This episode is a grounded reminder that presence is a daily choice. Mark Gillilan shares how entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and outdoor rituals helped him stay connected to his kids while navigating work and life in the digital age. Mark’s breakthrough came when he realized presence isn’t found, it’s chosen. That insight reshaped his work, his parenting, and the way he creates connection every day.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
- Why presence is a daily choice and how it reshapes both parenting and entrepreneurship
- How outdoor rituals and shared experiences create deeper connection than perfect schedules
- What building a business taught Mark about time, attention, and being truly available
- How to navigate screen time and digital pressure without disconnecting from your kids
- Why learning new things alongside your children strengthens trust and confidence
- The quiet power of kindness, flexibility, and playing hooky to create lasting family memories
Featured Guest: Mark Gillilan
Mark Gillilan is the founder of Kyoto Botanicals and a father of two who helps purpose-driven parents rethink time, attention, and connection. His work blends wellness education, nature-based rituals, and transparency in business to model what intentional parenting can look like in the digital age.
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Meet the Host: Adrienne Giffen
Adrienne Giffen is an executive recruiter, author of Unravel You, podcast host, and creator of the Now You’re Talking® conversation board game. Through her work, she helps people reconnect through meaningful conversations, shared values, and experiences that bring people closer together in today’s digital world.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennegiffen/
Website: https://www.adriennegiffen.com/
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