2022 saw the rise and fall of toxic, hyper-alpha masculinity. What's needed from leaders to ensure 2023 sees healthy masculinity take centre stage?

Andrew Tate may have millions of followers - sadly many of them lonely, angry young men - but as 2022 drew to a close he wasn't spending time with his "well trained" girlfriend but with his brother, locked in a tiny cell at the Bucharest Police Detention Centre as investigators look into claims of rape, sexual abuse and human trafficking. Tate was arrested after goading and responding to Greta Thunberg who posted a withering response to his sad display of hyper-masculinity - and gave the authorities in Romania confirmation of his whereabouts. He only has his own arrogance and misogyny to blame but it seemed a fitting end to the year when the self-styled "king of toxic masculinity" would be more likely lying on bug-infested mattress, than a throne. Yet his power, influence and reach must not be ignored.

Harvey Weinstein, already serving 23 years in jail after he was convicted or rape and sexual assault two years ago, was found guilty again in late December of a further charge of rape and sexual assault - hopefully meaning the 70 year old is unlikely to ever be released. The disgraced former film producer is now forever linked to the #MeToo movement, his previous body of work tainted and his abuse well known. At the peak of his career, Weinstein's net worth was estimated at $300 million yet in the wake of his scandals, Weinstein was at times reportedly too cash poor to pay for various spousal support obligations. It's previously been reported he used all of his liquid assets to pre-pay tens of millions of dollars of attorney's fees to protect him from various potential lawsuits around the globe rather than support his two children, showing both the priorities and values he holds most dear - and the network of support he had at his disposal to carry on his abuse.

Jeremy Clarkson, journalist and broadcaster, has kept a low profile ever since his column was taken down. Not yet facing any criminal charges or visible loss of income, the IPSO is assessing over 20,000 complaints about an opinion piece on the Duchess and Duke of Sussex written by Clarkson and published by The Sun on 16 December 2022. In the piece, Clarkson said he hated Markle "on a cellular level" and showed his true colours as a racist misogynist so despicably that even his own daughter, Emily made a statement against him.

My views are and have always been clear when it comes to misogyny, bullying and the treatment of women by the media. I want to make it very clear that I stand against everything that my dad wrote about Meghan Markle and I remain standing in support of those that are targeted with online hatred.

After the article was widely criticised, his non-apology gained even more complaints and whilst his employers ITV say he remains in post "for now" it remains to see whether this is the case long term. Clarkson will of course probably just cry "woke" rather than reflect on his comments, behaviour and views but ITV and Clarkson's other employers have the opportunity to step up and take a firmer stand.

Donald Trump, another man desperately clinging on for dear life to outdated ways of behaviour has recently had his tax returns made public which it is thought will be a blow to his re-election campaign, despite being quoted as saying "Paying no tax just shows how successful I am." The returns are thought to reveal a web of losses, write-offs, ‘disguised gifts’ and very little charity showing that his assertions of business prowess or generosity are more smoke, mirrors and white male privilege than anything else. Former president Trump's behaviour during the January 6 US Capitol riots has been branded an "utter moral failure" "a clear dereliction of duty" and that he "abused the power of his office" by an investigating committee, who say he is "unfit for any office". Trumps response to this and on being forced to reveal his returns: a prediction that it’s going to lead to horrible things for so many people. The people of America can choose how they respond.

Boris Johnson, the UK's now ex-ex-Prime Minster was expected to give evidence to the privileges committee as part of an investigation into whether he misled parliament this Autumn but Number 10 appears to have dragged its feet on passing on evidence. Stories began to emerge in the media about his part in rule-breaking gatherings this time last year but it was the Chris Pincher affair, where Johnson's deputy chief whip was accused of groping two men - a complaint Johnson claimed to be unaware of, but was later found out to be untrue - which finally turned his party against him. A month after surviving a no-confidence vote, Conservative leader Boris Johnson finally announced his resignation as the country's Prime Minister and in September left his role. As many in the UK hoped for some sign of contrition, or acceptance of responsibility for his downfall, his final speech was instead resentful, unrepentant and ignored the fact that his behaviour and constant inability to tell the truth made him overwhelmingly unpopular and unfit to lead. We now have Rishi Sunak as our PM (after Liz Truss briefly held the role). Thought to be a different kind of leader and one who's initial speech talked about togetherness and the promise he would bring compassion to the role with a government that will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level, has already made some questionable choices but his energy does feel different.

