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/

* X: https://x.com/nikunj

* Website: https://www.nikunjk.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

* Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

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In this episode, we cover:

[2:00 ] Welcome

[2:17 ] What Nikunj is up to these days

[3:08 ] Four generations in the home/dad feedback

[3:58 ] Childhood

[5:25 ] Family now

[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

[40:28 ] Go-to activity

[41:46 ] Aligning with partner

[45;05] Kid’s relationship with tech

[49:34 ] Favorite books to read to kids

[50:44 ] Follow along

[51:37 ] Lightning round

[58:03 ] Thank you

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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: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/

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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Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at

http://www.armaziproductions.com/

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