Beyond Survival: How Childhood Adversity Shapes the Dads We Become - Michael Simmon-Pappadakos
Today's episode only happens thanks to the team at Tri-State TechServe Alliance. Roughly a year ago, I met Michael Papadakos from RedStream Technology, as he attended a keynote I delivered for sales professionals. I also must thank Sioux Logan for sending Michael to this event.
In this episode, he shares his journey from a Marine Corps veteran to intentional fatherhood, revealing how his extraordinary family history and global experiences shape his approach to raising grounded, resilient children.
• Mother was born in a Berlin bomb shelter in 1945 during wartime chaos
• Lost his father at age 4, navigated childhood with a single mother
• Joined the Marine Corps at 21, seeking structure and discipline
• Traveled extensively during military service, including France, Egypt, and Burundi
• Teaches his children kindness, gratitude, delayed gratification, and curiosity
• Balances high expectations with understanding what kids genuinely need
• Believes in showing compassion while not tolerating trivial complaints
• Values building connections through shared activities and open communication
• Coaches basketball despite not being an expert, emphasizing effort over outcomes
• Founder of Leathernecks in Tech, a networking group for Marines working in technology
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