Business
The "Leading in a Mosaic World" podcast, hosted by Susan Popoola, explores the realities of modern life through conversations with diverse voices and experiences. This episode forms part of a special series exploring the question: “What does it mean to be a man in today’s world?” through conversations with men from different backgrounds, professions, and cultures. The series contributes to the wider mission of creating Gender Harmony in a Mosaic World, a world where men are able to fully be themselves, live fulfilled lives, and add value to others.
Today’s guest is Mark Brooks OBE, a leading policy advisor, campaigner, and advocate for men’s and boys’ wellbeing. Awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to gender equality, Mark serves as Director of Policy and Communications for the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys and holds advisory and leadership roles across organisations working in men's health, domestic abuse, education, and public policy.
In this episode, Mark explores the changing experiences of boys and men, challenging stereotypes around masculinity while examining the social, educational, and economic issues affecting male wellbeing today. Drawing on decades of policy and advocacy work, he discusses the importance of positive role models, social mobility, mental health, and creating opportunities for boys and young men to thrive.
The conversation also examines how class, ethnicity, education, and media narratives shape boys' experiences, highlighting the need for balanced conversations that recognise both challenges and strengths. Mark shares practical insights on mentorship, community engagement, policy reform, and the role society can play in improving outcomes for men and boys while contributing to greater gender harmony.
You can connect with Mark Brooks via LinkedIn and learn more about his work through the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys and the Mankind Initiative. And also connect with the host, Susan Popoola, the CEO of Mosaic Fusions, a specialist in human value optimisation, via LinkedIn. Learn more about her work on her Mosaic Fusions website. And publications on Mosaic Gold Ltd.
This series of the podcast is produced by Rafiat Akinwande.
Keywords: MosaicWorld, MenInTodaysWorld, GenderHarmony, Men, MaleActualisation, Success, Fulfilment, Boys, Adolescent, Manosphere, Masculinity, PositiveMasculinity, MensWellBeing, YoungMen, HumanValue, SusanPopoola, MarkBrooksOBE, CentreForPolicyResearchOnMenAndBoys, MankindInitiative, MensHealth, BoysEducation, MaleSuicidePrevention, DomesticAbuse, PublicPolicy
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Men's Issues
03:20 Mark's Early Life and Background
09:01 The Evolution of Boys' Experiences
20:01 Gender Assumptions and Boys
28:17 Creating a Positive Narrative for Boys
33:43 Understanding Working-Class Boys
40:46 The Crisis of Male Mental Health
44:45 Listening to Men's Experiences
45:43 The Joys of Being a Man
48:44 outro