International Men’s Day 2025: Celebrating Men and Boys
Every year on November 19, International Men’s Day (IMD) shines a spotlight on the positive contributions men make to families, communities, and society. However, its purpose goes beyond recognition. Now celebrated in over 80 countries worldwide, it’s about raising awareness of critical issues affecting men and boys. In particular, issues such as mental health, fatherhood and pressure from societal expectations and stereotypes about masculinity.
The day is anchored by six pillars: promoting positive male role models, celebrating contributions, focusing on health and well-being, addressing discrimination, improving gender relations, and creating a safer world. These goals are vital when you consider the challenges men face: men die 4–5 years earlier than women, have a suicide rate three times higher, and are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease and lung cancer. [International Mens Day - The Official Site]
This year’s theme: Celebrating Men and Boys
The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Men and Boys,” emphasises the importance of acknowledging the everyday heroes who enrich our lives. It’s about shifting the narrative from stereotypes to promoting positive male role models. Highlighting resilience, kindness, and responsibility. By celebrating men and boys, IMD fosters positive role models and encourages healthier relationships across generations. This theme reminds us that recognition and support can inspire men and boys to thrive, ultimately creating stronger families and communities. [internatio...ensday.com]
This International Men’s Day we took some time to chat to our team and gave them the chance to celebrate some of the important Men and Boys in their lives.
Nick Waterworth, Founder & Executive Chair, Ambition Group Ltd
Who is a man or boy in your life who has had the biggest positive impact on you?
My dad for sure.
He died in 1990, way too young. Having said that, he survived the Second World War, when he landed on the Normandy beaches on D-Day, was captured on day two after an ambush in which 153 of his colleagues were killed and spent the rest of the war as a POW in Germany.
Even as a youngster, I could appreciate what that generation did for freedom and democracy.
Dad was the calmest person you’d ever come across, who only got seriously angry with me once (and I seriously deserved it!).
He was annoyingly good at squash, had a clear idea on standards, and loved mum pretty much more than life itself (so important for a kid to see that).
Also, he always had time for me.
As a 10-year-old, I asked him if we could go camping in the Welsh mountains for a couple of days. He planned it all and made it happen. Predictably, it rained solidly for the whole time, and I mean non-stop torrential!
On the last morning, Dad said he was going to cook a special breakfast. We packed up the tent, and he proceeded to put me in the driver’s seat of the car, while he sat in the passenger seat and cooked eggs and bacon on a little gas cooker – inside the car! No health and safety back then!
He was my hero already but after that, well, you can just imagine.
Now I have children of my own, I certainly don’t say yes to everything they ask for, unless it is my time – then, I’m available. Thanks for the ‘coaching’ dad!
Any surprising influences?
Yes, my sons!
During childhood, you mostly think about influencing and shaping them.
But, certainly for me, things flip around.
They have both taught me a lot but here I want to talk about my elder son, Harry.
Having struggled academically through school, he scraped into Uni to study psychology and, quite literally, the lights went on.
Scroll forward to today and he’s doing his masters in counselling, working in suicide prevention, and spending time with an organisation that runs residential programs for adolescents with drug and alcohol problems.
He has developed into an incredibly caring, thoughtful, motivated, and calm (again, thanks to my dad) man.
He’s actually not great at helping out with small problems, but when there’s something serious happening, at work or in our family life, he’s there big style.
So, whilst he surfs, rows, plays footy, gyms, all the archetypal bloke stuff, he’s got the soft skills to the max. He makes me think, he’s proud of his family, and we’re proud of him.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the role of men and boys in our lives?
Men die younger than women and commit suicide way more often. Many are badly affected by gender stereotypes. And countless millions find it incredibly difficult to talk about their issues.
Clearly, it isn’t a competition, and women have a raft of issues of their own, but as the old saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
So, let’s all help change the direction of the tide and develop a more understanding and caring world.
Kylie Blackwell, Director – Melbourne
Who is a man or boy in your life who has had a positive impact on you?
I’m the eldest of five siblings and the only girl. Growing up, my parents separated when I was 10, and for most of my teenage years, I didn’t have a strong male role model in my life. Despite that, my brothers have been incredible examples of what it means to be loving, supportive men.
How has their encouragement or guidance shaped you?
