This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Bryce Killingsworth (@brycekillingsworth) lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and works in fundraising and partnerships for a university, connecting people and companies with relevant causes. His job involves building relationships, understanding what people care about, and figuring out how to make an impact together. In his own words, “It’s part strategy, part storytelling, and part just genuinely caring about people. No two days look the same, and that’s what I love about it.“
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
One of my biggest passions is being a present and intentional dad. I’ve got two young kids, and there’s nothing better than getting muddy in the backyard, playing baseball, or chasing them around the house after work. I also love movement — calisthenics, running, lifting — anything that challenges me physically. I cultivate my passions by making them part of my daily rhythm. I get up early to read the Bible, get a workout in, and try to stay off autopilot. Life moves fast, so I’m learning to slow down and actually enjoy the things I care about most.
How did you first develop an appreciation for style?
I think it happened when I realized how much it impacts the way you carry yourself. It wasn’t about following trends — it was more about finding confidence in simplicity. A well-fitted shirt, clean shoes, and taking care of the little details just made me feel more put together. Over time, I started paying attention to how certain pieces made me feel — and now I gravitate toward a classic, minimal look that still works whether I’m chasing my kids around or walking into a meeting.
What does “being well-dressed” mean to you?
Being well dressed to me isn’t about wearing the flashiest outfit — it’s about being intentional. It means putting in a little effort to show up for the day with confidence and respect for the moment you’re in. Whether it’s jeans and a tee or a tailored jacket, it should feel like you — clean, comfortable, and appropriate for whatever’s in front of you. When you’re well dressed, you don’t have to say much. You just carry yourself differently.
Where do you primarily draw your style inspiration from?
I draw a lot of my style inspiration from the classics — old JFK photos, Bond movies, that timeless look that never tries too hard but always looks sharp. I gravitate toward tailored fits and muted colors — pieces that feel clean, intentional, and versatile. I want my clothes to move with me throughout the day, whether I’m at work, chasing my kids, or out to dinner. It’s less about standing out and more about showing up well. Style should feel effortless, and the right fit and tone make all the difference.
Is there a particular item in your wardrobe or accessory that holds special meaning for you?
For me, it’s definitely my watch. I time everything and always keep track of time, so I pretty much always have one on — the only exception is the shower. My current go-to is a Citizen Eco-Drive, but my first real “adult” watch was a Timex Weekender with a military-style strap. I got it probably 16–18 years ago and still have it. It’s a reminder of when I first started caring about the little details — and it kicked off what’s become a lifelong love of watches.
Waking up before the rest of the house to read, work out, and actually think before the day gets loud gives me space to center myself and show up better.
What’s a small habit that has made a big difference in your life?
Waking up early. I don’t mean 4 a.m. grind culture stuff — just waking up before the rest of the house to read, work out, and actually think before the day gets loud. It gives me space to center myself and show up better — as a dad, a husband, and at work. That couple of hours of quiet sets the tone for everything else.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given came from the CEO at my first internship. He told me, “There’s no such thing as success at the office if there’s failure at home.” That hit me hard — and the timing was perfect, right as I was about to begin my career. It completely reframed how I define success. It’s not just about the title or the bank account (even though I still check it often!). It’s about having the people you love around to celebrate with when you do win. That perspective has helped me keep family first.
What podcast are you currently listening to, and what do you enjoy about it?
Right now, I’m into the Huberman Lab podcast. Lately I’ve been curious about how the brain works — what drives us, how habits form, why we do what we do. The science behind motivation and performance fascinates me, and this podcast helps me take that curiosity and apply it to real life. I’m all about trying to live a more intentional, optimal life, and Huberman Lab gives me practical tools to do just that.
What are your three favorite books?
How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Magic of Thinking Big, and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. Each one hit at different seasons of my life. Carnegie’s book helped me understand the power of listening and showing genuine interest in people — something that’s changed the way I lead and interact. The Magic of Thinking Big was like a jolt of energy, pushing me to dream past my current circumstances. And How to Think Like a Roman Emperor blends stoicism and psychology in a way that’s helped me stay calm and focused, especially when life feels chaotic.
What are your three favorite restaurants/cocktail bars?
My three favorite restaurants are all tied to great memories. Pete’s Place is this old-school Italian spot near my hometown in Krebs, Oklahoma — family-style dining, homemade pasta, and the kind of place where you always leave full and happy. Blue Lion in Jackson, Wyoming is where I had one of the best dinners of my life — elk tenderloin with huckleberry sauce and live guitar at a cozy house-turned-restaurant. And then there’s Carmine’s in Times Square — loud, packed, chaotic in the best way, and the portions are comically huge. Each one’s special for its own reason, but all of them have that mix of great food and even better atmosphere.
