Parent You Should Know: Theodore “Teddy” Savage

Title: Head of Health and Fitness Excellence at Planet Fitness World Headquarters

Lives: Baltimore

Family: Jessica (fiancee), Nyah (15), Kayne (11), Zyana (6) and Teddy Jr. (6 months)

The Savage Family Parent You Should Know June 2022
The Savage Family | Provided Photo

 

What’s the hardest part about juggling parenthood and your career?

I think the hardest part about juggling being the best father and the best professional I can possibly be is managing the desire to pour everything you have into both while making time to continue to grow internally as a person. My approach to parenthood and my career is to be a servant leader and add value to those around you in a selfless manner. Sometimes this approach can lead to forgetting that while it’s great to invest in others, it’s important to continue to pursue your inner growth in terms of mind, body and soul.

What makes trying to balance both easier?

Keeping your goals clearly defined and understanding how all the dots connect has made balancing the pieces more manageable for me. I hesitate to say easy because there are always variables that are unforeseen or exist beyond the scope of your control. Taking the time to revisit my goals as a father and a leader at work allows me to strategically plot a course that makes things seem more manageable and attainable.

What do you love about being a parent?

As a child, I always wanted to emulate the example my father laid before me, and my prayer was to grow up to be at least half the man and leader he was to me. Being a parent myself has given me the esteemed privilege of leading and shepherding my children in my way, and in doing so, really paying homage to my dad. Seeing how each one of my children has such a unique spirit and how they all go about living in their individuality while loving being part of a larger family is the greatest joy for me. Some days I’m a superhero with my son, and others I’m “Ken” playing Barbies with my daughter. It’s all golden!

What do you think is your biggest parenting fail?

I’d say my biggest parenting fail is not doing enough to expose them to all the adventures life has to offer. There are so many experiences out there in the world and opportunities to gain perspective through those experiences. However, sometimes there’s not enough sand in the hourglass to open all the doors for my children to explore. I’d love them to be immersed in worlds that I didn’t even know existed as a child growing up in Baltimore City.

What’s the one thing you hope your children learn from you and your career?

I hope all of my children learn the value of sacrifice, stick-to-itiveness, selflessness and committing to the journey without knowing exactly where it will lead you. I want them to know that their success doesn’t have to look like mine, but that the essential ingredients to achieving their greatest potential lies in doing things that go far beyond
personal conquest.

 

Family Favorites

 

Family Meal: I’d have to say steak and homemade mashed potatoes with asparagus,
except when it’s pizza night.

Dessert: Ice cream for sure! I’d say a variety, but mint chocolate chip would rule them all.

Book To Read Together: We all love “Lord of the Rings” and getting lost in those adventures.

Way To Spend A Weekend With Your Family: Fun Activity Fridays (arts, crafts and board games), Movie Cinema Saturdays (with all the popcorn) and Cooking on the Grill Sundays (with burgers, sausages, ribs and corn on the cob)

Vacation Spot: Any theme park with roller coasters and water slides. My family loves a good thrill ride, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg was one of our most memorable family vacation spots.

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