CNA Hardy’s London office recently held an International Men’s Day event, to highlight men’s wellbeing and to celebrate the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities.
"Today we shine a light on men’s wellbeing and celebrate the positive male role models who inspire us to be our best selves" These words from Andy Clements, CNA Hardy’s VP of Sales, Distribution, and Marketing, set the tone for a day dedicated to exploring leadership, vulnerability, and mental health. With employees joining both from our London office, and logging in digitally, Andy welcomed Mike Bates, our guest speaker for the day, as he shared his incredible journey as a Royal Marines Commando, counter-terrorism leader, and solo Atlantic rower.
Mike walked us through his life experiences, from joining the Royal Marines to launching a platform in which his mission is to change the conversation surrounding men's mental health, while empowering and educating men to become the best versions of themselves.
Mike’s session left us with a profound understanding of what it means to be an effective leader and how to build a resilient team. His insights reminded us that leadership isn’t about perfection, but it is about being real, embracing vulnerability, and showing up as your authentic self. By doing so, we can create stronger, more connected teams and foster a supportive, empowering culture for all.
Here are some key takeaways from Mike’s talk that can help us all become better leaders and team members:
- Know Yourself
- Authentic leadership begins with a deep understanding of your core values, strengths, and weaknesses. As Mike explained, ‘Authenticity is the alignment of what we think, say, and do.” Only by knowing yourself can you lead with clarity and integrity.
- Be Unselfish
- Strong teams are built on mutual support. Mike shared powerful stories from his military days, illustrating how unselfish actions foster trust and a sense of community.
- Vulnerability is Strength
- Embracing vulnerability in leadership allows for deeper connections and creates an environment of trust. Being open about challenges helps teams feel heard and supported.
- Build Self-Belief
- Self-belief is cultivated through overcoming challenges. Each success adds to your inner fortress of confidence, equipping you to face future obstacles with resilience.
Through events like these, we continue to nurture a culture of inclusivity, wellbeing, and mutual support, empowering everyone to thrive.
You can find out more about DE&I at CNA Hardy by clicking here.