Kevin Hanaford is an engineering leader at popular chat application, Discord where he oversees security, safety, privacy and platform teams. His career has included companies like Microsoft, PayPal, Amazon, Salesforce, and autonomous vehicle company, Cruise. In addition to his roles at some of the most significant technology companies of the last two decades he’s also a husband and the father of two kids. In our conversation today we discussed:
How his Dad started the local ISP in his home town
How the world of internet safety and trust has shaped his perspective on parenting
Frameworks and principles that he and his wife hold dearly for their family
The relationship he wants his daughters to have with technology
Balancing the demanding, 24/7 job of security with a commitment to his family
His earliest and most surprising memories of becoming a Dad
How he explains to his kids what Dad does for work
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast and YouTube.
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Where to find Kevin Hanaford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhanaford/
Kevin’s Website: https://kevinhanaford.com/
Where to find Adam Fishman
FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/
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In this episode, we cover:
[1:34] Welcome
[1:47] How we got connected (thank you Behzod!)
[2:37] Kevin’s professional background
[4:48] His Dad starts an ISP
[6:57] Life now
[9:58] Partner’s work
[11:09] Decision to start a family
[13:57] Earliest memory of becoming a dad
[16:44] Most surprising thing since becoming a dad
[18:16] Advice for younger Kevin
[20:34] Advice to ignore
[23:07] Frameworks
[28:53] Where do you and your partner not align?
[32:38] Kid’s relationship with technology
[40:21] Managing job and family
[44:28] Explaining to kids what you do for work
[45:24] Mistake you have made as a dad
[47:51] What is one thing you gave up to be a dad?
[51:04] Follow along
[52:02] Rapid fire
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Show references:
Discord:https://discord.com/
Microsoft:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/us/home
Amazon: amazon.com
Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/
Cruise: https://www.getcruise.com/
Moonfall Inc: https://moonfallink.com/
Sour Patch Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Sour-Patch-Kids-Chewy-Candy/dp/B003EMOPMK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Inside Out 2: https://movies.disney.com/inside-out-2
TikTok: tiktok.com
Halo: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/halo
Dr. Pepper:https://www.drpepper.com/s/
Mtn. Dew: https://www.pepsicopartners.com/pepsico/en/USD/PEPSICO-BRANDS/MTN-DEW%C2%AE/c/brand_mtnDew
Topo Chico: https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/topo-chico
Xbox Live: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/live
Destiny: https://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Standard-PlayStation-4/dp/B00BGA9Y3W
Stardew Valley: https://www.stardewvalley.net/
Insulated coffee mugs: https://www.amazon.com/YETI-Stackable-Insulated-Stainless-MagSlider/dp/B0CCJYXC4M
New Balance: https://www.newbalance.com/
Vans: https://www.vans.com/en-us
Britney Spears: https://britneyspears.com/
Oops I Did It Again: youtu.be/CduA0TULnow?si=4MEX39dbqu9C2uOE
Tina Turner: https://www.thetinaturner.com/
Taylor Swift: https://www.taylorswift.com/
Coco Melon: https://www.netflix.com/title/81273085
Star Wars Trilogy: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls052192052/
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For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com
Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/
Safety & Security On The Internet As Parents | Kevin Hanaford (Dad of 2, Discord, Cruise, Microsoft)