Masculinity in the Workplace 2023

Welcome to Masculinity in the Workplace, the only event in the UK that is designed specifically to engage men with inclusion and diversity. Marking International Men's Day, the objective of our event is to give men the skills to lean into the conversation, while also providing women and non-binary people with the skills to engage more men in inclusion and diversity. Because ultimately we can only make real change by working together.

Our distinguished speakers will share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of masculinity in diverse work environments. You'll have the chance to ask questions, participate in interactive sessions, and network with like-minded professionals.

The theme for this year is 'The Power of Identity'. We have chosen this theme because it will allow us to explore some current and contemporary issues around men and masculinity. We will look at intersectionality, how identity is formed, the thorny issue of privilege and explore why some men are being drawn to unhealthy ideals of masculinity, such as Andrew Tate.

Click here to book your virtual ticket. This is the digital version of the event - if you are keen to come to the in-person event, please do get in contact.

AGENDA

13.45: Introduction and welcome - Daniele Fiandaca, Founder of Token Man & Roxanne Hobbs, Founder of The Hobbs Consultancy

Part 1 - Experiences with identity

13.55: Keynote: Eshaan Akbar - Personal Experience

We have seen Eshaan perform live in Hemel Hempstead and think we're in for a treat. He uses the medium of comedy to express complex and nuanced ideas around identity. His own identity is very interesting in that he was born in the UK to Bangladeshi and Pakistani parents. He also has a hidden disability that he has come to terms with.

14.40: Research findings from this year's Masculinity in the Workplace survey.

14.55: BREAK

Part 2 - Forming our identity

15.20: Fireside chat with Susie Orbach - How identity is formed

The structure of parenting, and how parents parent, has a significant bearing on how boys and girls are raised and how they internalise notions of masculinity. As such, their identities are formed in response to unconscious gender constraints and prescriptions pressed on them by their parents as well as society as a whole.

16.05: Panel - Engaging men with inclusion and diversity

Our panellists will discuss how they have been successful in engaging men with inclusion and diversity and how this is shifting the culture in their business. Confirmed panellists are:

• Elaine Grell, Chief People Officer, Ogilvy
• Mike Vallis, Managing Director RTPs, Merlin Entertainments
• Tafadzwa Muchenje, Marketing Exec, Channel 4 & Co-chair, The Shed

Part 3 - Beyond masking to authenticity

16.45: BREAK

17.00: Keynote: Matt Lindley - Unmasking vulnerability

Airline and former Royal Air Force pilot Matt Lindley talks candidly about being one of the first openly gay pilots in the UK Armed Forces. Listen to his journey of having a childhood dream to fly, almost crushed by a ban on gay serving personnel in the Armed Forces. Matt will discuss not only his personal journey and the importance of allies that helped him, but practical inclusive tools used in the aviation world to deliver collaborative decision making and a speak up culture on the flight deck.

17:45: Close - Daniele Fiandaca & Roxanne Hobbs