Nikunj Kothari is a former investor with Khosla Ventures and a product and growth leader from companies like Opendoor, Shyp, and LinkedIn. He’s now out on his own advising, investing and spending time as a husband and a father of two, including a brand new son! We discussed:
* The false dichotomy between ambition and parenting and the support structures needed to achieve it
* The work it takes to prioritize your partner after the arrival of a new baby
* How execution as a Dad is only part of the problem set
* Big mistakes he’s made as a Dad
* How the relationship with his own parents changed since becoming a father
* Top tips for international flights with young kids
Where to find Nikunj Kothari
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikunjk/
* Website: https://www.nikunjk.com/
Where to find Adam Fishman
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In this episode, we cover:
[
2:17] What Nikunj is up to these days
[
3:08] Four generations in the home/dad feedback
[
8:33] Decision to start a family
[
10:35] Ambition and parent dichotomy
[
13:22] Would you rewind the clock?
[
17:33] Who needs help in the newborn stage
[
21:36] Paying attention to invisible labor
[
23:45] Mistakes as a dad/prioritize making time for partner
[
26:39] Funny story of his daughter sleeping through the night
[
30:07] Traveling with young children
[
34:26] Relationship to own parents in fatherhood
[
38:20] How parenting changed from kid to kid
[
41:46] Aligning with partner
[45;05] Kid’s relationship with tech
[
49:34] Favorite books to read to kids
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Show references:
Khosla Ventures: https://www.khoslaventures.com/
Opendoor: https://www.opendoor.com/
SIDS: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800
Children’s Creativity Museum: https://creativity.org/
Ms. Rachel: https://www.youtube.com/@msrachel
Coco Melon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCmjCuTUZos6Inko4u57UQ
Spring is here (Bear and Mole Series) by Will Hillenbrand: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spring-is-here-will-hillenbrand/1103442878
Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit: https://www.magicsleepsuit.com/
Home Alone: 2: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104431/
Dunston Checks In: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116151/
Moana: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/
Kal Ho Naa Ho:
Blow up flight bed: https://www.flyawaydesigns.com/products/flyaway-kids-bed
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For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.
Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at
http://www.armaziproductions.com/
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