at the time of our first I was just starting reforge I mean the team was like yeah less than 10 people something like that we were bootstrapping and it was still something you know my previous compani..."
The Weight of Fatherhood Decisions
Brian opens up about the emotional weight of deciding to have children while managing a startup. He shares his fears about how fatherhood might impact his entrepreneurial spirit, revealing the internal struggles he faced as he navigated this significant life change.
"hard for me because at the time of our first I was just starting reforge I mean the team was like yeah less than 10 people something like that we were bootstrapping and it was still something you know..."
The Intensity of Our Careers
Brian contrasts the intensity of his role as a startup CEO with his wife's demanding job as an ICU nurse. He discusses how their different work environments affect their partnership and parenting, highlighting the emotional exhaustion of nursing compared to the relentless nature of startup life.
"working through that in a different vein I think my wife's job is also very intense but intense in very different way that manifests in some very different things you know an ICU nurse for example is ..."
The Intensity of Our Careers
Brian contrasts the intensity of his role as a startup CEO with his wife's demanding job as an ICU nurse. He discusses the emotional exhaustion that comes with her profession and how their different work environments influence their partnership and parenting dynamics.
"I think my wife's job is also very intense but intense in very different way that manifests in some very different things you know an ICU nurse for example is just like emotionally just exhausting rig..."
Navigating Couples Therapy
Brian highlights the role of couples therapy in maintaining a healthy partnership. He explains how it provides a structured space for difficult conversations, helping them navigate the complexities of parenting and their individual careers, and emphasizes its importance even for seemingly strong relationships.
"start and stop whereas her days there's a hard start and stopping you can't really do anything like once you're off no hope right right yeah so there's a lot of those types of things that I think over..."
The Role of Couples Therapy
Brian emphasizes the importance of couples therapy in maintaining a healthy partnership. He shares how regular sessions help surface difficult conversations and strengthen their relationship, advocating for proactive communication in navigating the challenges of parenting and work.
"think over time I just didn't realize at the beginning of how much that like influences our partnership and I should say here is the only way we figure this out is we've done a lot of couples therapy ..."
The Tragedy of Losing a Child
Brian shares the heartbreaking experience of losing his daughter at birth, describing it as a life-altering event that shaped his entry into fatherhood. He reflects on the ongoing emotional journey of coping with this loss while also celebrating the birth of his two healthy sons.
"born would you say that you kind of took to fatherhood right away like I am of the opinion that some people are just wired for it and some people have to learn and I think a lot more people have to le..."
The Tragedy of Losing a Child
Brian recounts the heartbreaking experience of losing his daughter at birth, describing it as a profound shock that reshaped his entry into fatherhood. He reflects on the ongoing emotional journey of coping with this loss while celebrating the birth of his two healthy sons.
"yeah and you know when your kids were born would you say that you kind of took to fatherhood right away like I am of the opinion that some people are just wired for it and some people have to learn an..."
Navigating Fatherhood
Brian discusses his journey into fatherhood, acknowledging that it didn't come naturally to him. He explores the differences in parenting instincts between him and his wife, emphasizing the need for effort and growth in adapting to their roles as parents.
"were fortunate to go on and have you know two very healthy sons and so I think I'm definitely in your camp where maybe wired isn't the right word for it I don't know what the right word for it is but ..."
Wired for Fatherhood?
Brian discusses the differing experiences of parents in adapting to fatherhood. He reflects on the idea that some people may be naturally inclined towards parenting while others, like himself, find it more challenging, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual differences in parenting styles.
"know two very healthy sons and so I think I'm definitely in your camp where maybe wired isn't the right word for it I don't know what the right word for it is but certainly I think everything in our l..."
The Pressure of Parenting Expectations
Brian critiques the 'Instagramification' of parenting, expressing concern over the unrealistic portrayals of parenthood that create anxiety and false expectations. He advocates for a more authentic representation of parenting experiences, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging struggles.
"or reps but obviously one of the reasons you know my wife is a great nurse is that she takes to that and also gains energy from that that active caring and empathy and all that kind of stuff where for..."
The Instagramification of Parenting
Brian critiques the unrealistic portrayals of parenting on social media, particularly Instagram. He argues that the curated perfection often seen online creates false expectations and anxiety for parents, advocating for a more authentic representation of the parenting experience.
"you know my wife is a great nurse is that she takes to that and also gains energy from that that active caring and empathy and all that kind of stuff where for me it just like honestly just was so he'..."
Learning Through Experience
Brian reflects on the learning curve of fatherhood, comparing it to professional challenges. He shares insights on the importance of seeking advice from experienced parents and the reality check that comes with the unpredictability of raising children.
"is people are naturally wired for it or not but like but there's something in there and and I think there's something to learn over time for sure yeah I was gonna mention the Instagram thing and I'm g..."
