Three Entrepreneurs Who Balance Family AND Success

Ever wonder what it takes to achieve that seemingly precarious balance of family and success?  Sure, we all value and want both.  But it takes continued dedication to get it right.  We found three entrepreneurs who are doing it, and might just be the inspiration you need.

Ryan Hibbert of Riot Hospitality Group

You’ve probably never heard of Riot Hospitality.  More likely, you’re familiar with El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, with locations nationwide.  CEO Ryan Hibbert is a native of Arizona, and has created an enviable life.  In his own words, he’s living his dream.

Ryan loves to create environments people love, from employees to customers to family.  And while Ryan is dedicated, driven, and high energy, he loves to set time aside for Sunday family dinners and holidays with family.

He rounds out his world view with an everybody wins attitude, and loves to see others achieving success.  Moreover, Ryan says always be learning, from both your successes and mistakes, and remain humble.

Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook

Imagine, in our “I work therefore I am” world, leaving work behind at 5:30 every day.   Unthinkable?  That’s what Sheryl Sandberg does, even as the COO of Facebook.  While she admittedly puts in some early morning or late night time for emails and follow-ups, evenings are strictly reserved for family.

Sheryl believes that everyone should achieve, and that everyone should receive the support that helps them achieve.  And that includes allowance for those with family, special needs, or any other essential requirements.

Spencer Rascoff  formerly of  Zillow Group

Spencer doesn’t just take time for family.  It’s his belief that in order to be most productive and successful, a healthy work-life balance is essential.  Like Sheryl Sandberg, he sets evenings aside for family.  You’ll usually find him chasing kids or dogs after 7, not another business deal.

Having left Zillow earlier this year, he now spends even more time with family while pursuing new ventures.  But he’s still on the Zillow  board.  “I enjoyed being able to dive deep on the Zillow business for a few hours as a Director, and then happily leave the Boardroom and the day-to-day stress of running the company behind me,” he wrote. “I could get used to this.”

Common Takeaways

There is no magic sauce that makes it easy for you to balance family and success.  But the lives and words of these three highly successful executives makes it easy to identify the essentials:

• Identify priorities and set aside family time.
• Be disciplined and have clear boundaries.
• Work hard and be willing to sacrifice to “have it all.”
• Give back.  To your company, your employees, your family.  You can’t win without them.