The Rise of the Lead Dad and How Workplaces Can Support Fathers with Paul Sullivan

NextGen Work Culture: HR, Management, Inclusive Parent-Friendly Work Environment, Employee Recruitment and Retention, Talent Development

It's becoming more common for Dad to take on the majority of parenting responsibilities. In many households, he may even be the lead parent! In this episode, Kortney talks to Paul Sullivan about what it truly means to be a 'lead dad' in today's world.

Paul shares his journey to becoming the Lead Dad in his household, balancing a journalism career with being the primary caregiver to his three daughters and supporting his wife as she began her own business. Along the way, Paul realized that there wasn't a lot of support for fathers who were taking on the bulk of parenting responsibilities, and The Company of Dads was born. Now Paul offers a support network for fathers who are redefining the traditional boundaries of 'dad duties' and advocates and educates the world of work about Lead Dads.

The conversation dives into some of the challenges that working parents face. Paul suggests that employers offer care days to allow employees to care for children and other loved ones. We also discuss the need for equitable parental leave and the stigmas that fathers often encounter when they choose to prioritize family.

This episode is full of passionate conversation that's sure to resonate with anyone who has ever played the lead role in parenting. It's also a great listen for managers and workplace policymakers looking to shape a more inclusive work environment where caregiving is not just respected but championed.

About Paul Sullivan

Paul is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating a community for Lead Dads. Its mission is to help Lead Dads feel less isolated and more confident that they have made the correct choice to take on the bulk of the parenting and family duties - or at the very least not embrace stereotypes around who does what at home.

As a Lead Dad himself, Paul understands intimately the joys, frustrations, isolation and reticence around talking about being a Lead Dad. It’s a role that is growing in numbers but is far from normalized.

Paul lives in New Canaan, Connecticut, with his wife and their three daughters and three dogs. When not running The Company of Dads or being a Lead Dad, he is an obsessive golfer.

Connect with Paul and The Company of Dads

TheCompanyofDads.com

The Company of Dads Community on Facebook

IG @thecompanyofdads

The Company of Dads on LinkedIn

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