Fatherhood | David Shapiro on Purpose, Mentorship, and Raising Resilient Kids

For decades, David Shapiro has built his career around a simple idea: young people thrive when the adults around them show up, invest in them, and build relationships that last. As former President and CEO of MENTOR and now CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston, he has made that commitment not simply a profession, but a way of leading and living.In this episode of Fatherhood, Gordon LaForge sits down with Shapiro to explore the lessons his own journey offers about fatherhood, leadership, and purpose. They discuss modern masculinity, the power of vulnerability, mentoring boys, the pressures of youth sports, and the temptation to optimize every aspect of childhood. Shapiro shares his philosophy of choosing connection over convenience, allowing children to experience adversity, and walking alongside young people rather than trying to solve every problem for them.But the conversation also offers a broader lesson about purpose-driven leadership. Shapiro's career is a model of what can happen when we choose to invest our time and talents in others—and inspire others to make the same commitment.The reward isn't simply the difference we make for those we serve; it is the fulfillment, growth, and sense of belonging that come from building meaningful relationships and contributing to the well-being of others.At its heart, this is a conversation about what we owe the next generation—and how a life devoted to helping others grow can, in turn, help us grow ourselves.