The Reality Check of Parenthood
Brian reflects on the humbling experience of becoming a father, contrasting his professional confidence with the uncertainties of parenting. He shares insights on how talking to other dads helped him prepare for fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating this new role.
"is people are naturally wired for it or not but like but there's something in there and and I think there's something to learn over time for sure yeah I was gonna mention the Instagram thing and I'm g..."
Embracing the Ambiguity of Fatherhood
Balfour reflects on the challenges of transitioning into fatherhood, noting that no amount of preparation can fully equip a parent for the experience. He shares insights on the importance of embracing uncertainty and adjusting to the realities of parenting, rather than getting bogged down by the details.
"couple of pegs because you're like oh I'm used to being a lot more confident in these different situations and now I don't know I don't know what to do so if you've, ever had, moments, like, that, whe..."
Embracing the Ambiguity of Fatherhood
Balfour shares his realization that no one is fully prepared for fatherhood, highlighting the importance of embracing uncertainty. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from one child to two, emphasizing that parenting requires adaptability and a willingness to learn rather than exhaustive preparation.
"couple of pegs because you're like oh I'm used to being a lot more confident in these different situations and now I don't know I don't know what to do so if you've, ever had, moments, like, that, whe..."
Quality Time vs. Quantity of Time
In this segment, Brian discusses the misconception that spending more time with children equates to better parenting. He argues that the quality of time spent is far more important, sharing insights on how to maintain high energy and engagement during family interactions, especially as a busy CEO.
"there are certain things you can do to prepare but otherwise like you just have to embrace it and it was even similar going from one to two right so it was like oh no I have one well now I know it's l..."
Quality Time vs. Quantity of Time
In this segment, Brian discusses the misconception that spending more time with children equates to better parenting. He emphasizes the significance of high-quality interactions over sheer quantity, sharing how his demanding career as a CEO impacts his family time and the need for intentional engagement.
"there are certain things you can do to prepare but otherwise like you just have to embrace it and it was even similar going from one to two right so it was like oh no I have one well now I know it's l..."
Perception vs. Reality in Parenting
Balfour addresses the disparity between perceived and actual parenting experiences, highlighting how social media can distort reality. He shares personal anecdotes about friends who appeared to have perfect lives, revealing the hidden struggles that often go unspoken among parents.
"for me at least you know in the founder seat like if I'm not spending a certain amount of time on the company it's just gonna end up creating more stress more problems that I have to deal with and I t..."
Perception vs. Reality in Parenting
Balfour reflects on the disparity between perceived and actual parenting experiences. He shares how comparing oneself to seemingly perfect families can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stressing the importance of understanding that every family faces challenges, often hidden from view.
"right and so there was a bit of an expectation and thought of like well like it would look like that and especially from my end which was I think there's a lot of concern around like time spent with k..."
Protecting Family Time
Brian explains his strategies for protecting quality time with his family amidst a demanding career. He emphasizes the need to disconnect from work distractions and engage in new activities outside the home to foster meaningful interactions with his children.
"you mentioned you know quality time over quantity of time what are some ways that you kind of protect your time with either your partner or your kids you know does that mean throw the phone out the wi..."
Protecting Family Time
Brian shares strategies for protecting quality time with his family amidst a busy work schedule. He discusses the importance of being present, minimizing distractions, and finding new activities to keep family interactions engaging and meaningful.
"you mentioned you know quality time over quantity of time what are some ways that you kind of protect your time with either your partner or your kids you know does that mean throw the phone out the wi..."
Navigating the Loss of a Child
In a heartfelt discussion, Brian opens up about the devastating experience of losing a child at birth. He reflects on the shock of the situation, the challenges of seeking closure, and the importance of open communication about such tragedies to foster support and understanding.
"wanted to turn the corner a tough topic one that you brought up sort of your earliest parenting experience this idea of loss and of of losing a child at Birth you know not too many people talk about h..."
Navigating the Loss of a Child
In a poignant discussion, Brian opens up about the devastating experience of losing a child at birth. He shares the shock of the situation and the challenges of seeking closure, emphasizing the importance of open communication about such tragedies to foster understanding and support among friends and family.
"wanted to turn the corner a tough topic one that you brought up sort of your earliest parenting experience this idea of loss and of of losing a child at Birth you know not too many people talk about h..."
Communicating Grief and Support Needs
Brian discusses the necessity of clearly communicating one's needs to friends and family after experiencing loss. He shares how he and his wife wrote a letter to their loved ones, outlining their feelings and how they wished to be supported, highlighting the importance of guidance in navigating grief.
"what our situation was you know perfectly healthy pregnancy with our daughter all the way up until the due date and like we went in for like a regular checkup and there's no heartbeat and you know my ..."
Communicating Grief and Support
Brian emphasizes the necessity of communicating needs during times of grief. He shares how he and his wife proactively informed friends and family about their loss and how they wished to be supported, highlighting the importance of open dialogue in navigating difficult experiences.
