Lessons From My Dad That Are Ingrained In Me With How I Build My Life and Career

I never fully appreciated my dad’s big brain and gave him enough credit until I was six months into working for a startup, sitting next to a serial entrepreneur, and was listening to her take meetings all day… where everything she said sounded like gibberish. I thought to myself, “I am never going to make it… I have no clue what is going on,” and would FaceTime him (on my mom’s phone, since he has a Google Pixel, lol) and have him explain all the words and concepts that were foreign to me.

I always knew my dad was smart (partly because he always let it be known that he’s ‘always right’ - it’s frustrating because that’s actually pretty accurate). Still, I didn’t realize how deep that went until I started to finally understand the conversations we’d always had. He challenged me constantly growing up (my opinions, my logic, my dumb decisions), and while I’m still not the debater he is, that sharpening made me a better thinker and builder. 

Obviously, I didn’t love it as a 15-year-old girl who likes to challenge people but doesn’t enjoy being challenged; however, I remain immensely grateful for that experience today as it has proven to work.

Kolby’s high school graduation!!!

I flew home to Washington to regroup. I needed to reset, be near the people who know me best, and ask: What do I actually want? No one better than my family who are brutally honest with me to help me figure my shit out.

I realized there are people out there who want to hire me for my brain, my ideas, and my experience… crazy, I know!

One thing I knew for sure was I didn’t want another W2 role… I wanted to build.

A bold move on my part, but after spending almost four years in the entrepreneurial industry, it’s no surprise that I came to this conclusion.

And I knew I could, partly because of what I’ve learned from my dad. Not just emotionally, but practically! He shares resources, strategy, and belief like only someone who’s been there can.

My brother (Kolby), me, and my dad when we drove down to move me to LA in 2022.

He’s the reason my brothers and I have such great discipline and drive. He encourages us to do what we want to do, and to be brave enough to start something new. A year ago, my brother launched a company selling cold tubs—and our parents are his biggest champions.

In so many ways, my dad has become not just a parent but one of my most trusted business mentors. I trust him deeply because he tells the truth, even when it’s hard. And that honesty has shaped me into the founder I’m becoming.

A Leap of Faith (and Why I Took It)

In April of this year, I found myself in a career transition, just turning 27 and in a bit of an identity crisis. I knew I was ready for something different, but had no idea what that looked like, and I was scared, but also excited. I was being moved from a full-time employee to a part-time, independent contractor role.

What could’ve felt like rejection actually felt like a release.

This is my office when I work from home in Washington… not bad.

3 Business Lessons I’ve Learned From My Dad

“Life Isn’t About Being Productive”

A month ago (during that identity crisis I mentioned earlier), I was having a day where I was really hard on myself. I hadn’t worked out, felt behind, and was beating myself up. My dad (the most productive person I know) looked at me and said:

“Life isn’t about being productive.”

Coming from him, it landed deeply and really stuck with me. I realized how much I tie my worth to output. But rest is KEY to sustainability and not burning out. Rest does not mean laziness (one of my worst fears is being lazy, but that’s an issue for a later day).

As someone whose job is helping founders avoid burnout, I knew I needed to embody that lesson myself. Practice what I preach.

It’s not about doing the most at all times; it’s also about being able to sit back and enjoy it. Drive and motivation are important, yes. But a healthy amount. And that’s what I need to make sure I implement into my entrepreneurial journey so I don’t become another story of burnout.

Step Away

My dad mows the lawn himself. Not because he has to, but because that’s his thinking space. Shower thoughts… except for him, it’s landscaping.

He works out every day. Makes time for rest. Prioritizes stepping away.

In “10x Is Easier Than 2x,” Chapter 5 discusses taking 150+ “free days” per year. That space fuels clarity and creativity.

It’s true - when I’m on a walk, a run, or home without pressure, I do my best thinking. Just today, my brain was doing that thing where it turns to mush, and I lost all ability to execute or be productive. That’s how I know it’s time to step away. So I put on my running shoes, chugged some water, and went outside for a bit. When I got back, I had new, fresh ideas, and I had the energy again to finish my tasks.

This was one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to put myself in a position where I could create my own schedule. I love being able to hit leg day on Monday at 10 AM and go for a run to beat the afternoon slump.

No Sales Classes Allowed

This may be one of his hottest takes, but I agree with him wholeheartedly after spending a couple of years in High-Ticket Sales. This advice doesn’t come from someone who hates salesmen… this comes from someone who has won awards for being a company’s BEST salesman, so he has the credibility to back him up on this otherwise unconventional (crazy) advice.

My dad is the best salesperson I know… yet he has no formal training. And he hates fluff. His entire approach is based on believing in the product, acquiring in-depth knowledge (which requires you putting in effort to do the research and knowing your facts), and forming genuine connections with your clients or customers.

He taught me that when you believe in something fully and know how to be a genuine, authentic person in relationships, you don’t have to manipulate or convince.

You show up, serve, and speak clearly. People buy from people they know and trust.

And For His Worst Advice He’s Ever Given Me…

“If You Ain’t First, You’re Last.”

I hyped him up this entire post, I have to acknowledge at least he’s still my dad and says crazy things.

He said this to me when I got second place in a middle school competition and was crushed and I’m pretty sure I was sobbing, and he tried to console me with: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”

Not his best parenting moment, but 15 years later I find it absolutely hilarious.

I get my directness from him, clearly.

My dad helped me start my career and supported every big move I’ve made—from moving to ASU to moving back home during COVID-19 to moving to LA. And today, he’s helping me build my dream life.

Sometimes, the best business advice is personal. Sometimes it comes from the people who raised you.

What’s something someone you love has taught you about business or life?

I’d love to hear! Email me kennedy@kennedykero.com if you want to share the business or life advice, and maybe I’ll adopt it myself 😉.