International Men's Day 2024

The month of November is important for the masculine soul because it gathers several events of significance to men and their family. You will see later in the month that Carbon is taking part in Movember to raise money for men’s mental and physical health. Not only can our facial hair growing members of staff take part in this but everyone at Carbon can contribute miles of walking and running to the cause as well.

November is also the month of International Men’s Day, celebrated on 19th November and this is closely followed by International Children’s Day on 20th November, forming 48 hours of celebration for men and children, focusing on the special relationship they share.

International Men’s Day this year encourages men to teach the children in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of modern man and the positive impact this can have on family, friends and colleagues. Mahatma Ghandi said, “We must become the change we seek” and it is only when all in society lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society that gives everyone the opportunity to prosper.

To celebrate both International Men’s Day and International Children’s Day, we asked some of Carbon’s men who their role model was growing up and why, followed by what sort of role model they would like to be seen as:

Darren Lees, Associate Director – Growing up, I had a great relationship with my grandparents and I looked up to my grandad. He was hard working and extremely generous with his time and skills. If something needed fixed, he would be the first person his friends and family asked for help. He taught me how important it is to be generous and helpful to those around you. To my sons, I would like to pass on this idea of work ethic, helpfulness and how being generous with their time and skills is a route to happiness.

Matt Duncan, Associate Director – My dad managed to balance work and family life. He was very good at dealing calmly with a stroppy teenager who wasn’t very good at losing golf, football and tennis matches… In terms of the sort of role model I would like to be, the main point would be around balance in life. I think it’s important that succeeding in roles outside of work (Dad, husband etc.) is not viewed as being mutually exclusive with succeeding at work. There are absolutely lots of trade-offs but I think it is possible to succeed in the various different roles we all have in our lives.

Fraser Hill, Client Support – Growing up, I looked up to the best Hibs players of the day because I aspired to be like them but now, as an adult, I can see that they were not the best role models for various reasons. In my spare time, I coach kids football and want to be a positive role model by showing respect to every one of the kids in the team hoping they will learn from that example and treat others with the same respect.

Andrew Hogg, Client Support - My role model growing up was Sir Mo Farah. I admired his desire, dedication, and the adversity he overcame. To others, I hope to be someone who is confident, leads by example, and is respectful and understanding.

Finlay Wilson, Paraplanner/Trainee Planner - My role model growing up was my Dad, his work ethic while I was growing up showed me what hard work could achieve and inspired me to put the same effort and dedication into my own goals. If I were to be a role model for my family/colleagues, I'd hope to be viewed as hardworking, dedicated and reliable.