We catch up with father and successful entrepreneur, Hariman Kwok, on the challenges of balancing family and work commitments, and working towards that elusive work-life balance.
Father’s Day is just around the corner on 18 June 2023, and we have been scouring the streets to craft the best listicles for all dads out there. From the best dining deals, pressies he would love, things to do, and so much more. It’s time we showered dads with heaps of TLC for all they do and mean to us! Because, let’s be honest, fatherhood is no walk in the park and often requires wearing more than one hat.
So what is it like to play the balancing act? We catch up with Hariman Kwok, a full-time father of two and the CEO and founder of The Seriously Fun Group, The Polliwogs, and X-SCAP8, to get an insight into how he aims for the perfect work-life balance for himself and his family.
1. First up, we’re big on family here at HoneyKids – can you tell us about yours, Hariman?
My immediate family consists of my spouse and our two sons. My spouse is an amazing partner who shares my values and supports me in my personal and professional endeavours. We work together as a team and support each other in our respective ventures, providing fresh perspectives and actively participating in each other’s lives.
Our children are the centre of our world. They bring endless laughter, curiosity, and inspiration to our lives. My eldest enjoys rock climbing and is a very disciplined and hardworking boy. My younger son enjoys creating videos and wants to be a content creator one day.
2. Can you tell us what inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your businesses?
When I became a father, my perspective on life shifted. The immense joy and love my children brought into my world ignited a desire to spread that happiness to others. I knew I wanted to create something meaningful and impactful, not only for my family but for the community as a whole. During that time, I also noticed a gap in the availability of fun and interactive spaces where families could truly connect and have memorable experiences together.
I founded The Polliwogs in 2009. Our mission was to positively impact people’s lives through the power of fun. So we designed our centres to cater to children’s and adults’ needs. In 2022, we recognised the importance of mental health and the lack of wholesome hangout spaces for adults, particularly during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. We saw firsthand the benefits of play for children and wondered, why not create something similar for adults? That’s how X-SCAP8 came to life.
5. Have entrepreneurship and family life intertwined along your journey?
Fatherhood has strengthened my emphasis on adaptability, empathy and communication in my personal and professional relationships. Understanding my children’s unique needs, perspectives, and emotions has translated into a deeper understanding of the needs and perspectives of my team members, customers, and business partners. In addition, it has influenced my leadership style, fostering a more compassionate and collaborative approach.
My kids have also always been eager to be part of my journey at The Seriously Fun Group. They loved coming to my workspace and enjoying the play spaces I’d created, especially when they were younger. Seeing their faces glow, their joyful laughs, and playing gleefully with their friends was such a joy. These moments made me realise that what we are doing makes a difference, and it was all worth it.
6. What are the challenges of juggling two very significant and different hats?
Like any working dad, I struggle to balance harmoniously. Sometimes it’s challenging to disconnect from work and fully engage in quality family time, or vice versa; personal matters or family concerns may occasionally encroach upon work hours. Striking a clear boundary between work and family can be challenging and requires conscious effort. It’s important to be mindful and communicate.
Balancing the demands of running a business and being an involved parent can lead to increased levels of stress and pressure. Deadlines, financial obligations, and family commitments can all contribute to the pressure. It requires effective stress management techniques and coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges. It’s a journey that requires perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering love for my family.
7. How do you strike that balance between the demands of fatherhood and entrepreneurship?
Balancing the demands of fatherhood and entrepreneurship is a journey I approach with a personal touch. It’s all about finding what works for me and my family. It is crucial to understand the importance of my various responsibilities and roles and prioritise them. Therefore, I consciously set boundaries and carefully choose how I spend my time. When it comes to time management, I take a proactive approach. I create schedules, set deadlines, and leverage productivity tools to optimise my work and family time.
8. How would you describe your parenting style?
When my sons were younger, I used to ensure that I crafted out specific times or days to ensure I would see them daily, at dinner, or at least to tell them bedtime stories, and to have at least one weekend day. Those times are essential as they provide consistency in my children’s lives.
Now that they are older, my sons value their independence. I respect that and give them the benefit of the doubt and freedom as long as they are safe and doing their best in their studies. I find time to have good-quality and often deep conversations with them and at least one weekend meal as a family so we can chat about anything. The key is to be intentional and make quality time with your children a priority. It’s not about the quantity of time but the quality of the interactions and the genuine connections formed.
9. What are some of the most important lessons you have learnt from your kids?
Children possess boundless imagination and creativity. They inspire me to think outside the box, approach challenges with a fresh perspective, and foster a culture of innovation and creativity in my work. Their imaginative play and uninhibited thinking have influenced my approach to problem-solving and encouraged me to embrace creativity in all aspects of life.
Our children are growing up and know things we sometimes don’t understand. Respect your children. Give them some trust and the benefit of the doubt. Listen to their point of view and have discussions rather than “advising” them too much.
10. What advice do you have for other working fathers out there?
Be present and engaged – When with your family, be fully present. Put away distractions and give your undivided attention to your loved ones. Engage in meaningful conversations, participate in activities, and create lasting memories. Quality time is more important than quantity, so make each moment count.
Communicate and involve your family – Openly communicate with your family about your work commitments and involve them in your decision-making process. This also allows for shared responsibility and collaborative problem-solving. Remember, you don’t have to do everything alone.
Practice self-care – Self-care is crucial to maintaining a healthy work-family balance. Prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, relaxation, and rest. Nurturing your wellbeing allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for your family and work.
Remember, finding work-family balance is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different strategies, be patient with yourself and be willing to make adjustments along the way. With dedication and intentionality, you can find a balance that allows you to thrive personally and professionally.
Thank you, Hariman, for speaking to us. And for all the dads out there, thank you for all that you do. Happy Father’s Day!