In this special feature, EO Portland fathers and founders reflect on the ways fatherhood has transformed how they lead, define success, take risks, and build community. Their stories are honest, thoughtful, and deeply personal, filled with lessons on resilience, boundaries, ambition, presence, and purpose.

EO Portland Board Member and CEO of Casework, Casey Keasler, sat down with Cameron Madill to discuss the realities of building a business while raising a family.

What skill you've developed as a parent has become invaluable in business?

Having a son has helped me to better understand how everything we do comes from our nervous system. All the words we layer on top of a situation — even and especially as adults — are just noise around what someone's underlying needs are. In other words, I try to listen less for the details and more for the needs.

Has an EO conversation, Forum experience, or fellow member changed the way you think about being a father or leader?

I am so grateful to my forum and SO MANY other EO friends for making me a much better dad. A special shout out to my forum: Sean showed me how to listen deeply with your kids, Jenelle helped me to see the importance of creating a space for the child to step into, Ryan taught me about investing 1:1 time with your kids, Bonnie taught me how to love your kids on their quirky, individual path, and Ray, Michelle, and Makena teach me about being a better person every time I see them.

What bold decision have you made in business while raising children?

When I returned from family leave in 2020, I had sold my company to my team in 2019, but I had no hesitation about telling them that I would come back at 3 days/week or they could find my replacement. Fortunately they didn't fire me!