Aaron White, founder of six companies including Appy People, Profitwell, Boundless and Blissfully discusses the intersection of startup life and fatherhood.

In this episode, he shares how the challenges of becoming a parent have reshaped his approach to leadership, the unexpected lessons he's learned, and his evolving perspective on success. We discussed:

• The unpredictable journey of parenthood: Aaron talks about the trauma of his son’s premature birth, the shock of an emergency C-section, and the mental toll of navigating the NICU. Through it all, Aaron reflects on how he and his wife adapted, growing through the challenges and celebrating their son’s healthy arrival.
• The realities of modern parenting: With no extended family nearby, Aaron describes the strain of modern, nuclear family dynamics. He discusses the unnatural pressure on parents to "do it all" and the importance of asking for help, especially in those exhausting first few months. His mantra: don’t feel guilty about getting help.
• Learning new strengths as a parent: Parenting has brought out a new side of Aaron that he didn’t expect. He shares how he’s surprised himself with his patience, endurance, and the emotional connection he has developed with his son. Parenting has tested him in ways far beyond his previous experiences with endurance sports.
• Just say yes: Whether it’s career, parenthood, or life, Aaron advocates saying yes to opportunities. From taking on new projects to engaging with his son, he believes saying yes to difficult things leads to growth.
• Your child becomes who you believe them to be: Aaron explains how a positive perspective and belief in his son’s potential have shaped their relationship and how he approaches fatherhood.

Where to find Aaron White

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmwhite/
• X: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmwhite/
• Website: www.appy.ai

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF 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 Aaron White

(01:50) Diving into API AI and building businesses with AI

(02:52) The future of AI and its impact

(05:43) Balancing startup life and parenthood

(16:41) Modern parenting and embracing help

(20:14) Surprising discoveries of fatherhood

(29:18) Reengaging with the world as a parent

(33:26) Empathy and Leadership as a Parent

(40:25) The importance of partnership in parenting

(44:23) Technology and parenting in the modern age

(47:02) Creative uses of AI for parenting

(48:40) Advice for future founders and dads
(51:02) Lightning round: wipe warmers and hatch nightlights

Show references:

Wipe warmers: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Diaper-Wipe-Warmers/zgbs/baby-products/677976011

Hatch Nightlights: https://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Baby-Machine-Trainer-Soother/dp/B08QVG9759?th=1

Mushed Parnips: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239206/mashed-parsnips/

What Does The Fox Say?: https://youtu.be/jofNR_WkoCE?si=Glykjvv2W3wP0OaJ
The Goonies: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/

The Ewok Adventure: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087225/

Kilimanjaro: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/kilimanjaro/

Suno: Suno.com

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