It’s time to re-write the myth that kindness is a weakness. It’s a strategy. Because empathy, equity and inclusive leadership aren’t just nice-to-haves – they're what the future is built on.

It's been a while since we posted on Fresh Ears, so we wanted to share another great podcast we've been working on, one we know Fresh Ears listeners will be interested in.

The Empower Podcast is co-hosted by Louise Watson (Co-Founder of Empower), and Kate Chaundy (Associate Director at Propellor). Each month, they meet leaders, makers, disruptors, doers and grass roots decision makers across the media and advertising industry, to understand what good business really looks like. How we can turn talk of change, into real action in our industry.

And on this episode… how do we reframe the gender divide without it becoming a gender battle?

Kate and Louise sit down with Lori Meakin, Planning Partner at adam&eveDDB, author of No More Menemies, and a leading voice in the conversation around gender equality and modern masculinity.

Lori shares her deeply personal story of surviving sexual assault, and how that experience, alongside wider societal events, became a catalyst for her work challenging the systems and narratives that shape gender today. With honesty and clarity, she explores why progress on gender equality can feel like it’s moving backwards, and why understanding the full picture is more urgent than ever.

Together, we unpack the growing gender divide, the rise of harmful narratives around masculinity, and the critical need to reframe the conversation-not as a battle between men and women, but as an opportunity to create a better, more equal world for everyone.

Drawing on research, lived experience and her work with businesses and leaders, Lori introduces the concept of positive masculinity and redefines what effective leadership can look like - one rooted in empathy, collaboration and emotional intelligence.

This episode is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t require doing everything, but starts with each of us choosing where we can make a difference.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of rape and sexual assault which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening. Support resources are listed below:

Rape Crisis England & Wales
A 24/7 support line, online chat, local centres, counselling, and advocacy. Particularly strong for trauma-informed emotional support and referrals.

The Survivors Trust
Umbrella organisation connecting survivors to specialist local rape/sexual abuse services across the UK. Good for finding support in your area, including ISVA advocates.

Victim Support
Broader victim-support that can help with emotional support, practical guidance, safety planning, and navigating reporting/criminal justice options.

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