Even though I’m 13+ years older than three of them, they’ve taught me so much through their actions being caring partners and devoted fathers. One has even taken in my 16-year-old daughter and is the most supportive uncle even having no children himself. Their strength and kindness have shown me the importance of empathy and resilience, qualities that have shaped how I lead and connect with others professionally.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the role of men and boys in our lives?
Because their influence matters. For me, even after losing our dad almost 15 years ago, my brothers have filled that gap in ways I never expected. We couldn’t be closer, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them. Celebrating men and boys means recognising the positive impact they have on shaping who we are and the communities we build.
Paul McCann, Principal Consultant – Transformation & Projects
Who is a man or boy in your life who has had the biggest positive impact on you?
Mine is my psychologist. I started seeing him about 3 years ago.
How has their encouragement or guidance shaped you?
The conversations with him over that period has provided more assistance for my development, both professionally and personally, than I ever could have imagined.
I grew up in a very stereotypically ‘tough’ environment in terms of being a guy – we didn’t show emotions, we ‘tough’ everything out, everything is a competition. If you showed emotions, you were weak or a ‘girl’ and if you were bad at something, you were relentlessly mocked. This helped me to some extent; I really enjoy it when I am good at something and ‘winning’ is a good feeling. But it also hurt me in more ways. And held me back in many others.
Only through the process of exploring the ins and outs of how and why with my psychologist did I start to communicate, openly and with depth, my actual opinions and feelings! This helped me develop and maintain an amazing relationship and helped my professional growth at work. I was able to communicate honestly with my bosses, something I never really did before. Doing this has helped my role evolve and the way I do my role too, which means I’m enjoying it way more.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the role of men and boys in our lives?
I think, whether it is a psychologist or not, all men growing up need these types of relationships. Places where they can learn to communicate openly/honestly their feelings and emotions and not be judged for it.
Chris Crolla, Director Sydney
Who is a man or boy in your life who has had a positive impact on you?
My son, Charlie, has had the most profound impact on my life.
Even though he’s still little, the way he watches and mirrors everything I do has made me deeply aware of the example I set.
His curiosity, honesty, and innocence constantly remind me to slow down, think carefully, and lead with the values I want him to grow up with. The smallest moments like him reaching for my hand or proudly showing me something new he’s learned reinforce how much my actions shape his world.
His presence brings out a level of responsibility and reflection I didn’t know I had. That’s what makes his influence so meaningful; he inspires me by being himself.
How has his impact shaped your personal or professional journey?
Becoming a father has changed the way I approach both life and work.
In my career, Charlie has become my driving force. I want him to grow up seeing what resilience, hard work, and integrity look like, not just hearing about them.
Knowing he’s watching me, even indirectly, pushes me to be more consistent in the standards I set and the decisions I make.
I think twice before reacting on instinct, and I’m more deliberate about the kind of leader I want to be. His influence also gives me a clearer purpose: to build a future that gives him confidence, stability, and opportunities.
Wanting to make him proud has made me more ambitious, but also more grounded. It reminds me that success isn’t just about personal achievement - it’s about the example I’m setting for him every day.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the role of men and boys in our lives?
Celebrating the role of men and boys is important because their influence often shapes us in ways we don’t always recognise in the moment.
Acknowledging them isn’t about putting men on a pedestal, it’s about recognising how positive male influence contributes to strong families, supportive communities, and healthier workplaces.
Boys like my son, remind us that the next generation is always watching, learning, and absorbing the standards we set.
When we celebrate the men and boys in our lives, we also highlight the importance of accountability, kindness, and meaningful role modelling.
It’s a reminder that the impact of men, when grounded in respect and care, can build better futures for everyone.
How Ambition cares for its people
At Ambition, supporting our people is at the heart of Building Better Futures, for our candidates, clients and employees. We understand that conversations around mental health, inclusion, and belonging are essential, not just on International Men’s Day, but every day. Through initiatives like Wellbeing Week, flexible working policies, and access to confidential Employee Assistance Programs, we create an environment where everyone feels supported to thrive.
And if you are struggling with mental health or need someone to talk to, you can contact Lifeline here.
Written and edited by Gemma Crolla, Digital Marketing Manager, Ambition Group Australia. Gemma has been working within the recruitment industry for over 15 years. Researching, writing and consulting with clients in professional & corporate services.
