I'm a billionaire with 8 kids. Here's how I avoid spoiling them — and my most important parenting rule

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Sports
John Caudwell and family
John Caudwell has eight children spanning decades in age. His youngest, pictured here with his partner, Olympic cyclist Vžesniauskaitė, are 2 and 5.

Courtesy of John Caudwell

As a chief innovation officer, writing fiction helps me with my job. I'm now a better strategist.

Tech Insider : Business, Politics, Technology
Roopa Unnikrishnan headshot
The author shares how writing fiction has made her better at her 9-to-5 job.

Courtesy of the author

My first performance review after maternity leave was disappointing. It was difficult to be a great mom and a great employee.

Tech Insider : Business
a mother working at a table with a baby in her lap
The author (not pictured) struggled to go back to work after giving birth.

Maskot/Getty Images

I pay my 8-year-old with Pokémon cards for his chores. It motivates him more than getting money.

Tech Insider : Business
Boy with Pokémon cards.
The author's son (not pictured) is motivated by getting Pokémon cards for his chores.

Stefanie Rex/picture alliance via Getty Images

At work, I've been mistaken for a student many times. Instead of trying to seem older, I've leaned in to my youthfulness.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman smiling in cherry-print dress
At work, I've been mistaken for a student many times. Instead of trying to seem older, I've leaned in to my youth.

Julie Zhu

I help high schoolers get into Ivy League colleges. My advice to parents is that your teens are taking too many AP classes.

Tech Insider : Business
Steve Gardner at a speaking event holding a microphone
Steve Gardner, who teaches Leadership and Impact at Harvard Summer School, says not maxing out your advanced classes during high school allows you more time to align your core values with your college application.

Courtesy of Steve Gardner

I took a career break to spend a summer with my kids. It changed how I think about work

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
Kids looking at ocean
The author took a summer off to spend it with her kids.

Courtesy of the author

As a single woman with partnered friends, solo trips feel like my only choice

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer posing for a selfie on a solo trip to New York.
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Isabella Silvers

I bought my grandparents' house and lived next to my mom. When she decided to move, it was hard on both of us.

Tech Insider : Business
Mom and daughter posing for selfie.
The author and her mom used to live next door to each other.

Courtesy of the author

I'm a travel writer and mom of 3. Here's how I navigate vacations with my moody teens.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A boy uses a table while lounging in a hammock at sunset.
The author said that traveling with her teens (not shown) can sometimes be tricky, but she's found a few ways to make the experience better for everyone.

da-kuk/Getty Images

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