Be Worth Watching: Words of Wisdom from Our Pro-Dads

At Prosek, we’re proud of the families behind our firm – and this Father’s Day, we’re spotlighting the incredible dads who bring as much intention and love to parenting as they do to their professional lives.

We asked our Pro-Dads to share the best advice they’ve received or passed on both personally and professionally. Their answers reminded us that parenting is the ultimate act of leadership: it’s about showing up, staying grounded, and setting the example, one imperfect but meaningful day at a time.

Trevor Gibbons, MD, NYC

A piece of advice I’ve kept with me is that the best way to win the respect of your children is to show them a good example. It’s not about saying the right thing – it’s about consistently doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching (but trust me, they always are).

Justin Perras, MD, NYC

• Professional advice from my dad: Treat the support staff – receptionists, IT team, facilities crew – as well as you’d treat the CEO. They work just as hard (if not harder), often without recognition. They’re the engine that makes everything work.
• Personal advice from my dad, which I’ve passed on to my daughters: There’s a big difference between a want and a need.  Don’t get them confused. [This comes up a lot when my girls say they need Starbucks.]

Forrest Gitlin, VP,  NYC – Expecting Father

When I told my dad I was going to be a father, he gave me advice that I’ve come back to again and again as the due date gets closer:

“You’re going to mess up. There will be times when you could have been better, or didn’t have a clue what you were doing. That’s because you’re learning to be a father while she’s learning to be a person.

This is the biggest promotion you’ll ever get – and the most important job you’ll ever have. Be patient with her, with her mom, and with yourself.”

Alex Jorgensen, Partner, NYC

When you have kids, you get the privilege of meeting your favorite people in the world, often at a stage in life when you thought you’d already met all your favorites. Beyond sharing life with my wife, parenting is the greatest honor.

Most parenting advice I received was fear-based or outdated. But what I’ve learned is this: getting to know your kids will expand your mind and heart more than almost anything. The rest? You figure it out.

Russell Nuce, COO,  NYC

At the end of his life, Steve Jobs spoke about a few simple but powerful truths. I’ve tried to carry them into how I raise my daughters:

• “Don’t educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy, so that they know the value of things, not just the price.”
• “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.”

For me, those ideas are guiding lights. We’re not just teaching our kids how to succeed, we’re teaching them how to live.

Scott Buschkuhl, Creative Director @ Prophecy, NYC

Kids won’t always listen. Sometimes they’ll pretend they didn’t even hear you, especially when you ask them to put on shoes, brush their teeth, or stop hiding carrots in their socks.

But they are watching. They see how you handle stress. How you treat others. How you talk about yourself.

They’re not looking for perfect. They’re looking for a blueprint. So be worth watching. Be present. Be real. That’s what they’ll remember.

Darren Daugherty,  MD,  Fairfield

Your children observe, hear, and remember everything even if they seem like they’re not paying attention. Sometimes that leads to hilarious stories (or slightly embarrassing ones from the babysitter or teacher).

But it’s also serious. Kids are mirrors. The respect, humor, kindness, or sarcasm you show them – and others – will come right back at you. Model what matters.

Stephen Lewis, Partner, London

Even in the most chaotic, stressful moments where you feel like you are losing your mind, remember that one day you will wish you could do it all again.

To our Pro-Dads, thank you for showing up, setting the example, and reminding us that the most meaningful legacies are built through the little things, every day. Happy Father’s Day.