Challenging Masculinity: A Business Founder’s Reflection on Gender Equality
As a business founder and as a man, I regret the decades I spent confined by masculinity | Guy Singh-Watson
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford, reflects on his experiences with masculinity and gender equality in the workplace. He emphasizes the importance of emotional literacy and inclusivity, noting that Riverford has seen positive changes since addressing its gender pay gap and fostering a more diverse leadership team.
- 01Emotional literacy in men strengthens business relationships.
- 02Riverford's gender pay gap turned positive, with women now earning 1.56% more than men.
- 03Cultural shifts in leadership can enhance business growth and inclusivity.
- 04Challenging traditional masculinity can lead to personal and professional fulfillment.
- 05Men must actively combat sexism in their environments.
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Guy Singh-Watson, the founder of Riverford, reflects on his journey towards embracing gender equality and emotional literacy in the workplace. During a discussion on International Women’s Day, he highlighted the importance of men engaging with issues related to masculinity and gender dynamics. At Riverford, the gender pay gap was initially skewed, with women earning only 91p for every £1 earned by men. However, after transitioning to employee ownership in 2018 and implementing a more inclusive culture, the company has seen significant improvements. By 2025, women at Riverford earned 1.56% more per hour than their male counterparts, largely due to increased female representation in senior roles. Singh-Watson acknowledges that traditional masculine stereotypes have limited his personal growth and urges men to challenge these norms. He believes that embracing emotional qualities such as kindness and empathy can strengthen business relationships and lead to a more fulfilling life. Ultimately, he calls for men to support inclusivity and reject sexism, fostering a healthier environment for future generations.
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The cultural shift at Riverford demonstrates how fostering inclusivity can enhance workplace dynamics and productivity, benefiting employees and the business as a whole.
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