"what our situation was you know perfectly healthy pregnancy with our daughter all the way up until the due date and like we went in for like a regular checkup and there's no heartbeat and you know my ..."
Finding Community After Loss
Brian reflects on the importance of connecting with others who have experienced similar losses. He mentions organizations that provide support for parents who have faced stillbirths and how these connections have led to lasting friendships, emphasizing the shared nature of grief and healing.
"thing and then also just finding other people who had been through similar situations and I'll say like people who have been through something like stillbirths versus miscarriage versus trouble gettin..."
Finding Community After Loss
Brian shares how connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, such as stillbirths and miscarriages, has been crucial for healing. He highlights the significance of finding the right support groups and organizations, like H.A.N.D., that cater specifically to their experiences.
"thing and then also just finding other people who had been through similar situations and I'll say like people who have been through something like stillbirths versus miscarriage versus trouble gettin..."
Processing Grief Differently
Brian reflects on how he and his wife processed their grief differently after losing their child. He discusses the necessity of open conversations to bridge their emotional gaps and the challenges of navigating societal expectations about grief.
"just like everybody tells you that everybody processes these things differently that is a hundred percent true my wife and I processed it very differently from each other and we had to go through a lo..."
Processing Grief Differently
Brian discusses the differing ways he and his wife processed their loss, highlighting the necessity of communication to bridge their emotional gaps. He addresses the common misconceptions about grief and the importance of allowing individuals to navigate their feelings without prescriptive advice.
"just like everybody tells you that everybody processes these things differently that is a hundred percent true my wife and I processed it very differently from each other and we had to go through a lo..."
The Reality of Postpartum Depression
In this segment, Brian addresses the often-overlooked topic of postpartum depression, affecting both parents. He emphasizes the need for awareness and open discussions about mental health challenges that can arise during the parenting journey.
"journey right yeah like the percentage of people who go through one of these things is extremely high right which is exactly why we should be talking about all of it right and it should be all okay so..."
The Reality of Postpartum Depression
In this segment, Brian sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of postpartum depression, affecting both parents. He stresses the need for awareness and open discussions about mental health challenges that can arise during the parenting journey.
"journey right yeah like the percentage of people who go through one of these things is extremely high right which is exactly why we should be talking about all of it right and it should be all okay so..."
Establishing Parenting Frameworks
Brian shares his thoughts on developing parenting frameworks, emphasizing the importance of defining core values as a couple. He discusses the significance of resilience and how to instill it in children, while also acknowledging the need for adaptability in parenting methods.
"throughout your experience so far and I know, you're, you're a, young, parent, right but have you developed any kind of like Frameworks for parenting at your big Frameworks guy I know professionally y..."
Establishing Parenting Frameworks
Brian discusses the importance of establishing parenting values with his partner. He shares his thoughts on resilience as a core value and the need for couples to align on their parenting philosophies to navigate the evolving challenges of raising children.
"throughout your experience so far and I know, you're, you're a, young, parent, right but have you developed any kind of like Frameworks for parenting at your big Frameworks guy I know professionally y..."
From Dependence to Independence
Brian introduces a parenting framework focused on transitioning children from dependence to independence. He explains how this process involves allowing children to make their own decisions and learn from the consequences, fostering their growth and resilience.
"do act on is that I don't remember where I got this from but I remember hearing that one way to view a job as a parent is you know your job is from birth to when they're 18 is to move the kid from ful..."
From Dependence to Independence
Brian outlines a parenting framework focused on transitioning children from dependence to independence. He explains the importance of allowing children to make their own choices and learn from the consequences, illustrating this with a relatable example involving his son and a toy.
"do act on is that I don't remember where I got this from but I remember hearing that one way to view a job as a parent is you know your job is from birth to when they're 18 is to move the kid from ful..."
Navigating Parenting Challenges
In this segment, Brian draws parallels between parenting and leadership in business. He discusses the importance of allowing children to face challenges and make decisions, while also reflecting on the fluid nature of parenting as children grow and their needs change.
"decisions by themselves so those are the two that I very commonly think about yeah the toy example is really interesting because you know especially as an adult because you're like well I know what's ..."
Navigating Parenting Differences
Brian discusses the ongoing negotiations between him and his wife regarding their parenting styles and values. He highlights their differing approaches to ambition and resilience, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue as their children grow.
"two that I very commonly think about yeah the toy example is really interesting because you know especially as an adult because you're like well I know what's going to happen it's gonna break everythi..."
Aligning Parenting Values with Your Partner
Brian shares insights on the importance of aligning parenting values with his wife. He discusses their differing views on ambition and support for their children, highlighting the ongoing conversations necessary to navigate their parenting journey together.
