[mbell]

There is a large difference between flexible work and under going a life changing event during the development of the business.

Given a situation where you were picking between two individuals for a co-founder or other critical role, equally qualified, one telling you they are free and clear, no outstanding obligations for the foreseeable future and the other saying "well, there is a good chance I'll be heavily engaged in an outside issue for a couple months next summer", which would you choose? Disregard all gender / cause for the issue.

[Fliko]

I totally agree, picking someone as a cofounder that will be taking leave for their newborn baby is insane, but I had 'lower' positions in mind when I was talking about flexibility.

[einhverfr]

Also I have met men who have been willing to shift paternity time off for a few weeks to accommodate business schedules. Obviously that's not possible for women.