Firstly, there is the immediate realisation that time is precious. You need to be efficient in what you do and when you do it. With a child, the daily schedule revolves around their needs. Their dependence teaches you to operate within fixed times, with no room for procrastination.

If my daughter needs to be in bed by 7pm, my workday adjusts to ensure I'm there, dictating how I approach my work hours. This shift to a stringent schedule has forced me to become ruthlessly efficient. Every minute counts, pushing me to maximise productivity when working on my business.

Now, let's dive into the wonderful world of parallel universes – the startup universe and the family universe. Both are chaotic, unpredictable, and prone to unexpected explosions (of ideas or diapers, take your pick).

In the startup world, we talk about "pivoting" when our initial idea doesn't quite hit the mark. In the parenting world, we call this "winging it” (or, in German, “Aus dem Stegreif”). Both involve a lot of trial and error, sleepless nights, and the occasional urge to pull your hair out.

At Procure Ai, we often discuss the importance of efficient systems in transforming procurement processes. Similarly, fatherhood has taught me the value of efficiency in personal management. It's about making smarter decisions faster, a principle that directly translates to how we've structured our operations within the business.

Embracing fatherhood while leading a startup has also influenced our company culture. We've intuitively built a supportive environment for parents, not through formal policies, but through a shared understanding. We start early, end early, and respect personal boundaries. It's like we're all in one big, dysfunctional family – but in a good way.

Having a strong support network is crucial. Whether it's my wife in family life or my co-founder at work, having someone to share the load keeps you sane when you're juggling conference calls with investors and screaming children.

Of course, this balancing act isn't always graceful. There are days when it feels tough. But that's okay. Both startups and families thrive on resilience, a clear structure or schedule, and the ability to have some humility. Being adaptable in both environments is useful too.

To other aspiring founders navigating this dual path, remember: the skills required to be a good parent – dedication, resilience, and unconditional commitment – are the very skills that will help you steer your startup to success. Just don't expect either your company or your kids to always do what you tell them to.

In the end, both journeys are about fostering growth, whether nurturing a new life or shepherding a business towards its potential. And if all else fails, remember: at least with a startup, you don't have to change its diapers.