MICHAEL HOLMES resides in Atlanta, GA and has spent twenty plus years helping leading pharmaceutical companies such as Genentech, Novartis and Johnson and Johnson continue their stellar growth.
FLM: How do you put family first?
MH: Everything I do is for my family.
When I travel for work, I make my flights so I can see my son off to school and also try to be home before he goes to bed.
FLM: If you could give your son just one piece of advice and they had to follow it, what would it be?
MH: Keep God first in your life.
FLM: In parenthood, everyone has advice and everyone's a critic. What are some resources you've used in parenting?
MH: It takes a village to raise kids. I make a point to have my family talk to my son, the men at the barbershop, coaches, and our church family who all play a key role in my son's life.
FLM: And what are some major fails? Either advice you used that was horrible or something you did that you wish you could take back.
MH: Not letting him have a voice or share his thoughts. I was raised when kids didn't talk, unless their parents asked them to. I can't always say "because I said so", although there are times when this is needed.
FLM: As your success grows, how do you
ensure your bond with your son grows?
MH: I'm continuing to work at this, but spending as much time with him as possible.
FLM: To what extent do you educate your child about your plan for success? Making them a partner rather than a recipient of the fruits of your labor.
MH: My wife and I let him know how blessed he is to have some of the things he has. We talk to him about work ethic and not taking any short cuts in life. He knows that we work hard and that we expect him to work hard in school and have good manners.
FLM: If you had to pick 5 qualities that make up a great dad, what would they be?
MH: Qualities to be a great dad include, 1.) Praying with your child, 2.) Be a parent and not a friend, 3.) Showing boys how to love and treat a woman (Mommy), 4.) Listening, 5.) Saying that I love you every night, good days or bad days.