The Hobbs Consultancy & Token Man:
Masculinity in the Workplace

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 both the reason and the skills to lean into the conversation, while also providing women and non-binary people with the confidence to engage more men in inclusion and diversity. Because ultimately we can only make real change by working together.

Our 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 ‘Leading with Heart’. The rapid development of AI is making it more pressing than ever to differentiate ourselves for our leadership and for our careers. Equally the world seems more polarised than ever before with many people leading from hurt. In the face of this, skills previously thought of as ‘soft’ skills (and as such potentially disregarded by many), e.g. empathy, compassion, connection and vulnerability, will become the core skills needed for leadership in the future.

Expect to come away with:

• A better understanding of your own role in driving change to create workplaces that are inclusive, equitable and diverse
• Case studies to show how change is already being delivered in the workplace, specifically how workplaces are successfully engaging men with inclusion and diversity
• A list of small things you can do tomorrow as an individual and business to make a difference to ensuring everyone feels included in the workplace
• A different perspective on the future of work and where we are heading

This event will be BSL interpreted.

Schedule of Events:

13:00 – 13:30 Reception and networking

13:30 – 13:45 Welcome
With Roxanne Hobbs and Daniele Fiandaca
We’ll explore the key trends in this space at the moment and explain why we’ve chosen the theme.

13:45 – 14:25 Leading with Heart: What Machines Can’t Master
With Adah Parris (Speaker, Consultant and Activist)
This talk emphasises the importance of balancing innovation with a connection to what makes us human. Drawing inspiration from indigenous cultures that live in harmony with each other and the planet, we can find valuable leadership skills that can guide us into a more heart-centered future. You will leave with a practical leadership framework, focusing on empathy, sustainability and awareness and equipped with actionable tools to start implementing these tools immediately.

14:25 – 14:55 Panel discussion
With Xav Rees (CEO, AMV BBDO & Chair), Marcia Williams (Executive Director, Equity and Inclusion @ CH4) and Dr Lalith Wijedoru (Wellbeing Consultant)
Leading with heart is a choice, and it is a vulnerable choice. We will gather a group of leaders who are known for ‘leading with heart’ and they will talk about the challenges they have faced in the workplace, along with their successes. This will be facilitated by Daniele Fiandaca

14:55 – 15:15 Leading With Heart: Discussion
With Roxanne Hobbs and Daniele Fiandaca

15:15 – 15:45 BREAK

15:45 – 16:30 Keynote – From Leading with Hurt to Leading with Heart
With Darren Burns (The Timpson Group)
Darren Burns is Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Timpson Group & Head of the Timpson Foundation. He will talk us through his journey from leading with hurt through to leading with heart.

16:30 – 17:15 Breakouts – From Insight to Action
We want to ensure everyone leaves having spoken to other people at the event, and with actions that they can take to help create systemic change

17:15 – 17:30 Closing Thoughts

17:30 – 18:00 Networking

Please note that lunch will not be provided at this event.

Age Recommendation:

18+

Price:

£420

Access Information

Due to the age and Grade II listing of the building, there is no lift access to rooms above the ground floor.

All the ground-floor rooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Cafe (street access, step-free). There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.