"incredible amount of stuff together and you mentioned this idea of kind of aligning on parenting values and I think alighting as a couple is really important not that I have mastered this in any regar..."
The Long Feedback Cycle of Parenting
In this concluding segment, Brian draws parallels between parenting and professional roles, noting the lengthy feedback cycles in both. He reflects on the challenges of parenting without immediate feedback, emphasizing the lifelong journey of raising children and the evolving nature of family dynamics.
"in any regard by the way and I have a almost, 10, year, old, yeah, by, the, way same disclaimer as well is like I am still crazy in the learning phase of this I'm probably going to listen to this podc..."
Transparency in Leadership and Family Life
Brian emphasizes the importance of transparency in both his role as a CEO and as a father. He shares how being open about family challenges has positively impacted his work environment, fostering a culture of understanding and support among his team.
"ways it's just like like yeah there's some shared difficulties there so yeah yeah you've had a rough pandemic existence and this year in particular right like tell me about what it's been like parenti..."
The Long Feedback Cycle of Parenting
Brian reflects on the long-term nature of parenting feedback, comparing it to business roles with extended feedback cycles. He emphasizes the importance of patience and adaptability as parents, recognizing that the impact of their decisions will unfold over many years.
"their life they don't have to start a company grow a company like give rich like any of that but I think that's an important like sense of purpose in life that I've found and is something that I want ..."
The Trade-offs of Work-Life Balance
In this segment, Balfour discusses the reality of trade-offs in work-life balance, rejecting the notion of achieving it all without sacrifices. He reflects on his personal choices, acknowledging that prioritizing work often means less time with family, and stresses the importance of making high-quality time count.
"regard I also saw this and I also don't remember who said this which is like the reality is that I think that most fathers and parents there's a give on something so if you think about the different b..."
Transparency in Leadership and Family Life
Brian shares how being open about family challenges has positively impacted his role as a CEO. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging personal struggles at work and how this transparency fosters a supportive environment for his team.
"ways it's just like like yeah there's some shared difficulties there so yeah yeah you've had a rough pandemic existence and this year in particular right like tell me about what it's been like parenti..."
The Trade-offs of Work-Life Balance
Balfour critiques the concept of work-life balance, arguing that it often overlooks the necessary trade-offs parents must make. He discusses his personal sacrifices, particularly regarding health, and how he strives to maximize the quality of time spent with family despite these challenges.
"regard I also saw this and I also don't remember who said this which is like the reality is that I think that most fathers and parents there's a give on something so if you think about the different b..."
Parenting Realities and Vacation Challenges
Brian shares a candid account of a recent family vacation that turned out to be more exhausting than rejuvenating. He discusses the realities of parenting, including the unexpected challenges that arise during family trips, and how these experiences shape his understanding of fatherhood.
"what it is right and and that you're making that decision now look I could get to the end of my life and be like that was the wrong trade-off decision to make and that could like certainly happen and ..."
Parenting Realities and Vacation Challenges
In a rapid-fire segment, Brian shares his most frustrating parenting experience during a vacation that turned out to be draining rather than rejuvenating. He reflects on the realities of parenting and the unexpected challenges that arise, emphasizing that these experiences are part of the journey.
"making that decision now look I could get to the end of my life and be like that was the wrong trade-off decision to make and that could like certainly happen and I think for other people you know in ..."
Screen Time and Responsible Parenting
Balfour addresses the topic of screen time, advocating for a balanced approach to technology use among children. He emphasizes the importance of teaching kids to use devices responsibly, rather than imposing strict bans, to prepare them for independent decision-making in the future.
"with yeah that one I can say does get better as they get older but I hear you on them yeah all right what's your go-to dad wardrobe I was just talking about this last night it's viori core shorts and ..."
Screen Time: A Balanced Approach
Brian discusses his perspective on screen time for children, advocating for a moderated approach that teaches responsibility. He believes in preparing kids for independence by guiding them on how to use devices wisely rather than imposing strict bans.
"with yeah that one I can say does get better as they get older but I hear you on them yeah all right what's your go-to dad wardrobe I was just talking about this last night it's viori core shorts and ..."
The Minivan Dilemma
In a light-hearted rapid-fire round, Brian shares his thoughts on minivans and his current vehicle choices. He reflects on the cultural significance of minivans in parenting and hints at his reluctance to fully embrace this aspect of family life.
"around it so cool last question what is your take on minivans I am still in denial about minivans we do not own minivans we have a small SUV and a large SUV but you know you gotta embrace the Michigan..."
The Minivan Dilemma
In a light-hearted moment, Brian shares his thoughts on minivans, expressing his current denial about owning one while acknowledging the practicality they offer for families. This segment captures the humorous side of parenting decisions amidst the serious discussions.
"around it so cool last question what is your take on minivans I am still in denial about minivans we do not own minivans we have a small SUV and a large SUV but you know you gotta embrace the Michigan..."