Balancing Private Equity and Parenthood: Mike Sharifi on Redefining What It Means to Show Up

Episode 6 of The Balancing Act Podcast

In this episode of The Balancing Act, host Sarah Sheridan welcomes Mike Sharifi, a private equity executive and father of two, for an honest conversation about ambition, parenting, and redefining what it means to “have it all.” From career pivots to toddler routines, Mike shares how he and his wife manage the demands of two high-pressure careers and why clear communication and flexible roles are key to making it work.

Listen to the full episode: https://talentinsights.hirewell.com/

From Recruiting to Private Equity and Fatherhood

Mike’s career began in recruiting and evolved into private equity after earning his MBA from the University of Chicago. Today, as an Operating Principal at Wynnchurch Capital, he supports leadership development across a $9B portfolio. But while his professional life moves fast, his most meaningful title is dad.

“Lead Parent” Over “Default Parent”

One of the most resonant takeaways from the episode is the concept of the lead parent, a term introduced to Mike by a mentor. It reframes the idea of one person always carrying the load.

“Some weeks, I’m traveling and my wife’s the lead parent. Other weeks, I step up so she can focus on work. We just have to be clear about who’s holding what.”

This intentional approach isn’t about perfection. It’s about shared responsibility, mutual respect, and creating space for both parents to show up fully, at home and at work.

Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference

Rather than forcing balance into a 50-50 equation, Mike and his wife lean into their strengths and preferences. She handles laundry and school drop-offs. He tackles dishes and nighttime bottle prep.

“If you can divide tasks based on what you’re good at, or what you don’t mind doing, it takes the friction out of the daily grind.”

It’s less about equal distribution, more about practical sustainability.

Time Management as a Survival Tool

Mike’s biggest asset in managing work and family? A handwritten daily list. Each morning, he writes down:

• The top 3 things he needs to get done at work
• The 2 or 3 things he needs to do personally

Whether it’s getting in a run or making it home for bedtime, this ritual keeps him focused on what really matters.

How Fatherhood Changed His Leadership

Mike opens up about how becoming a dad reshaped his approach to leadership.

“I used to be all output and efficiency. Having kids taught me empathy. It’s helped me become a better manager, a better partner, and just a better human.”

He’s proof that showing up at home strengthens how you show up at work, not just as a contributor, but as a leader.

Key Takeaways from Episode 6

• Communication is everything, especially in dual-career households
• Defining and rotating the lead parent role prevents burnout
• Play to your strengths at home, just like you would at work
• Time management doesn’t have to be complex to be effective
• Fatherhood can sharpen your leadership in unexpected ways

Final Thoughts

The Balancing Act isn’t about doing it all, it’s about doing what matters, when it matters, with intention. Mike Sharifi’s story is a reminder that real balance comes from structure, communication, and a willingness to adapt as life evolves.

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Sarah Sheridan