Things No One Told You as a Single Dad at a Growth Startup With Alex Medick | Dad of 2

May 29, 2025

In this conversation, Alex Medick, the Director of Marketing at TensorWave and a dedicated single dad, shares his insights on balancing startup life with parenting two kids. He discusses how he navigated communicating with his children during his separation and the unexpected fulfillment fatherhood has brought him. Alex emphasizes giving parents grace during tough times and fondly recalls the chaotic moments that create lasting memories. He also reflects on the value of old-school parenting and creating structure for kids in today’s world.

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INSIGHT

Dad Life Brings Fulfillment

Fatherhood shifted Alex's lifestyle, replacing personal time with fulfilling moments with his kids.
He values the adventure and joy of parenting over solitary pastimes like going to bars.

ADVICE

Give Yourself Parenting Grace

Give yourself grace as a parent and acknowledge you can't do everything perfectly all the time.
Focus on showing up consistently and trying your best, which matters more than perfection.

ADVICE

Parenting Principles to Live By

Show your kids love, kindness, and motivation consistently.
Always try hard, don't give up, and keep showing up, even when parenting feels overwhelming.

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Alex Medick is the Director of Marketing at TensorWave, an AI infrastructure company. Prior to this role, he served as the President and Chief Marketing Officer of Inside.com.

He’s also a single dad to two kids, a son and a daughter, navigating the challenges of parenting while leading in the startup world.

We discussed:
- Balancing parenting with startup demands: How Alex manages being the primary parent while navigating the challenges of working at a fast-paced startup.
- Communicating with kids during a separation: The approach Alex took to talk to his young children about his separation and how it affected them.
- Unexpected fulfillment from fatherhood: How becoming a dad has brought a deeper sense of fulfillment and perspective to Alex’s life.
- Giving yourself grace as a parent: Why Alex’s motto is to give yourself grace, especially during the hectic and overwhelming times.
- The “sucky” moments that create lasting memories: Alex shares how saying yes to the challenging moments, like chaotic travel and events, leads to some of the most memorable experiences.
- Old school parenting in modern times: Alex talks about his approach to parenting, influenced by older generations, and why he believes kids need more structure and less coddling.

Where to find Alex Medick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajmedick/
X: https://x.com/ajmedick
TensorWave: https://tensorwave.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman
FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/
Instagram: https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Introducing Alex Medick
(02:10) Balancing parenting with startup life
(03:15) Talking to kids about separation
(08:15) Unexpected fulfillment from fatherhood
(10:06) Giving yourself grace and embracing imperfection
(16:20) Old school parenting in modern times
(19:31) Hospital quarantine story and new perspective
(22:28) Travel chaos, flight disasters, and survival tips
(33:29) Raising kids with tech: balance needed
(36:03) Empathy and life principles guiding Alex
(39:50) Lightning round: must-haves and parenting quirks

Show references:
YouTube Kids: https://www.youtubekids.com/
iPad: https://www.apple.com/
Perplexity.ai: https://www.perplexity.ai/
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
Sound Machine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2JBMRE?th=1
Table top changing pad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KHD615K

Unspeakable: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwIWAbIeu0xI0ReKWOcw3eg
Blippi: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PYHgAzJ1wLEidB58SK6Xw
Moana: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/
Ghostbusters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/
Porsche: https://www.porsche.com/usa/
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