Masculinity and Leadership in Today’s Society

November is Men’s Health Month. Some people even grow a moustache to draw attention to the cause. This November, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is focusing on masculinity and what it means to be a man in today’s society.

Masculinity has attracted growing attention in recent years. Have you heard of – or perhaps even watched – the widely discussed Netflix series Adolescence? Given its strong viewing figures, there is a good chance that you have. The series has prompted a number of discussions and studies, both on the radicalisation of young people and on masculinity more broadly. Among them is a recent analysis by the Praxis think tank examining masculinity in Estonian society.

For many years, there has been ongoing discussion about the need to create better opportunities for women to break through the glass ceiling. But what does the situation actually look like today? Is there evidence to support the hypothesis that men’s health improves when women and men have equal opportunities and face equal expectations in society? Why are many empowerment programmes being scaled back rather than developed further? And how can we address the hostile and threatening rhetoric that is becoming increasingly widespread in the media and in society more broadly?

There are many questions to consider, and Men’s Health Month provides a valuable opportunity to discuss them together.

TIME AND PLACE

6. Novembril 2026 at 10.00-12.00, Liivalaia 34, Swedbank confernce centre

Themes to be explored

• How would society benefit from a broader understanding of masculinity?
• How could people’s wellbeing improve, and what would this mean for individual health?
• Can organisations create systems that support the inclusion and wellbeing of all employees, and if so, how?

The event will open with an introduction to the topic by Sarah DiMuccio, a trainer and consultant with a doctoral degree. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring senior leaders from both larger and smaller organisations.

In addition, you will be among the first to receive an overview of the 2027 application round for the Female Leaders Accelerator, which opens on the day of the event, along with practical advice and inspiration for those considering the next step in their leadership journey.

speakers

Sarah DiMuccio 

Sarah is a consultant and trainer who is frequently invited to speak on the subject of masculinity. Her doctoral research focused specifically on this area. At the event, she will explore the masculine norms that influence workplace culture and shape behaviour within organisations.

In her presentation, Sarah will address how unspoken masculine norms – including a strong focus on competition, emotional restraint, overwork and an unwillingness to show vulnerability – shape communication, leadership and everyday behaviour within organisations. These norms not only hinder efforts to advance diversity and inclusion, but also affect an organisation’s ability to attract and retain talent, psychological safety, and the overall wellbeing and development of both women and men.

Piret Potisepp, Head of Services at the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Piret has extensive international experience across three regions of the world: Europe, Asia and South America. She has previously worked at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, as well as in a range of roles in the private and third sectors. Empowering women leaders is one of the causes closest to her heart. She launched the Female Leaders Accelerator in 2022 and began leading the Female Leaders Club in 2020.

In her free time, Piret leads design tours, travels, reads, exercises and explores the world.

At the event, she will provide an overview of the 2026 application process for the Female Leaders Accelerator.

Further information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piretpotisepp/