“I have to support my family in a way that makes sense for our needs,” Serena Williams‘ husband, Alexis Ohanian, told ESPN in 2019. In a world where childcare and family care were often seen as a “women’s job”, the Reddit co-founder was ready to turn the tides. From Papa Pancake Sundays to advocating fathers’ presence during their child’s formative years, there’s no stone the Reddit co-founder has left unturned to support his loved ones. He even took a 16-week paid paternity leave after the birth of his older daughter Olympia in 2017—a landmark move at the time!

A regular on social media, the Reddit co-founder has now dropped the secret sauce to his fulfilling life. “Hold on to those loved ones. Extra,” he wrote on X. Ohanian’s statement carries an emotional urgency. The word “extra” adds an underlying intensity to the statement for sure. But this is not the first instance when he’s taught the world how to be a cheerleader.

His wife, Serena Williams, told Allure in 2019, “Alexis doesn’t dim my light, He puts me in the light, even if I don’t want to be. He pushes me to further points I never thought about.” The owner of Angel City FC has never shied away from complimenting his talented wife publicly, either. He once revealed on Instagram that despite supporting his wife from the stands, Williams is the “GOAT off the court when it comes to holding it down for her husband.”

Not only his other-half, but Ohanian’s affection for his two daughters is unimaginable. In June this year, he shared his delight in meeting his two adorable daughters after returning from a work trip. “that first hug from my girls after a work trip,” Ohanian wrote in relief after not hugging his daughters for a long time. “Hug ’em tight! Keep em close esp those early years,” Ohanian responded to a fan’s comment in the same tweet.

Notably, the 41-year-old collaborated with Dove Men+Care to launch a $1 million fund helping facilitate paternity leaves for dads who are unable to do so.

Ohanian’s inspiration comes from his life. In a June episode of his podcast Business Dad, he mentioned how losing his mother to cancer and starting Reddit during her diagnosis changed Ohanian’s perception of fatherhood. He mentioned how it “shaped things in ways” that he “didn’t fully appreciate at that time.” He now believes that he has more opportunities to provide for his children than the ones he received.

His recent social media message also deeply resonated with social media users. One follower noted down his tough journey and how life is unpredictable, writing, “Dam right. Lost my mom when I was 9 (cancer). Dad 16 (heart attack). Lost my best friend to drugs (prison for 23 years). His mom 3 days ago (Esophegeal cancer). Brothers father in law a few years ago (cancer). Far too many to mention that died too young. F**king annoying.”

Ohanian has often stated how Olympia’s presence helped him to be a better person. He once expressed his initial feelings of fatherhood, showing how he came to this thought process about his family.

Alexis Ohanian reveals “humbling feeling” after welcoming Olympia with Serena Williams

“The first time I held my baby was the first time I really held a kid. And it was terrifying. I am big fella, and this was a little itty bitty baby in my hand, and it’s such a humbling feeling. You know you can’t f**k this up. Those first few months were world-changing because they gave me confidence that I could handle it, that I could figure it out, that I’m not going to break her.” he said in an interview with GQ magazine in 2020.

Even on work trips, Alexis Ohanian can not think about his daughters. A few years back, Olympia’s Instagram page shared a photo of the adorable little girl wearing a pink kimono set that her father bought for her from a work trip. This gesture proved that he never bothers to spare a minute to think of his family, even in his busy schedule.

Ohanian serves as an inspiration in balancing responsibilities in work and life. Despite being a successful entrepreneur, Ohanian remains humble and passionate about family. Serena and Alexis’ partnership sure does inspire many. Are you one of them? Let us know in the comments below!