Dadpreneur: Balancing A CEO’s Role With Fatherhood

Juggling the responsibilities of a CEO and a father is no easy feat.

Gil Carmo, the CEO and co-founder of iMotorbike, exemplifies this challenging balance, demonstrating how dedication to both family and business can coexist harmoniously. In an exclusive interview with BusinessToday, Gil shared his insights on managing these dual roles, offering valuable lessons for other working fathers and entrepreneurs.

A Day in the Life

Gil Carmo starts his day early, spending quality time with his children before diving into his professional responsibilities. “I begin my day by spending quality time with my kids before quickly checking urgent emails,” he said.

This initial connection with his family sets a positive tone for the day. Following this, he dedicates time to a workout, ensuring he maintains his physical health and well-being.

“Once I’ve completed my morning routine, I tackle the day’s challenges and tasks at work,” he added. Despite the often extended work hours, Gil prioritises finishing early to read his kids a bedtime story, underscoring his commitment to family.

Additionally, Gil acknowledges the significant challenges of balancing family life with running a business. “One of the biggest challenges in terms of balancing family and work is definitely the limited time I get to spend with my kids,” he said.

However, he credits a strong partnership with his spouse for helping manage these demands. “Fortunately, my partner and I complement each other very well. With our teamwork, many of our problems are solved at a very early stage.”

Gil emphasised that his work efforts are aimed at securing a brighter future for his children, viewing his professional commitment as a means to enhance their well-being.

Challenging Misconceptions

Addressing common misconceptions about working fathers, Gil pointed out the outdated notion that fathers are solely providers focused on financial gains. “Many subscribe to the antiquated notion that fathers are merely providers, fixated solely on financial gains at the expense of familial connections,” he said.

He advocated for a more balanced view, where fathers actively participate in family life while managing professional responsibilities. “I firmly believe fathers can adeptly balance the responsibilities of breadwinning while actively participating in the rich tapestry of family life.”

Gil also highlighted the importance of recognizing the central role of mothers in the family, advocating for a partnership approach where both parents contribute their strengths to nurture a thriving family environment.

For him, the roles of fatherhood and entrepreneurship share several similarities. “There is never the right time to have a baby or the right time to start a business,” he noted.

He believed that the pragmatic, data-driven approach required in business can be beneficial in parenting, just as the compassion and guidance provided to children can enhance leadership skills.

“Being both a father and an entrepreneur helps to apply the knowledge obtained in each role, similar to cross-knowledge sharing,” he added.

Advice for Working Fathers

Offering advice to other working fathers, Gil emphasised the importance of a supportive network. “Having the right people surrounding you is what makes the most difference, especially during the hard times,” he said.

He also stressed the need to focus on the most pressing aspects of life and to be vocal about challenges. “Putting extra focus on one of the segments of your life that needs it the most is crucial in balancing your personal and professional lives.

Lastly, being vocal about your problems gives you the space to obtain clarity on your thoughts by yourself and know that there are always better days to come.”

iMotorbike’s Support for Fathers

At iMotorbike, family values are deeply embedded in the company culture. “We are all about family and promoting taking care of your loved ones as a top priority,” Gil said.

The company encourages employees to spend time with their families and celebrates significant milestones, such as the birth of a child. “We were recently celebrating one of our many in-house fathers having a newborn. It’s one of the most delightful things life can bring, and it should be treasured and honored.”

Future Plans for iMotorbike

Looking ahead, Gil highlights Malaysia’s growing motorcycle culture and iMotorbike’s plans to support both riders and families. “Motorcycles are the backbone of most countries in the region. They provide a convenient and affordable way to move around, take the children to school and back, and do daily errands,” he said.

The company aims to offer a fast, safe, and secure platform for buying and selling motorcycles, ensuring smooth transactions and fostering strong relationships with customers. “We want to make sure that all motorcycles and our buyers and sellers get the right and deserved attention for all transactions to happen smoothly,” he added.

Gil’s vision for iMotorbike aligns with broader sustainability and community goals, aiming to create long-lasting positive impacts. “We support all who have the intention of buying or selling their motorcycles, bringing a fast, safe, and secure way for them to have a bright and pleasant experience.”