James Kennedy On The Moments That Make Fatherhood Extraordinary
Published on 23 August 2024
As Father’s Day approaches, James shares personal insights into fatherhood and his idea of the perfect Father’s Day.
“Watching their personalities evolve and experiencing a different level of engagement from them each day, I really do enjoy that.”
Tell us about the most extraordinary moment you’ve had as a father?
I am not sure I could define one extraordinary moment I’ve had as a father…there have been so many amazing experiences. The birth of my son was certainly something extraordinary to see and be part of. But interestingly, just the other day my son participated in his first school parade, dressed as his favourite book character. I sat there in the crowd of parents, filming and waving. To see him wave back at me from the stage and his face light up when he saw me there, really was a special and emotional experience to be a part of.
What is the best thing about being a father?
Seeing your child develop and grow is an incredible thing to witness as a parent. Watching their personalities evolve and experiencing a different level of engagement from them each day, I really do enjoy that.
Kennedy is a modern family business – how has being a father shaped you as a leader and CEO?
Becoming a father has made me far more disciplined as a leader. Responsibility and understanding what that actually means is a funny sort of thing in life. The level of responsibility you have for yourself, for your own life pales in comparison to the responsibility you feel for protecting your child. To protect them at all costs has made me consider in a far more profound way the level of focus and discipline I need in my business to ensure its utmost success.
Do you think your approach to fatherhood is different or similar to that of your own father?
I think it’s difficult to compare one approach to another. My father and I are very different people, and we had greatly contrasted upbringings. I think the circumstances around the different eras and our own personal experiences shaped us in completely different ways and as such would be reflected in our different styles of parenting. Having said that, however, fundamentally my father adored me and saw a lot of me in him and that came out in his affection for me. I can say the same is true for the relationship I have with my son today.
What would be your perfect Father’s Day?
A day being spoiled by my wife and son is as perfect as it gets on Father’s Day. Otherwise, other than Mother’s Day, when it’s about mum (as it should be), the other 363 days are Children’s Day…where it’s all about the child.
So, it’s nice to have that one day just for you, I guess.
How do you think Preston would describe you in three words?
Well, I asked him…and got three different answers
1. Dada always here
2. Dada is cool
3. Dada’s a poo poo head
They all work for me.
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