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!
Listen, watch and subscribe: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Overcast.
—
Where to find Jake Wood:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakewoodusa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeWoodTR
Where to find Adam Fishman
- Newsletter: http://startupdadpod.substack.com
- Newsletter: http://fishmanafnewsletter.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/
- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/
—
In this episode, we cover:
[2:11] Welcome Jake!
[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
—
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/
—
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/
Battlefields, Boardrooms and Fatherhood - a Special Veterans Day Edition | Jake Wood (father of 2, Marine Veteran and CEO of Groundswell)