
Episode #128
Robot Mode Got Him Through the Crisis but Cost Him His Family Connection | Kevin Rice
What happens when you achieve the success you worked years to build, but realize you are no longer fully present for the people you built it for? Kevin Rice joins Bridget to explore ambition, leadership, parenting, identity, and what happens when high performance begins consuming more than your working hours. Kevin spent 13 years building Hathway from a garage stage startup into a major digital consultancy. During some of the company's most intense growth, he was also navigating divorce, single fatherhood, COVID, and long working days. He could remain incredibly productive, but internally he had entered what he calls "robot mode." He was physically present with his children while his mind remained at work. After the company was acquired, Kevin realized professional success had not created the emotional fulfillment he expected. He began bringing the same intentionality he had used to build a company into his family life, relationships, and personal growth. Kevin shares why he no longer believes perfect work life balance is the goal, how high performers can create deeper connection with the time they already have, and why presence may matter far more than the number of hours available. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * The myth of work-life balance and the importance of intentionality * Leveraging leadership skills in parenting and personal life * The SPARC flywheel for building connection with children * Strategies for managing phone distractions and being present * The impact of parental behavior on children's development * Kevin Rice's journey through burnout and self-discovery * The role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership and parenting * Practical tips for integrating work and family life * The ripple effect of intentional parenting on relationships * How high performers can start improving at any stage BOOKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED The Executive's Guide to Parenting by Kevin Rice Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy Opal CEOs & ABCs Podcast InStore AI ABOUT KEVIN RICE Kevin Rice is a founder, investor, advisor, and leadership thinker focused on helping high performing leaders build successful companies while staying present for the people who matter most. He co-founded Hathway straight out of college and grew the company from a garage stage startup to $42 million in revenue and more than 200 employees before its acquisition by Bounteous in 2021. Following the acquisition, Kevin shifted more of his attention toward the connection between ambition, leadership, family, identity, and personal fulfillment. His perspective is shaped by his own experience building a rapidly growing company while becoming a full time single father. Today, Kevin invests through Theorem One Capital and advises growth stage, AI native, and vertically focused companies. He is also the host of CEOs & ABCs, where founders and executives share candid perspectives on leadership, parenthood, presence, and defining success beyond professional achievement. CONNECT WITH KEVIN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmrice CEOs & ABCs Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify About Bridget Ann Stuart Bridget Ann Stuart is a REALTOR®, Executive Strategic Performance Coach, and host of The Inner Estate. Since beginning her real estate career in 1998, Bridget has worked across luxury real estate, business growth, leadership, performance, and personal development. Through Strategic Performance Coaching, Bridget helps entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, executives, and business owners create greater clarity, strengthen their performance, and build businesses and lives that reflect what matters most to them. Connect with Bridget: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealBridgetStuart/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbridgetstuart/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealBridgetStuart\






