In a recent episode of the Expert Insight Interview, John Golden sat down with Will Henshall, the partner and CEO of Metal Man. Will, a veteran startup entrepreneur, inventor, artist, and former member of the band Londonbeat, shared profound insights into his organization, Metal Man, and the principles outlined in his book, “Masculine Intelligence: Eight Core Principles of the World’s Most Successful Men.”
Introduction to Metal Man
Metal Man is an organization that has been active for about 20 years, serving as a men’s group focused on personal and professional development. Described as an edgier version of TED, Metal Man brings together successful men from diverse fields such as media, entertainment, technology, medicine, robotics, AI, crypto, finance, and law. The common thread among these men is their commitment to excellence in both their professional and personal lives.
The inception of Will’s book stemmed from a survey conducted with 450 members of the Metal Man group. This survey aimed to identify the principles that successful men share, leading to the discovery of eight core principles that resonate with their lives.
The Importance of Focusing on Men
Will explains that men benefit significantly from being in the company of other men, where they can share experiences and support one another. The Metal Man group operates independently, with two golden rules: no discussions about politics or religion. This creates a space where members can connect on a personal level without the distractions of divisive topics. While the principles are applicable to everyone, the focus on men allows for a unique exploration of their challenges and successes.
The Eight Core Principles
Will outlines the eight core principles derived from the survey, which he believes are essential for success:
1. Curiosity
Curiosity is the driving force behind exploration and innovation. Will likens curiosity to a natural instinct, encouraging men to explore the world around them. He shares an example of how curiosity can lead to new ideas and opportunities, emphasizing that it is a vital trait for success in any field, including sales.
Actionable Advice:
- Ask Questions: Always be inquisitive. Ask questions about processes, people, and products.
- Explore New Areas: Step out of your comfort zone and explore new fields or hobbies.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends and advancements in your industry.
2. Creativity
Following curiosity is creativity. Will explains that curiosity often sparks creativity, leading individuals to think outside the box and explore new possibilities. This principle encourages men to embrace their creative instincts and apply them in their personal and professional lives.
Actionable Advice:
- Brainstorm Regularly: Set aside time for brainstorming sessions.
- Collaborate: Work with others to gain different perspectives.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new methods or ideas.
3. Resilience
Resilience involves the ability to persevere through challenges. Will highlights the importance of knowing when to push forward and when to pivot, viewing setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures.
Actionable Advice:
- Develop a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities to grow.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down large goals into manageable steps.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
4. Integrity
As men mature, the significance of integrity becomes increasingly apparent. Will stresses that keeping one’s word is crucial, as integrity is often the foundation of trust in both personal and professional relationships.
Actionable Advice:
- Be Honest: Always be truthful in your dealings.
- Keep Promises: Follow through on commitments.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity in your actions.
5. Brotherhood
The importance of brotherhood cannot be overstated. Will describes the Metal Man group as a supportive community where members can share their experiences and challenges. The group fosters an environment where men can listen to one another and provide valuable insights.
Actionable Advice:
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive peers.
- Engage in Group Activities: Participate in group discussions and activities.
- Be Present: Actively listen and support your peers.
6. Financial Literacy
Understanding how money works is essential for success. This includes knowing how to make, keep, and grow money, as well as understanding the value of goods and services.
Actionable Advice:
- Educate Yourself: Take courses or read books on financial management.
- Budget Wisely: Create and stick to a budget.
- Invest Smartly: Learn about different investment options and strategies.
7. Professional Development
Commitment to professional development is crucial. Will encourages men to continuously learn and grow in their careers, whether through mentorship, coaching, or staying updated on industry advancements.
Actionable Advice:
- Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who can guide you.
- Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops and seminars.
- Set Career Goals: Define and pursue clear career objectives.
8. Work-Life Balance
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential. Will discusses the challenges of navigating the demands of modern life, where distractions abound. He emphasizes the importance of being present in both personal and professional spheres.
Actionable Advice:
- Prioritize Tasks: Focus on what’s important and urgent.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.
- Take Breaks: Ensure you take regular breaks to recharge.
The Value of Brotherhood and Support
John and Will discuss the significance of having a supportive network of men. Will shares that being part of the Metal Man group provides members with long-term connections and a sense of belonging. These relationships extend beyond casual acquaintances; they are the kind of friends who will show up in times of need, whether it’s a hospital visit or a simple phone call.
The conversation touches on the idea that many men struggle with vulnerability and expressing their emotions. Will believes that being part of a group where men can openly share their experiences fosters personal growth and emotional intelligence. He encourages men to practice active listening and to be present for one another, which can lead to deeper connections and understanding.
Conclusion
Will Henshall’s insights into Metal Man and the principles outlined in “Masculine Intelligence” provide a valuable framework for personal and professional development. The eight core principles—curiosity, creativity, resilience, integrity, brotherhood, financial literacy, professional development, and work-life balance—serve as guiding tenets for men seeking to excel in their lives. The Metal Man group offers a unique space for men to connect, share, and grow together, emphasizing the importance of community and support in navigating the challenges of modern life.
For those interested in learning more about Metal Man and the principles discussed, additional information can be found on their website. This episode not only sheds light on the workings of Metal Man but also emphasizes the importance of community, support, and shared values in the journey of personal and professional development for men.
Our Host
John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.
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