Navigating Masculinity and Overcoming Shame with Alex Holmes

QuoteLeadership is not about managing others, its about leading, guiding and mentoring wholeheartedly. - Alex HolmesWho is Alex Holmes?Alex is an award-winning podcaster and journalist, a millennial man of Caribbean descent, born and raised in London. He spent most of his early twenties traveling, which helped him to approach life with curiosity and taught him valuable lessons. However, upon returning to the UK, Alex found himself lacking friends, having to move back in with his parents and starting a new career as a journalist. He experienced covert racism in his job and felt alienated, which affected his confidence and self-esteem. Feeling lonely and depressed, Alex went to therapy and learned to rewrite his narrative and become his own friend.Alex worked as a journalist for five years before training as a health coach and then as a therapist to help others with their emotional well-being. He is an avid Harry Potter fan and uses its themes in his therapeutic work. His interest in psychology comes from his experience as a Black man in the UK navigating complex relationships. Alex started the Mindful Man Podcast and founded The Mindful Man to communicate his ideas about mental and physical health and emotional well-being. He invites others to join him on this journey and to meet him where they are.Alex Holmes Journey to Self-DiscoveryAlexs work aims to help men overcome the societal expectations and myths surrounding masculinity, which can hinder emotional connection. He is the author of "Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging, and Connection" and hosts the You Should Probably Read This podcast which suggests books to improve mental health.His approach involves existential philosophy, which emphasizes personal agency, freedom, and authenticity. Bibliotherapy and mindfulness techniques are also used to help clients reconnect with their true selves, improve emotional intelligence, and achieve a sense of purpose.Alexs work has been featured in various media outlets, including British GQ, The Metro, Happiful, The Guardian, and The Good Men Project.Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)00:02:53:17 - Alex's Childhood00:08:32:11 - Alex's Aha Moment00:11:46:10- Alex Breaking the Status Quo!00:14:55:15 - Definition of Masculinity00:20:26:03 - Andrew Tate/Jordan Peterson00:22:20:09 - Pain Points of Men00:27:26:09- Men and relationship with Shame00:32:02:08 - Expectations vs Realities of Men00:39:16:23 - Navigating Being Black in Journalism00:45:16:03 - Self-Doubt Brewed by Toxic Environment00:49:54:16 - Pivotal Moment in Alex's Career00:55:15:11 - Imperfection & Worthiness of Men01:03:55:16 - Understanding Men's Internal Struggles01:13:21:10 - Definition of LeadershipAlexs links:LinkedInInstagramTime to Talk bookWebsitePodcastFollow the podcastIf youve just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.Connect with Me Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Email: [email protected] I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]