Childcare as workforce infrastructure, a capitalist's perspective

Had a great conversation with The Council, Amber Illig, and Rachel Tsui on the First Builders podcast. One number I keep coming back to: 42% of Mirza users increased household income after we helped them access childcare subsidies. This is a statement about benefits access, not about Mirza. All we did we was make it easier to claim what they already qualified for, and get out of the way. Childcare was the perfect, personal starting point. Now, we're driving outcomes through nutrition assistance, housing, and more. And because of federal legislation last year, the stakes have gotten a lot higher. Link to the full episode in the comments. 👇 #firstbuilders #startups #leadership

Siran said it best - This is a statement about benefits access, not about Mirza. Facilitating access to the services people need to work and provide for their families should be a no brainer.

Occam's razor... the answers are usually simple. Social and economic inequities most often drill down to access. We don't need eloquent theories, catchy phrases or even fresh ideas to know that breaking down the barriers to access and centralizing access points to resources are keys to balancing the scales. This post is the first time I've heard of Mirza. While I can't speak on real outcomes, I applaud its concept and the use of responsible AI to give people a fighting chance.

I recently had an insightful podcast conversation with Allan Presland, who has over two decades of experience advising more than 1,000 childcare settings. He helps owners transform what is often a vocation-led sector into sustainable, well-run businesses. One key takeaway from our discussion is the tension many operators face, especially in care-driven sectors. Being exceptional at service does not guarantee business success. Those running childcare settings are typically deeply committed to children, families, and their communities, yet many lack training in the commercial aspects of business management. The reality is clear: if a business isn’t financially healthy, it cannot continue to deliver its services. Here are a few themes from our conversation that resonated with me: • Passion alone isn’t enough — business fundamentals matter • Small operational leaks can lead to significant financial impacts • Sustainable profitability enables reinvestment in staff and outcomes • Good operators deserve robust business structures around them We explored how purpose-driven sectors can build stronger, more resilient businesses without sacrificing their core values. If you’re involved in childcare, service businesses, or are simply interested in the realities of running an operator-led company, I encourage you to listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eDFDQ5Ta #BusinessOwnership #Childcare #Operators #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

🚨 New podcast episode is now live! Running a childcare program in 2026 is no joke… 😅 From staffing shortages to parent communication, burnout is hitting early childhood leaders HARD, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, we’re diving into: ✨ The biggest challenges childcare directors face today ✨ Why so many leaders feel isolated ✨ How technology can actually reduce stress (not add to it) ✨ Practical ways to improve communication with staff & families If you’re a director, owner, or educator... this one is for YOU. 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gXbFh4ew 💻 Watch on YouTube here: https://lnkd.in/ejAMTXzb ➡️ Get a 14-day free trial to Famly here: https://bit.ly/AndyRoszak If you’ve ever felt the burnout, you’re not alone. #childcare #earlychildhoodeducation #ece #preschoolteacher #daycarelife #childcarebusiness #leadership #burnout #teachersupport

🚨 New podcast episode is now live! Running a childcare program in 2026 is no joke… 😅 From staffing shortages to parent communication, burnout is hitting early childhood leaders HARD, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, we’re diving into: ✨ The biggest challenges childcare directors face today ✨ Why so many leaders feel isolated ✨ How technology can actually reduce stress (not add to it) ✨ Practical ways to improve communication with staff & families If you’re a director, owner, or educator... this one is for YOU. 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gXbFh4ew 💻 Watch on YouTube here: https://lnkd.in/ejAMTXzb ➡️ Get a 14-day free trial to Famly here: https://bit.ly/AndyRoszak If you’ve ever felt the burnout, you’re not alone. #childcare #earlychildhoodeducation #ece #preschoolteacher #daycarelife #childcarebusiness #leadership #burnout #teachersupport

Let’s talk about why this matters in this season. Dependency creates vulnerability. Control creates stability. When funding shifts, it impacts everything: staffing, programming, cash flow, and your peace of mind. This is why smart childcare owners are building strategies that don’t rely on one source. You deserve a business that is stable, sustainable, and scalable. Save this if you’re ready to lead differently. #CEOThinking #ChildcareBusiness #FundingChallenges #LeadershipMatters #BuildToLast

Stop waiting for the "perfect" setup to start scaling. 🛑 I sat down with Lucy McMurray from Ritual Wellness Collective, and we talked about the unglamorous side of growth. Most people see the product on the shelf. They don’t see: 👀 The 6-hour blocks in a rented community center kitchen. 🧒 The precision-timed childcare windows. 🔍 The relentless search for the right distribution partner. Scaling in the Alberta market isn't about having the most money; it’s about being the most resourceful. Lucy is a practitioner. She’s using what’s available to build what’s next. If you're waiting for a factory to drop from the sky before you grow, you've already lost. What’s your "community kitchen" right now? What resource are you using to stay in the game? Let’s talk in the comments. 👇 #ScalingUp #AlbertaBusiness #EntrepreneurialHustle

Time for this week’s #BankingInTheCommunity moment from Bankers Trust!🎉 In January, Bankers Trust launched a new season of its Community Difference Makers podcast in partnership with United Way of Central Iowa to take an in-depth look at four of the community's most critical issues: food insecurity, housing, childcare and youth engagement. Listen to the podcast: https://lnkd.in/gc35ekyK

Forget those ridiculously expensive events. Turns out, all you really need is a killer product and a community that’s borderline obsessed with you. Seriously, when your people are that invested, they’re basically your hype squad, your support system, your personal casserole delivery service. They’ll even handle childcare. That’s the power of a real community – it’s the ultimate currency. Want the full lowdown on building that kind of fanatical following? Listen to the full episode – link in the comments! #CommunityBuilding #ProductDevelopment #CustomerLoyalty #BusinessStrategy #Engagement