Fatherhood, Business & Balance: Lessons on Resilience with Clint Junell

In a world where the pressures of career and family life can feel like a constant tug-of-war, finding balance is often seen as the ultimate achievement. Clint Junell, an entrepreneur, father, and survivor of a near-death experience, shares his perspective on navigating the challenges of fatherhood and business while building resilience. Junell's story speaks to the unique struggles of fathers and business owners alike—both groups who are often expected to shoulder heavy burdens without letting it show. Through his journey, Junell has learned valuable lessons about balance, communication, and resilience that he’s now passionate about sharing.

The Balancing Act of Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship

Being both a father and an entrepreneur brings its own set of challenges. Junell faces the task of managing a business while being present for his family, a responsibility that can often feel like walking a tightrope. It’s a balancing act, one that requires resilience, patience, and a commitment to long-term goals over immediate gains.

Junell shares his philosophy on raising children, which he sees as a cornerstone of fatherhood. Instead of focusing on achievements, he emphasizes character-building and developing life skills that will serve his children well into adulthood. This means teaching them to handle emotions, especially in competitive settings, and helping them develop their unique personalities. His oldest child is a budding storyteller and communicator, the middle child a compassionate “hug-loving” person, and his youngest is a quiet, introspective kid deeply focused on games. Acknowledging these differences helps Junell approach each child individually, showing that being a good parent means adapting to each child’s unique traits and needs.

Building Resilience Through Personal Adversity

Junell's journey as a father and entrepreneur is deeply influenced by his own experiences of resilience, including surviving a near-death experience. This event reshaped his priorities and made him more aware of the value of every moment with his family. Resilience, he says, is not just about bouncing back from setbacks but about finding strength in vulnerability.

A critical aspect of resilience for Junell is managing self-doubt. Like many parents, he occasionally experiences “imposter syndrome,” a nagging feeling that he isn’t doing enough in his roles as a father, husband, or business owner. This internal struggle is familiar to many, particularly men, who may feel societal pressure to be infallible. For Junell, overcoming these doubts involves remembering his father’s own struggles and finding empathy for other men who may silently battle similar issues. His message is clear: resilience isn’t about perfection. Instead, it’s about continually showing up and giving your best, even on days when self-doubt looms large.

The Impact of Social Media on Family Dynamics

One of the modern challenges Junell faces as a father is navigating the impact of social media on his family. While social media can offer valuable connections and help share important stories, Junell also sees the potential downsides. He notes that it often interferes with family interactions, making it harder for everyone to be fully present in each other’s lives.

For Junell, the solution lies in teaching his children about the power and pitfalls of social media. He wants them to recognize its value for connection but also to understand the importance of real, face-to-face communication. As an introverted parent, he finds himself focusing on quality interactions and setting an example by being present during family time. This approach reflects his belief that genuine connection with loved ones is one of the most meaningful aspects of life.

Teaching Life Skills and Emotional Control

In today’s competitive world, emotions can run high, especially for young people facing challenges in sports, academics, and social settings. Junell is committed to teaching his children the skills to manage these emotions healthily, seeing it as an essential part of their personal growth. One story he shares highlights a moment of pride as his son learned to manage his emotions on the sports field. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, Junell encourages his children to stay grounded and resilient, even in high-pressure situations.

This focus on emotional intelligence aligns with his approach to parenting as a whole: preparing his children not just to succeed, but to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. Rather than pushing for perfection, Junell emphasizes kindness, respect, and self-awareness. These qualities, he believes, are the foundation for a happy, successful life.

Finding Peace in High-Adrenaline Moments

While some people find peace in stillness, Junell finds it in motion. His love for high-adrenaline activities like mountain biking and skiing helps him stay present and focused, creating moments of mental clarity amid the demands of fatherhood and business. These activities force him to stay in the moment, a skill that translates into other areas of his life, especially during stressful times.

These adventures offer more than just a thrill; they serve as a form of meditation. When he’s flying down a mountain or navigating a challenging ski slope, Junell is able to clear his mind and return to his responsibilities with a fresh perspective. For anyone looking to find balance, he recommends finding an activity that provides this kind of mental reset, allowing them to recharge and approach their life’s challenges with renewed energy.

The Power of Open Communication

In Junell’s household, open communication is non-negotiable. This isn’t always easy, especially given his introverted nature, but he makes a conscious effort to have honest conversations with his children and spouse. He’s guided by the words of former NFL player Emmanuel Acho, who advises against “winning an argument at the cost of losing a person.” For Junell, this philosophy is crucial in maintaining strong relationships, as it reminds him that compassion and understanding are more important than being right.

By prioritizing empathy and active listening, Junell aims to create a home environment where his children feel heard and valued. This open communication also extends to his role as a business leader, where he strives to foster an atmosphere of trust and respect.

Choosing Role Models Over High-Stakes Competition

Another key decision Junell has made as a father is to prioritize role models over high-stakes competition when choosing programs for his children. For instance, when selecting a hockey program for his son, he looks beyond the team’s record, focusing instead on the character of the coaches. His priority is finding mentors who will reinforce the values of respect, kindness, and personal growth, rather than a purely competitive mindset.

This approach reflects Junell’s broader parenting philosophy: raising “good adults, not just kids.” By choosing environments where his children can learn from positive role models, he’s teaching them that success is about more than winning. It’s about developing strong values and staying true to oneself, even in competitive settings.

Lessons on Resilience and Balance

Junell’s story offers valuable insights into the art of balancing fatherhood, business, and personal growth. His journey reveals that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from challenges but about continuously striving to be a better parent, partner, and individual. By sharing his experiences, Junell encourages other fathers to embrace vulnerability, prioritize open communication, and focus on building a legacy rooted in kindness and integrity.

In a world where the pressure to excel can sometimes overshadow the importance of presence and connection, Junell’s lessons on resilience and balance are both timely and timeless. His story is a reminder that the journey of fatherhood and business is less about achieving perfection and more about striving to be the best version of oneself—one day at a time.

Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or someone seeking balance in your own life, Junell’s approach provides a powerful framework for living with purpose, resilience, and joy.