The role of a father often intertwines with that of a business leader, creating a unique dynamic that shapes both family and professional life, as the skills acquired in parenthood can be surprisingly valuable for management. In celebration of Father’s Day, we highlight stories of entrepreneurs who find an endless source of inspiration, learning, and growth in raising children. The combination of skills acquired with the arrival of heirs, such as patience, empathy, efficiency, and communication, enhances their leadership and innovation capacity. We highlight the accounts of seven men who have shared this transformation:
Father to Ana Laura (16) and Pietro (12), Dr. Fábio Argenta, a cardiologist, co-founder, and medical director of Saúde Livre Vacinas, a network of clinics focused on vaccines that offer the latest in preventive care, parenting teaches that managing children is the most complex, as it mixes emotions with unconditional love. ‘Being a father has brought me fundamental learnings for the life of an entrepreneur, because with them we learn and teach. And this is how it is in the life of an entrepreneur, you have the same experience with your employees, partners, and other managers, it’s a continuous exchange,’ comments Argenta.
The founding partner of Your Nail Time, a network of nail, hand, and foot care, Fabrício de Almeida, father of Pedro (11) and Luiza (9), reveals that the main lesson that fatherhood brought and applies in the entrepreneurial routine is responsibility. “There is nothing bigger and more precious than children; the consciousness of providing the best leaves no room for errors in the career,” says Fabrício. For the businessman, wisdom is necessary to choose the right battles and necessary to get into, both in the education of the little ones and for professional development and evolution. He says that after becoming a father, a valuable lesson he learned was creativity. “Stimulating curiosity to provide different experiences and encouraging critical thinking are essential to think and act ‘outside the box’ as a franchisor,” says Almeida.
Meanwhile, Felipe Espinheira, vice president and founding partner of Yes! Cosmetics, is the father of Guilherme (16) and Fernando (15). He says that after the birth of his first child, he transformed and improved as an entrepreneur. “Becoming a father taught me the importance of setting boundaries both in the learning of children and in entrepreneurship. Saying no when it has to be no, saying yes when it has to be yes, but knowing how to welcome and listen,” says Felipe. For the businessman, the second lesson, and the biggest challenge, is discipline. “What are the routines and rules that need to be followed and how to create them from feeding at home, brushing teeth, starting to use a deodorant later, whatever it may be, as in the business part, especially as a franchisor because we deal with dreams, expectations, and desires of franchisees who usually do not have a plan B,” explains Espinheira.
Dr. Edson Ramuth, founder and CEO of Emagrecentro, renowned in weight loss and body aesthetics, learned from fatherhood that just like the development of his daughters, compliments can also positively impact businesses. “When children have correct attitudes, it is essential to praise them. Otherwise, it is also essential to guide them. This guidance is the best path for children. In the corporate world, it is a way to encourage your employees to achieve the best performances and work on their challenges,” he says. The entrepreneur has four daughters, Illana (35), Sylvia (32), Larissa (24), and Catherine (12).
For Tiago Monteiro, founder of PTC One, a multinational company that offers engineering and technology solutions, the main lesson of fatherhood that he brought to business was resilience. “Being a father has taught me that not everything always happens in our own time or in the way we plan. Just as children have their own rhythms and challenges, in the business environment, projects may not go as expected and challenges may arise along the way. In both cases, being resilient to persist, adapt, and seek solutions is essential to achieve success in business.” The executive is the father of Maria Clara (9) and Alice Maria (3).
Father of Priscila (41), Leandro (40) and Daniel (39), Leonildo Aguiar, who is the founder and president of the Gaviões Academy, states that fatherhood taught him about the importance of setting an example. “As parents, we are being watched and influencing all the time. Just like in the business environment. That’s why we have a responsibility towards those around us. People will absorb from our way of entrepreneurship. We must be careful so that these influences are positive, always valuing dedication, truth, and honesty,” he reveals.
The CEO of CredFácil, the largest credit franchise in Brazil, André Oliveira, is the father of Camila and Davi. For the businessman, his children helped him improve his empathy and communication skills. “Understanding their needs and feelings has taught me to listen carefully and provide more comprehensive support to members of my team. This ability to understand and communicate better has been essential for more effective leadership,” he concludes.