Stephen Bear is awaiting sentencing after deliberately posting a sex tape of ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison online. A jury found him guilty by unanimous verdicts of two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress and he was also found guilty by a majority verdict of 10 jurors to two of voyeurism. Known for being on reality TV, Bear flamboyantly showed up to court each day with his new girlfriend, in a rented white Rolls Royce wearing brightly coloured suits alongside dark glasses, fur coat and gold cane. Unable to show any remorse or compassion, only time will tell if the reality of his actions will eventually hit home but again he has impressionable young fans who see his behaviour as something to emulate.

These displays of toxic, hyper-alpha masculinity are just a few examples of what we saw in 2022 yet there was also examples of strong yet vulnerable, open-hearted and deeply soulful masculinity with powerful leaders modelling other ways to behave.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continued to show incredible bravery and resolve against Putin, and in his passionate New Year greeting spoke about overcoming doubt and despair. As his country faces a brutality many of us cannot even comprehend Zelenskyy spoke about unity and togetherness, inviting the Ukrainian people to connect from a place of hope, rather than fear.

England football manger, Gareth Southgate continued to hug and comfort his players and show how to learn from losing. His calm, considered and non-alpha style of leadership, which is more compassionate therapist than loud and loutish football manager, has transformed the culture around his squad and fostered a team spirit which continues to be evident to see.

TV host Trevor Noah praised Black women for his success while signing off "The Daily Show" for last time and continued to speak up about the power of Black women and the female role models in his life. His comments on masculinity highlighted how men perceive relationships whilst introducing conversations on the importance of consent.

In companies everywhere, men are starting to show up differently and model new ways to be. Had I not attended #MasculinityInTheWorkplace - a brilliant conference centred around International Men's Day - and heard so many male leaders sharing vulnerably, and speaking about their desire to listen, learn and grow, I might have ended the year on a low. But instead I start 2023, optimistic that deep change is wanted - from men and women - and that transformation around masculinity and the male identity is taking place.

Masculinity is evolving and as it does it frees us all up to flourish. A man embodying healthy masculinity knows who he is and has the emotional capacity and capability to see the inequity and inequality around him. He doesn't feel threatened by another's empowerment and actively seeks to raise others up and give voice to those who've not had the privilege or advantages he has. He gives space to others in meetings, credits others for their ideas and seeks to raise the potential of those around him.

Men who are more connected to their emotions experience increased self-esteem and decreased rates of mental health problems such as depression or anxiety and don't feel the need to belittle, control or hate. They don't feel the need to keep systems in place that only work for some and find the courage to challenge behaviour that they know in their heart is wrong. They don't feel the need to know all the answers or never make a mistake. They can model being an anti-racist, a gender ally and an agent of change. They can drive forward a culture of inclusion, equity and diversity that is the right thing to do and good for the bottom line.

What's needed from leaders to ensure 2023 sees healthy masculinity take centre stage? 

The commitment to show up and be willing be to do the work.

Let's hope 2023 is the year of healthy masculinity.

I, for one, will be standing for this transformation and change.

If you or the men in your organisation would like to know more about how to embrace healthier masculinity and lead with a compassionate, open heart my Healthy Masculinity Mastermind for Male Leaders is a 90 Day Personal Growth and Leadership Development Program for Men keen to expand their emotional capacity, model a healthier version of masculinity and start to realise deeper levels of impact, legacy, connection and success.