Balancing Family and Business: David Tyree on Purpose-Driven Living
In Episode 92 of Catch The Moment, our host David Tyree explores a topic that resonates with many: how to balance life when family, business and entrepreneurship intertwine. Titled “David Talks Balance,” this episode unpacks David’s own personal journey when it comes to balancing the many challenges and opportunities life presents.
David begins by discussing how he doesn’t just believe in balance, but believes in radical obedience, especially to God. While many strive to find this perfect balance in their personal and professional life, David emphasizes that alignment comes from deeply understanding yourself and your purpose and living it out.
Growing up in a divorced household in Essex County, NJ, David’s father was not present very much, but he remained supportive of his love for football. Football provided David with surrogate guidance through coaches and life lessons that helped fill the gaps left by his father’s absence. He was lucky enough to find something he was passionate about and was able to play Division 1 football at Syracuse University, make it to the NFL, and live his dream.
However, after having his first son at 21, he had to dream a new dream and shift his perspective. He began focusing on posterity over prosperity. Prosperity, as he describes, is about personal well-being, while posterity is about the legacy that you pass on, and when you tie these two things together, you can get the optimal level of your purpose.
As a husband and father of seven, David believes that business and values intersect. Through previous family businesses, such as Tyree’s Table, along with all of DT3’s current initiatives, including speaking engagements and consulting, his children have been exposed to key elements of business, such as sales, marketing and operations, which has given them a framework of work ethic, detail, attention and a pursuit of excellence.
One of the greatest challenges of achieving balance, whether in family, work, or business, is setting realistic expectations. David believes that balance begins with understanding your purpose. For him, that purpose is rooted in faith: he was created by God, for God and his pleasure. Knowing your purpose gives direction. From there, understanding your role becomes essential. Our roles are often tied to identity, and identity shapes our life experiences.
Another major challenge in achieving balance is managing limited resources. With fewer resources, every decision matters, and it becomes crucial to stay grounded in your purpose and priorities. David emphasises the need for patience and adaptability when starting anything new. Setting realistic expectations helps prevent frustration, and learning to work with the resources that you have can lead to success.
One of David’s beliefs is the ideology that work is worship, and he even developed an inspiring keynote called ‘Real Men Work’ to help reframe its narrative.
David leaves listeners with some advice: “Be fully present everywhere you are, don’t assume, and minimize the presumptive form of pride.” - David, Episode 92 of Catch the Moment. David also stressed the importance of communicating with those around you and learning how to ask questions to clarify missions and expectations.
Throughout his podcast, David shares wisdom, insight, and perspectives with honesty and transparency, helping listeners move closer to their purpose and potential. However, these themes aren’t just limited to Catch The Moment—David also brings the same authenticity and passion to his keynote speeches and speaking engagements, where he continues to inspire audiences with his message of purpose-driven living.
Listen to the full podcast here!