Andrew Poles on Dad Identity, Ambition, and the Pressure to Succeed
About this episode
Andrew Poles discusses the impact of ambition and pressure on dad identity and fatherhood.
For many dads, ambition starts with a desire to provide. The pressure to succeed, prove yourself, and live up to expectations can quietly shape your identity, your relationships, and the way you experience fatherhood. Andrew Poles knows that tension firsthand. As a single dad, he started his first business at 23 while raising his daughter and trying to build a future for his family. Over the years, he built multiple businesses, coached thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders, and learned that achievement alone doesn’t answer the deeper questions about who you are and what truly matters. Andrew shares how to: Recognize when ambition is being driven by pressure instead of purpose Separate your self-worth from your professional success Identify the “shoulds” that are influencing your decisions Build a healthier relationship with achievement and validation Create space for reflection instead of constant striving Navigate modern dad challenges without losing yourself in work Pursue meaningful work without tying your identity to outcomes Andrew offers a thoughtful perspective on dad identity, fatherhood mental health, parenting and ambition, and the pressure many men feel to prove…
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