Battlefields, Boardrooms and Fatherhood - a Special Veterans Day Edition | Jake Wood (father of 2, Marine Veteran and CEO)

Startup Dad

Jake Wood is a decorated Marine Veteran, the founder of Team Rubicon, and currently the founder and CEO of Groundswell. Jake served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine sniper, was the subject of the book "Charlie Mike" and also wrote a memoir called "Once a Warrior" about his experience founding Team Rubicon, one of America's leading nonprofits, after returning home from war. He is a husband and a father of two.

In this episode we discuss:

• Jake's experience in combat
• His transition to civilian life
• The intersection of his roles as a veteran, a father and a CEO/founder
• How to be truly present
• Finding a partner that understands and supports you (and vice versa)
• Where to find the hours in the day
• Rapid fire!

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Where to find Jake Wood:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakewoodusa/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeWoodTR

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: https://startupdadpod.substack.com/

- Newsletter: https://www.fishmanafnewsletter.com

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

- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

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In this episode, we cover:

[2:11] Welcome

[2:38] Jake's Professional background

[6:57] Founding Groundswell and philanthropy

[8:07] Wisconsin football

[9:26] Jake's Personal background

[12:22] His parent’s reaction to military service

[13:37] The pull to help others

[16:17] His Family

[18:24] Jake's Wife

[19:35] Their decision to start a family

[21:17] Being and finding a supportive partner

[22:45] How to be present when you are present

[25:34] His earliest memory of becoming a dad

[27:33] Starting his foundation/youngest daughter

[30:08] Most surprising thing about becoming a dad

[31:49] Favorite kids book

[32:41] Parenting Frameworks

[33:54] When you and your partner don’t align

[34:51] How to find the hours; what his schedule is like

[37:53] Something you gave up to be a dad

[39:31] Mistakes made as a dad

[40:55] Thoughts on hustle culture

[43:12] What if your kids want to join the military?

[44:27] Follow Jake

[45:56] Rapid fire round

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Show references:

Jake Wood Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jakewoodtr

Groundswell - https://my.foundation/

University of Wisconsin - https://www.wisconsin.edu/

Marine Corps - https://www.marines.com/

Jake Wood Website (can purchase his book, Once A Warrior) - https://www.jakewood.co/

Charlie Mike: A True Story of Heroes Who Brought Their Mission Home - https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Mike-Heroes-Brought-Mission/dp/1451677316

Team Rubicon - https://teamrubiconusa.org/

Northwestern University - https://www.northwestern.edu/

Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett - https://www.amazon.com/Tickle-Monster-Josie-Bissett/dp/1932319670

The Score Takes Care Of Itself by Bill Walsh - https://www.amazon.com/Score-Takes-Care-Itself-Philosophy/dp/1591843472

Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal - https://www.amazon.com/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486

Cocomelon - https://cocomelon.com/

Bluey - https://www.bluey.tv/

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Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/

Episode art designed by Matt Sutherland at https://www.mspnw.com/