“I try to bring my kids and my wife with me on those trips and bring them around the world, even within the United States, when possible and when it makes sense.”

— GEORGE STROUMBOULIS

TAKING MY GIRLS WITH ME ON BUSINESS TRIPS

Business trips with my kids? Yes! From the @InvigorateYourBusiness Podcast

Nothing more important in this world to me than my family, my daughters. And because the nature of business that I'm in requires a lot of travel and not just domestically, but internationally.

A one day trip of meetings may take two or three days out of my schedule, which means away from my kids. You know, that just bothers me. I try to bring my kids and my wife with me on those trips and bring them around the world, even within the United States, when possible and when it makes sense.

The older they're getting, the harder it is with other obligations related to school and sports and social circles. But for me, it's very important that when we travel, we travel together as much as we can so they can learn, they can experience, they can travel, they can see different cultures and just really see what that means. The experiences that we make along the way from just even driving to the airport, flying.

It's not even about the destination, I tell them. It's about the journey and it's just something very magical.

I try to bring my kids and my wife with me on those trips and bring them around the world, even within the United States, when possible and when it makes sense.

BENEFITS OF TRAVELING WITH YOUR KIDS ON BUSINESS TRIPS

Traveling with your kids on business trips can offer numerous benefits for both you and your family. Here are some advantages of bringing your children along on business travel:

Quality Time Together: Business trips provide an opportunity for uninterrupted quality time with your children. Away from the distractions of daily life, you can focus on bonding and creating lasting memories together.
Exposure to New Cultures and Experiences: Traveling exposes children to new cultures, languages, and environments, broadening their perspectives and fostering cultural awareness and empathy.
Educational Opportunities: Business trips offer unique educational opportunities for children to learn about different cities, landmarks, historical sites, and local customs firsthand.
Enhanced Family Relationships: Sharing new experiences and overcoming challenges together while traveling can strengthen family bonds and communication, fostering a deeper connection between you and your children.
Personal Growth: Traveling with your kids on business trips encourages personal growth and development for both parents and children. It teaches resilience, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and independence.
Work-Life Balance: Integrating family time into business travel promotes a healthier work-life balance by allowing you to fulfill professional obligations while still prioritizing family relationships and experiences.
Memorable Adventures: Business trips with your kids can turn into memorable adventures filled with exploration, discovery, and excitement. These shared experiences create cherished family memories that will last a lifetime.
Increased Flexibility and Adaptability: Traveling with children requires flexibility and adaptability, skills that are valuable in both personal and professional life. Learning to navigate unexpected situations during travel helps build resilience and resourcefulness.
Opportunities for Parental Modeling: By traveling with your kids on business trips, you have the opportunity to model important values and behaviors, such as curiosity, open-mindedness, and a strong work ethic.
Foster a Sense of Adventure: Exposing children to travel at a young age fosters a sense of adventure and curiosity, instilling a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery.

Overall, traveling with your kids on business trips can enrich their lives and strengthen your family bonds, providing invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and shared experiences.

TIPS FOR FLYING WITH YOUR KIDS AROUND THE WORLD

Flying with kids can be challenging, but with proper planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help make flying with your kids around the world easier:

Book Direct Flights: Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to minimize layovers and reduce overall travel time. This can help prevent unnecessary stress and fatigue for both you and your children.
Choose the Right Time: Consider scheduling your flights during times when your kids are likely to be well-rested, such as early morning or evening flights. This can increase the chances of them sleeping during the flight, especially for long-haul journeys.
Pack Wisely: Pack essential items such as snacks, drinks, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, toys, books, and any comfort items your child may need during the flight. Also, consider bringing a change of clothes for yourself in case of spills or accidents.
Entertainment: Bring a variety of entertainment options to keep your children occupied during the flight. This could include books, coloring books, small toys, tablets loaded with movies or games, or headphones for listening to music or watching in-flight entertainment.
Stay Comfortable: Dress your children in comfortable clothing and layers suitable for the temperature on the plane. Consider bringing a small blanket or travel pillow to help them relax and sleep during the flight.
Be Prepared for Security Checks: Be aware of security regulations regarding traveling with children, such as restrictions on liquids and baby food. Pack these items in easily accessible bags to expedite security checks.
Seat Selection: Choose your seats strategically to accommodate your family's needs. Consider selecting seats near the front of the plane for easier boarding and disembarking, or opt for bulkhead seats with extra legroom and space for your child to play.
Safety First: Ensure that your child's car seat or CARES harness is FAA-approved if you plan to use it during the flight. Follow all safety guidelines provided by the airline and make sure your child understands the importance of staying seated and wearing their seatbelt during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
Stay Calm and Patient: Flying can be stressful, especially with children, but try to remain calm and patient throughout the journey. Be prepared for unexpected delays or challenges and approach them with a positive attitude.
Take Care of Yourself: Don't forget to take care of yourself during the flight. Stay hydrated, get up and stretch regularly, and try to rest when your child is sleeping to maintain your energy levels.

By planning ahead, staying organized, and remaining flexible, you can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flying experience for you and your children as you explore the world together.

RUNNING A COMPANY WHILE BALANCING BEING A FATHER

Running a company while balancing fatherhood is undoubtedly a significant challenge, but with careful planning, prioritization, and support, it's possible to manage both responsibilities effectively. Here are some tips to help you navigate this balancing act:

Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and family time. When you're with your family, focus solely on them without letting work distractions interfere. Similarly, when you're at work, strive to be fully present and productive.
Prioritize Tasks: Identify your most important tasks both at work and at home, and prioritize them accordingly. Learn to delegate tasks that others can handle, both in your professional and personal life, to free up time for essential responsibilities.
Time Management: Efficiently manage your time by creating schedules and sticking to them as much as possible. Utilize tools like calendars, planners, or productivity apps to organize your days effectively.
Flexible Work Arrangements: If feasible, consider implementing flexible work arrangements in your company that allow you to spend more time with your family when needed. This could include options like telecommuting, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks.
Delegate Responsibility: Trust your team to handle tasks and make decisions in your absence. Delegating responsibility not only lightens your workload but also empowers your employees and fosters their professional growth.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of the time you spend with your family rather than the quantity. Even short, meaningful interactions can strengthen your bond with your children.
Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your family about your work commitments and schedule. This helps manage expectations and allows you to plan family time more effectively.
Self-Care: Don't neglect your own well-being amidst your dual responsibilities. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally ensures that you can be the best parent and leader possible.
Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish both at work and at home. Setting achievable goals prevents burnout and allows you to maintain a healthy balance.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed, whether it's from your spouse, family members, or trusted colleagues. Building a support network can lighten your load and provide valuable assistance when juggling your roles as a father and a business leader.

Remember, achieving a balance between running a company and being a father is an ongoing process that requires adaptation and flexibility. By implementing these strategies and staying committed to your priorities, you can successfully navigate both worlds.