What does it really mean to succeed as a dad when work, ambition, and identity are all pulling in different directions?

Shaun Dawson, tech leader, father of two, and host of the Raising Men podcast, challenges the idea that success is defined by output alone. He shares a more grounded perspective on fatherhood, work life balance, and what working dads often get wrong when they focus too heavily on providing financially while overlooking emotional presence.

Shaun shares how to:

• Redefine success beyond income and external achievement
• Build emotional security for your kids, not just financial security
• Separate identity from output and rethink what actually gives your life meaning
• Recognize when ego is shaping your parenting decisions
• Stay present during everyday moments that are easy to overlook but impossible to get back
• Navigate the tension between guiding your kids and letting them become who they are

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation for working dads trying to build a life that balances fatherhood, meaningful work, and a deeper sense of identity.

Dig Deeper

Conan the Barbarian

Raising Men by Eric Davis

Bluey

Dairy Queen

Piano Man

Follow Shaun

On his website and podcast: https://raising.men/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/

On Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmen_podcast/

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingMen_Podcast

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-men/

On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingmenpodcast

Follow Gap to Gig

On Instagram: instagram.com/gaptogig

On TikTok: tiktok.com/@gaptogig

On X: x.com/gaptogig

On YouTube: youtube.com/@gaptogig-gtg

On your podcast player of choice: https://rss.com/podcasts/gaptogig/

Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter: gaptogig.com

Follow Michael

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themichaeljacobs/