In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb shares a candid reflection on the profound challenges and unique experiences of being a parent while building a business. Squibb, known for his entrepreneurial endeavors, offers a personal perspective on how fatherhood has reshaped his approach to work and leadership, emphasizing the importance of leading by example.
Squibb opens by acknowledging the immense difficulty of balancing his professional passions with his role as a father. He states:
“The hardest thing I’ve ever done is being a dad. I love my work. I always have. But leaving my son is so hard.”
This sentiment underscores a common struggle for many entrepreneurs and business leaders who are also parents. Squibb highlights that this is his first experience building a company while raising a child, noting that it presents a “whole different experience” compared to his previous ventures.
The Driving Force of Purpose
A key insight from Squibb’s post is the crucial role of purpose in sustaining motivation, especially when faced with the demands of both parenthood and entrepreneurship. He suggests that without a strong sense of purpose, the drive to continue might falter.
According to Squibb, the underlying purpose of his work, particularly its capacity to help others, is a significant factor in his ability to persevere. This connection between meaningful work and personal fulfillment is a recurring theme in discussions about long-term career sustainability and work-life integration.
“If my work didn’t have a purpose that helped others. I think I’d really struggle to keep going.”
As Squibb points out, this realization is not merely an abstract concept but a practical tool for navigating the complexities of his current life stage.
Leading by Example: A Lesson for the Next Generation
Squibb emphasizes a powerful lesson he has learned and applies to his parenting: the principle of showing rather than telling.
The Impact of Actions Over Words
He argues that actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to imparting values and lessons to children. Squibb believes that demonstrating a commitment to doing work that benefits people serves as a more potent educational tool than any verbal instruction.
“You have to show your kids, not tell them. Do work that helps people, and that teaches him more than anything I could ever say to him. Kids don’t do what you say. They do what you do.”
This perspective extends beyond the immediate family unit, according to Squibb. He posits that this principle is universally applicable for anyone aiming to influence positive change or development in others, particularly the next generation.
Fostering a Better Future
Squibb concludes his observation with a broader call to action for personal betterment as a means to inspire improvement in others. He suggests that if the goal is to cultivate a better future generation, then individuals must first strive to be better themselves.
“And I think that goes for everything all of us do in life. If we want the next generation to be better than us. We have to be better, not just tell them.”
Squibb frames this reflection not as expert advice but as an “honest observation” from someone actively navigating the dual demands of building a business and being a present, effective father. He invites other parents in similar situations to share their strategies, fostering a community dialogue around this critical balancing act.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Simon Squibb on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 1, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →