The work I do has never been about taking away from men but rather correcting imbalances for women. I have a husband and son and I want them to win too. So the widening chasm between men and women of the last few years deeply concerns me. 

A significant number of men, whether they admit it publicly or not, feel sidelined, believing that too much attention is paid to women’s rights. Yet the truth is, the pendulum has barely shifted. Women are still fighting for paid leave, equal pay, leadership opportunities and protection from sexual harassment.

This Father’s Day, my wish is that we can start having better conversations with and about our boys. That we raise a generation of men who feel both supported in their own growth and aware of the challenges women continues to face. That we can end the battle of the sexes and instead raise a generation of allies.

So how do we do this? How do we break the cycle of toxic and confusing messages around masculinity?

I’ve shared my story on stage in front of groups of men. But often, they don’t want to hear it from me. The message lands better when it comes from someone they relate to.

We need more male role models, men willing to model a fuller, more nuanced masculinity. One that embodies both strength and vulnerability. One that shows boys it’s okay to feel, to question, and to care.

And we need to meet boys where they are. Today, that’s YouTube, Twitch, Roblox, Minecraft, and other digital spaces. Right now, those platforms are overflowing with voices promoting a warped version of masculinity, one that’s aggressive, hyper-competitive, and rooted in outdated “alpha male” ideals.

Why do those messages resonate so deeply? Because many boys feel lost and unseen. They crave connection, belonging, and examples of manhood that reflect who they are and who they hope to become. When they don’t find that in traditional spaces, the internet fills the gap—sometimes with dangerous consequences.

We have to give them better alternatives.

Why do these voices find such fertile ground? Because many boys feel lost or unseen in traditional spaces. They crave belonging, guidance, and models of masculinity that resonate with who they are becoming. When those are absent, the internet fills the void—sometimes with dangerous content.

Reimagining masculinity matters deeply, not just for boys, but for society as a whole. When boys see men who balance ambition with humility, strength with compassion and power with purpose, they gain a healthier, more grounded roadmap for manhood. They’re better equipped to build meaningful relationships, succeed in diverse environments and contribute positively to the world around them.

Patriarchy hurts women but it hurts men too. It traps them in rigid roles where expressing emotion is seen as weakness, where competitiveness eclipses cooperation, and where worth is tied to power and control.

If we want to liberate women, we must also liberate men. By redefining what it means to be a man, by embracing a masculinity that is expansive, empathetic and real, we don’t just protect our boys. We unlock the potential for a more compassionate, equitable world for everyone.