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 Paddy Burt, founder of The Rural Reset, a wellbeing initiative that helps high-performing men build resilience through nature, practical skills, and meaningful connection. After years working with senior executives and high-performance teams in the financial sector, Paddy experienced firsthand the pressures and expectations that can shape men's lives. A life-changing move from the City to a farm, where he spent almost three years, gave him a new perspective on wellbeing, purpose, and what it means to live more authentically.

In this episode, Paddy reflects on his childhood, boarding school experiences, and the expectations that shaped his understanding of masculinity, confidence, and belonging. He discusses bullying, anxiety, the pressure to maintain a confident exterior, and how the "mask" many men develop can hide a more vulnerable and empathetic self.

The conversation also explores the pressures facing young men today, including social media, technology, career uncertainty, and the challenge of maintaining genuine human connection. Paddy shares his experiences of high-pressure City life, workplace culture, alcohol, and sobriety, as well as how stepping away from that environment helped him reconnect with himself and find a greater sense of purpose.

Paddy explains how these experiences inspired The Rural Reset, creating safe spaces where men can slow down, reconnect with nature, have honest conversations, and recognise that they are not alone in the challenges they face.

You can connect with Paddy Burt via Linkedin and learn more about The Rural Reset through its website and social media channels.

You can 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.

Chapters

01:12 Introduction to Paddy Burt and Rural Reset

03:04 Paddy's Early Life and Family Dynamics

06:17 Boarding School Experiences and Masculinity

11:17 The Impact of Bullying and Resilience

17:44 Understanding Identity and Masculinity

22:27 Challenges Faced by Young Men Today

26:14 The Role of AI and Job Market Concerns

29:22 Paddy's Journey to Self-Discovery and Transformation

32:05 Paddy's Journey in Recruitment and the City Culture

35:03 The Impact of Mental Health and Breakdown

42:05 Reflections on Drinking Culture and Personal Change

47:10 Transition from City Life to Farm Life

49:52 The Concept of Rural Reset and Men's Retreats

56:13 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Challenges

MosaicWorld, MenInTodaysWorld, GenderHarmony, Men, MaleActualisation, Success, Fulfilment, Boys, Adolescent, Manosphere, Masculinity, PositiveMasculinity, MensWellBeing, YoungMen, HumanValue, SusanPopoola, PaddyBurt, TheRuralReset, Resilience, MensMentalHealth, Nature, Purpose, Connection, Wellbeing, Leadership, Sobriety, Authenticity, HumanConnection