Our Mission
The Company of Dads is a community and an advocate for the Dad who is the lead parent in his family. We call him a Lead Dad. It can be a lonely role at home and an undercover one at work. We offer resources, support, and community, so Lead Dads feel connected to other men doing the same thing. We go to bat for Lead Dads in the community and within companies. Small changes in perception or policy can have a big impact, and taken together they can help families fulfill their full potential.
At Home
We know what you’re going through at home and in your community. Ignored on the playground? Left off playdate lists? Ever receive a call from your wife or partner who is in the middle of a meeting because the school/doctor/dentist insists on calling her? Yup, we understand! The Company of Dads offers advice, resources, humor and straight-up support.
At Work
We know that corporate HR policies that are accepting of Lead Dads are a win-win. They help Lead Dads be open and honest, help Working Moms move beyond gender stereotypes, and support the company’s goals across a range of profit centers. The Company of Dads works with managers to help them message existing HR policies to drive positive engagement.
What's a Lead Dad?
Lead Dads are men who are the go-to parents, whether they work full time, part time, or devote all their time to their families. They support their spouse’s careers, change diapers, plan pediatrician appointments, and generally get stuff done. They may feel isolated but there are over 25 million of them in America today. That’s a third of all fathers.
Who Runs the Company of Dads?
Paul Sullivan – Founder
A long-time New York Times columnist, Paul became a Lead Dad in 2013 when his wife started her own asset management firm. He spent the next seven years as an Undercover Lead Dad – not feeling he could be open about his role in his community where most of the childcare seemed to be done by moms or paid caregivers or at work where he didn’t want his editors to think he was not 100 percent committed to his career. He became an expert at calendar jenga to make it work.
This all changed in 2020 when without school or camp being a Lead Dad and working full time became untenable. When he realized there was nothing to support fathers like him, he grew frustrated – and then did some research. The sheer number of men in the Lead Dad role – about a third of all fathers today – shocked him.
Our Team
Our varied perspectives and experiences enable us to fulfill our mission and positively impact as many Lead Dads (and their families) as possible.
Our Advisors
Our advisors are experts in their fields with valuable perspectives. They help us achieve and exceed our mission.
In the News
Wall Street Journal
Behind Many Powerful Women on Wall Street: A Doting ‘Househusband’
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Wall Street Journal
Dads Are Often IT Guys When Couples Divide Chores
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New York Times
Why I’m Ending My ‘Wealth Matters’ Column (Published 2021)
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Charter
How workplaces can help fathers take on more of the caregiving load
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