MIW 2024: 19th November 1.45pm – 5.30pm via Zoom
International Men’s Day is just around the corner (ish) – close enough that we’re all set for our annual Masculinity in the Workplace event.
The theme this year is ‘Leading from Heart’ which will be an exploration of the leadership skills needed in the next ten years, the barriers that might be in our way and clear actions that organisations can take to up-skill their teams.
Masculinity is shifting from rigid, traditional norms to embrace vulnerability, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Men are now encouraged to seek mental health support, discuss challenges openly, and prioritise work-life balance, challenging past expectations of toughness and emotional suppression.
Allyship for gender equality is rising, with men advocating for equal pay, parental leave, and fighting workplace harassment. The rejection of toxic masculinity is leading to more respectful, emotionally intelligent work environments.
There is a greater call for positive male role models embodying modern masculinity and intersectional discussions now recognise how race, orientation, and background shape masculine experiences differently. Economic shifts have also prompted men to adapt by developing soft skills like empathy and teamwork.
This event will explore how Leading with Heart is a way to redefine masculinity and to create more inclusive, supportive, and progressive workplaces.
AGENDA
1330-1345 Welcome by Roxanne and Daniele
We'll explore the key trends in this space at the moment and explain why we've chosen the theme.
1345-1425 Leading from Heart - Humans vs. AI: Speaker TBC
In the age of AI what is going to differentiate us from the bots? Many argue that much of the 'head and hands' work is going to be tech-led, and therefore runs the risk of our skill sets becoming redundant. However, skills associated with heart, e.g. empathy, compassion, connection, are difficult for the bots to replicate. How can we make sure we are protecting our careers and supporting the careers of those around us by focusing on the skills of the future?
1425-1455 Engage Men to Lead with Heart Panel, facilitated by Daniele
Leading with heart is a choice, and it is a vulnerable choice. We will gather a group of leaders who are known for 'leading with heart' and they will talk about the challenges they have faced in the workplace, along with their successes. Joining us are:
Xavier Rees - CEO of AMV BBDO and Chair of the IPA
Marcia Williams - Executive Director, Equity & Inclusion @ Channel 4
Dr Lalith Wijedoru - Wellbeing Consultant, Storyteller
1455-1515 Rox and Daniele - Leading with Heart Discussion
Rox and Daniele, the cofounders of this event, have been on their own journey as individuals and as a team over the past few years. Whilst normally we stay in the background at this event, we have decided to share some of our learnings, our tricky moments and our successes in our own journeys.
1515-1545 BREAK
1545-1630 Darren Burns - From Leading with Hurt to Leading with Heart
Darren will talk us through his journey from leading with hurt through to leading with heart. He is in charge of the programme at The Timpson Group which seeks to rehabilitate offenders. In his previous career he was in the police, and one of those putting people in prison. He will talk about what has created this shift and how things work on the ground at The Timpson Group.
1630-1715 BREAK
1715-1730 Closing thoughts from Roxanne and Daniele
Please join us by booking your ticket here. This event will be BSL interpreted.
We also have some other ways to support you mark IMD day in your organisation – see details here and contact us for more information and to book something in.
Team THC x
ps - don't forget to book your free spot for our webinar 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Where are we now and where are we headed?' on 23rd October