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 thoughtful 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 in which men are able to fully be themselves, live fulfilled lives, and add value to others.

Today’s guest is Ruben Singh Rai, co-founder and Head of Business Operations at CurvUp, a personal AI business companion for entrepreneurs. With a background in chemical engineering and banking and finance, Ruben brings experience in building and running early-stage businesses. He is also a competitive boxer and qualified England Boxing coach, and draws on the discipline, resilience, and accountability he has developed through the sport in both his professional and personal life.

In this episode, Ruben reflects on growing up as one of the few brown children in a predominantly white environment and how racism, isolation, and the desire for acceptance shaped his confidence and behaviour. He shares how football initially provided a sense of belonging before boxing became a turning point, helping him develop discipline, accountability, confidence, and a stronger sense of self.

The conversation also explores the pressures facing young men today, including social media, external validation, loneliness, and the pursuit of visible success. Ruben discusses masculinity, physical wellbeing, discipline, testosterone, and the ways lifestyle and environment can influence how men feel and function. He also shares his perspective on the appeal of the manosphere and the importance of looking beyond quick answers and external outcomes to build meaningful foundations for a fulfilling life.

You can connect with Ruben Singh Rai on Linkedin and learn more about CurvUp through their website.

If you’d like to explore the conversation around declining testosterone levels in men a little further, here are three resources for you to take a look at:

• The Guardian: Men’s average testosterone levels have halved in last 50 years, say scientists
• Eden Clinic: Testosterone Decline
• Medichecks: Why do Gen Z and millennial men have lower testosterone?

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.

Keywords: MosaicWorld, MenInTodaysWorld, GenderHarmony, Men, MaleActualisation, Success, Fulfilment, Boys, Adolescent, Manosphere, Masculinity, PositiveMasculinity, MensWellBeing, YoungMen, HumanValue, SusanPopoola, RubenSinghRai, CurvUp, Boxing, Discipline, Resilience, Entrepreneurship, MensMentalHealth, Community, Brotherhood, Purpose, SelfDevelopment, EmotionalRegulation, Wellbeing

Chapters

01:12 Introduction to Ruben Singh Ray

02:24 The Journey of Growing Up Different

09:05 The Impact of Insecurities and Identity

18:17 Discovering Boxing: A Life-Changing Moment

25:48 Boxing as a Metaphor for Life and Business

26:28 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with CurveUp

31:16 The Reality of Young Men Today

36:56 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Social Media

41:32 The Impact of Testosterone on Men's Health

48:13 Balancing Modern Life and Health

52:24 Coping with Loss and Building Resilience

53:41 The Value of Life and Community Support

54:33 Understanding 3D, 4D, and 5D Consciousness

56:55 Navigating Life's Turbulence

01:00:11 The Impact of External Factors on Emotions

01:01:50 Curated Content for Personal Growth

01:03:34 Feminization of Men: A Controversial Perspective

01:08:37 Finding Solutions and Support Systems

01:09:50 Actionable Steps for Personal Improvement