Advice for new fathers: start before ready

In this episode of the Eleven Talents Podcast, Pete Burak of Renewal Ministries shares how the loss of his father shaped his understanding of manhood and spiritual leadership—and why leadership at home matters more than success at work. 

Check out his new book, Man on Purpose: https://bit.ly/3QBPYrZ 

Pete Burak is a Catholic speaker and evangelist with Renewal Ministries, focused on forming missionary disciples and helping Catholic leaders live their faith with clarity and purpose in work and family life. He is the author of Man on Purpose, reflecting on how his relationship with his father shaped his understanding of authentic manhood and spiritual leadership. 

In this episode, Pete breaks down what it takes to lead with faith, humility, and intentionality: 

• Prioritizing the home: Why many men give their best energy to work—and how to reverse that at home.  

• Leading through obedience: Why real leadership begins with surrender, prayer, and grace.  

• Rite of passage moments: How a challenge at age 16 helped define his identity as a man.  

• Redefining masculinity: Reclaiming virtue-centered leadership in a confused cultural moment.  

• “Lean Back, Smile, and Ask”: A practical parenting tool that prioritizes listening over correction.  

• The inconvenience of leadership: Why real leadership is slow, relational, and costly.  

A conversation that challenges men to redefine success, reorder priorities, and lead with purpose at home, work, and in faith.