The way I think about people – in and out of the business world – has been guided by two towering figures in my life. My father and my son.

My relationship with my dad hasn’t always been smooth. He cast a big shadow growing up. Tenacious worker. Big personality. Serial Entrepreneur. He made his own way.

It’s tough to follow in those footsteps. They are as unique as his fingerprints.

Over my 25 years as a marketing man, I’ve made it my business to study human nature. How individuals and groups work, think, and act. Once I became a dad about 12 years ago, I included myself in my study of humanity.

It’s amazing what you find when you look in the mirror…and the face of your child. That face is the most honest reflection of yourself there is.

In my son’s eyes I can see the effects of my actions on him and those around me. He’s made me want to become a better man, and he remains my life’s greatest motivation.

When I began looking at myself in earnest. I could also see my father. His struggle to be a better man, the best dad he could be.

He was not blessed with the best of role models. Born in the Warsaw Ghetto at the dawn of the Nazi invasion. Growing up in post WWII Germany and developing a thick skin.  Immigrating to America as a plumber, and later driving a cab in NYC to pay for his education as a mathematician.

This background does not create a “New Age” father. But it does teach survival, persistence, and intense love and loyalty for family and friends. Pretty good stuff.

No, things were not always smooth growing up. But looking into the mirror today, I can honestly say that my dad stands side by side with my son as the best teachers a man could ever have.

Happy Father’s Day dad…and to all the fathers who love their children as much as mine has me.

Posted by: Steve Banis