Not Your Father's Workplace: The Essential Role Men Play in Advancing Gender Equality (ft. Adam Segal, New Masculinities Founder)

In a world struggling to embrace the beauty, complexities, and possibilities of gender it’s not surprising that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently called for more "masculine energy" in corporate America. His callous statement made on the Joe Rogan Experience has sparked controversy and ignited crucial conversations. His comments about masculinity suggest that corporate culture has become too "feminine" and that a "celebration of aggression" is needed.

 

This perspective perpetuates harmful stereotypes about what it means to be masculine, reinforcing toxic masculinity, which is a set of behaviors linked to violence, homophobia, and the devaluation of women. Recent research by the American Psychological Association reveals that toxic masculinity isn't just detrimental to workplace culture and inclusion efforts; it's also harmful to men themselves. This outdated model of masculinity limits emotional expression, promotes unhealthy competition, and restricts the full spectrum of human experience.

 

This podcast episode challenges Zuckerberg's narrow view and explores the concept of "multiple masculinities" – a framework that embraces diverse expressions of masculinity, including those that generously diverge from the limited behaviors that toxic masculinity prescribes.  By embracing a broader understanding of masculinity, organizational leaders can usher in a more inclusive and authentic leadership landscape that benefits people who express their genders in many different ways.

 

To delve deeper into this critical topic, host Rhodes Perry sits down with masculinity expert Adam Segal, founder and facilitator of New Masculinities Group. Adam is a dedicated advocate for critical conversations around gender, sexuality, and masculinity through an intersectional feminist lens. He brings a wealth of experience facilitating men's groups, conducting male accountability work, and promoting anti-racism efforts. 

 

In this insightful conversation, Rhodes and Adam will explore:

---The limitations of traditional masculinity. Unpacking the harmful impacts of toxic masculinity on individuals, workplaces, and society as a whole.

---The power of multiple masculinities. Exploring the benefits of embracing a broader spectrum of masculine expressions, including those that challenge traditional norms.

---Creating a gender inclusive leadership landscape. Discussing how organizations can foster a culture that values diverse leadership styles and promotes gender equity.

---The role of men in advancing gender equality. Examining how men can actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

---Practical strategies for challenging toxic masculinity. Offering actionable steps that individuals and organizations can take to dismantle harmful norms and promote healthy expressions of masculinity.

 

Today’s conversation is designed to support people like you - visionary leaders, and those on their way to joining us. This podcast episode offers a timely and crucial conversation about the future of leadership and the role of masculinity in building gender inclusive workplaces. Savor this insightful talk and if you’d like to connect with inspiring leaders like Adam, be sure to join the Belonging Membership Community by visiting www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe.

 

https://adamjsegal.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-segal-12a07369/

 

Thanks for growing the Belonging Movement!