Digital Dads Exposed is a monthly interview series that highlights the unique perspectives on manhood and fatherhood held by those we at Digital Dads have come across in our travels. This month, we feature California executive Scott Leonard who is pulling up anchor on his family’s conventional life, giving up their spacious home and comfortable lifestyle, and taking them on the voyage of a lifetime: three years sailing across the globe living together on their 50-foot Catamaran.

What is your perspective on what it means to be a man living in todays world?

I assume you are asking this as a gender based questions. I think many of the modern and historic perceptions of what it is to “be a man” are changing, but slowly. I do feel that fathers in general are much more involved in the lives of the kids than have been in modern time, if not ever. Unfortunately, as a man, we are stilled defined by but what we do for a living.

Growing up, what has influenced you the most and shaped the man that you are today?

There is no single event or activity that shaped me. Two traits that I value greatly are honesty and integrity. Those values came very strong from both my parents. The goal to always do what is right was a major factor of causing me to start my own business. As a financial advisor working for a brokerage firm, I had to do what was right for the company, not my clients. That fact caused me to start my own business were I could do what was best for my client. So much of who I am today is a factor of owning and running my own businesses, which in large part came about from a strong need to always do what is right by my clients.

In the moments you are able to pause and reflect, what activity do you normally gravitate towards?

I am not sure I understand the question. HaHa. Seriously, moments of reflection are few and far between with a business and family. I take them when I can. That said, I find my time on the ocean, be it on a surfboard, stand up paddle board or sailing, to be relaxing and allow for a good deal of reflection.

What is your parental philosophy?

Lead by example. If I am always honest, open, and fair, my hope is that they will take those core values with them into adulthood. To me, a key point to this is acknowledging when I was wrong; letting them see that we all make mistakes, but that it is important to acknowledge our mistakes and make amens.

What do you appreciate the most about being a father?

The unquestioning love that we have for our children is extremely powerful. It is that love which allows us as parents to put up with our kids that at times can be terrible little human beings to be around. But rather than trying to escape from them, there is something so strong within us that we strive to find a way to help our children be better. It is that raw sense of responsibility that is very powerful as a father, which provides for satisfaction and appreciation for many of the little achievements that our children have through life. Trying to be a good parent can be very difficult at times. I am not sure if it was “job” I would be able to do it. But with my children, there is more to it than just a job or responsibility. I appreciate that there is something deep inside me that motivates me to be the best father I can

What is your favorite activity (or activities) to do with your children?

Talking with them. Their curiosity, and to some extent naivety, allows me to look at many situations in an entirely new way. We take some much “common knowledge” for granted it is great when one of the boys questions something that forces me to search for why it is the way it is, even thought I may have just taken it for granted for so many years. When I can release myself from my issues of the moment, and look again at the world through their eyes, it is a rewarding, and many time funny journey.

What is the best way for a man and father to impart wisdom to his children?

Talk with them and lead by example. Inspire them to be inquisitive. In school, much of the time our children are being taught all different kids of subjects, whether they are interested in them or not. That is learning. I feel that for them to really gain wisdom, they must be curious about a subject on their own. The key is to feed that curiosity by become curios in the subject too. In effect to spend time with your child discovering the answers together, even if we think we already know the answers. By discovery and experimentation we gain wisdom.

What piece of technology impacts you most during the day (and is that impact positive or negative)?

Electricity. I know that is not what you are asking, however, on at boat, as on land, nothing works without it. We can’t even start our cars without electricity. But on land, we take it for granted. But on the boat, it is a very valuable resources. One that is constantly monitored, usage is evaluated, and generation is of major importance.

Our communications technology is the most critical on the boat. I use our satellite communicates for phone calls to the office, checking email, and other activities necessary to running the business remotely. This children rely on it for their school work and staying in touch with friends. As a family, our health and safety is in large part tied to our ability to communicate with land based doctors, through a company called MedAire. Even our weather reports are provided to us via satellite.

How does technology shape the way you raise and influence your children?

As a family, we would not be able to take a three year sailing adventure, while I am still running my business, without technology. It is ironic, that part of this trip is about simplifying our lives, getting back to the basic and nature. However, we would not be able to do this without the latest technology. It provides an small example of the overall goal of our trip to achieve a good balance between work and family. We are leveraging technology to increase our freedom from the modern, technology driven world.

How do you think men’s roles will change in the future?

My hope for the future, especially in the modern technology driven information age, is that a better balance can be achieved between work and family. Rather than use technology to drastically increase the productivity at work, I would like to see it used to increase time with family. With that, I would like to see a more rounded man in respect to the family. A more rested, less stressed dad is more patient and able to spend the quality personal time with his kids. Technology, if leveraged properly, can help us get to this point. However, I fear that it is being used to try and squeeze every ounce of productivity out of us, and causing us to be more rushed and more stressed.

Thanks, Scott for taking some time out of your busy schedule to chat with us!

The Leonard family is currently working together on final trip preparations – they plan to shove off July 8th from Ft. Lauderdale.  We wish them safe travels and will be following their journey at http://themobileceosetssail.com/

/// Digital Dads Exposed returns next month with more unique and interesting perspectives on manhood and fatherhood. Is there someone you would like to see featured? send us an email.