Raghav Kapoor - Entrepreneur
“Nature has made kids a lot more durable than parents often think they are. Don't worry too much. ”
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. My name is Raghav Kapoor. Friends also call me Raj, though my full name is Raghav Kapoor Raghu Pratap Singh! I am the CEO and Co-Founder at Smartkarma. In this role, I lead and empower a capable team that are on a mission to democratise access to institutional quality investment Insight.
How old are your kid(s)?
5 (daughter) and 9 (son)
Who is the primary caregiver in the household, and what are you and your partner’s parenting philosophy?
God is our Apex Caregiver. My wife and I share responsibilities, but she's the boss of everything at home! It is hard to summarise our philosophy, but if I had to pick 3 points:
Submit to God, for his direction in how we should parent. It's not easy (ever).
Try not to let kids come in the way of a good spousal relationship
Try and bring up your kids to be good independent thinkers and sound decision makers. We won't always be around to help them - they need to do it themselves, and be at peace with God.
What's your favourite moment in the day with your kid(s)?
When the 5 year old comes and snuggles in our bed in the mornings, and putting them to bed with silly stories
How do you keep yourself sane?
I try and go for long walks, where I have catchup calls with friends. I also listen to podcasts and audio books.
Best tech tip on parenting. This can be apps / hardware / gear you use, and how you use them.
Teaching my son how to make videos to express his creativity. Though he is not allowed to show his face on these videos for privacy reasons, he has amassed a decent following on youtube with his marble run videos. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7VxoRxs4Bq0s3eohUYN8AQ
Most helpful advice you've received as a parent.
Nature has made kids a lot more durable than parents often think they are. Don't worry too much.
What lessons do you not want your kid(s) to learn?
Elitism
What was the best lesson you learned from your child?
The best is yet to be! But, I do really enjoy learning about flowers from my daughter at the moment.
What is your proudest dad moment?
For 2 years in pre-primary, my son was partnered up with a child who had a learning disability. At first it was hard for him, but over time it developed a great sense of empathy and kindness in him. It made me proud to see how my son looked after this child, even if it came at the expense of missing out on certain things / or being embarrassed in front of others for instance.
If you could ask anyone, dead or alive, for their best parenting tip, who and what would that be?
This is a tough one. I would probably ask Hitler's mom what she would have done differently?!
How do you manage technology exposure for your child/children?
Trusting them
Setting some simple ground rules for e.g. TV only on weekends
Having other types of fun with them (lots of board games)
Educating them on what's good / bad and why
What hobbies do you and your children share?
Reading
Finally, your best dad joke!
Q. Why was the strawberry late for school?
A. 'Cos he was stuck in a jam! :)