Grandfathers often see themselves as supporting actors in the family story, but as Ted Page reminds us, they may in fact hold one of life’s most underestimated leadership roles. In this heartfelt conversation, Ted—copywriter-turned-entrepreneur, creative powerhouse, and author of Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood—talks about the profound influence grandparents can have across generations. From his early days in New York advertising to launching one of the first viral-video marketing firms, Ted built a career on creativity and problem-solving. Yet nothing prepared him for the joy, responsibility, and legacy-building potential he discovered the day he received a Valentine’s Day card containing his first grandchild’s sonogram.
Through stories both humorous and deeply touching, Ted shares lessons learned from fellow grandfathers, military leaders, religious mentors, and his own close-knit family. He argues that creativity, humility, presence, and moral modeling shape future generations far more than instructions or lectures ever could. Whether it’s teaching grandchildren about entrepreneurship through a lemonade stand, passing on traditions that cultivate gratitude, or simply being fully present on the floor searching for lost Lego pieces, Ted shows how everyday moments can become memories that outlive us. This episode is a poignant reminder that leadership at home is leadership at its highest form—and that every grandfather, and anyone who mentors the young, shapes the world one small moment at a time.
Grandparenting is leadership—quiet, powerful, and generational.
Ted emphasizes that grandparents influence values, identity, resilience, and creativity in ways that ripple across decades.
Creativity is a skill worth passing on.
Teaching grandchildren to solve problems, embrace imagination, and explore entrepreneurial thinking prepares them for a world shaped by AI, disruption, and rapid change.
Humility keeps relationships healthy across generations.
Avoiding parental overreach, respecting boundaries, and asking questions rather than assuming answers fosters trust and strengthens the grandparent-parent partnership.
Presence Challenge:
During your next interaction with a child or grandchild, silence your phone and devote 15–30 minutes to being fully present—floor time, eye contact, and real engagement.Modeling Values Challenge:
Identify one value you want to pass down (kindness, gratitude, curiosity, resilience). Demonstrate it through action this week rather than explanation.Legacy Reflection Challenge:
Write down one story, insight, or piece of wisdom you want future generations to remember. Share it with your family—or save it for your legacy journal.
