Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, recently sparked controversy with his comments on “masculine energy” in the workplace. During a podcast discussion, Zuckerberg argued that corporate environments are “culturally neutered” and advocated for a culture that celebrates aggression. He said, “I think having a culture that celebrates the aggression a bit more has its own merits that are really positive.” While he quickly clarified that he wasn’t suggesting masculinity itself is inherently bad, this notion of celebrating aggression raises some concerns.
At first glance, one might wonder, “Mark, do you understand the world we live in?” His comments seem disconnected from the reality where male aggression, particularly toxic masculinity, has contributed to widespread social issues, including violence and inequality. It’s important to remember that Zuckerberg’s early project, Facemash, was a controversial website where he rated female students, sparking questions about his understanding of respect and equality in the workplace.
Zuckerberg’s statements come at a time when we are witnessing the rise of toxic masculinity across the globe. The escalating violence against women, including tragic stories like the rape conviction of Gisele Pelicot’s ex-husband and the murder of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptei, highlights the destructive impact of unchecked aggressive behaviors. In workplaces, the gender pay gap remains persistent, and despite progress, gender equality is still a distant goal.
In the UK, women effectively work for free from November 30 onwards, and in the corporate world, male dominance continues to persist. Around 90% of CEO roles in Fortune 500 companies are held by men, and in the UK, there are more CEOs named Steve than there are female CEOs. However, my own career has unfolded quite differently, having spent much of it working in female-dominated environments.
As a man who has spent his professional life in workplaces led by women, I can confidently say that the benefits of these environments challenge the idea that aggression and masculinity should be celebrated. From my early career as a fashion assistant at a major fashion magazine to my current role as the Entertainment Director at GLAMOUR UK, I’ve experienced the power of diverse leadership firsthand. In fact, my current team is predominantly female, with just one other male colleague, and it’s been a game-changer for both my career and personal growth.
The value of working in an environment that emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and empathy—qualities often associated with feminine energy—cannot be overstated. These workplaces foster innovation, encourage open communication, and prioritize the well-being of all employees. Rather than stoking aggression or celebrating traditional masculine traits, these environments allow individuals to thrive based on merit and mutual respect.
Zuckerberg’s comments, while well-intentioned, seem to overlook the very real and harmful consequences of toxic masculinity in today’s world. The emphasis should not be on promoting aggression or “masculine energy” but rather on fostering inclusive, supportive environments where all employees can contribute and succeed. Instead of perpetuating outdated ideas of masculinity, we should aim to create workplaces that value diversity in all its forms, allowing individuals to bring their authentic selves to the table without fear of judgment or harm.
Ultimately, Mark Zuckerberg’s call for “masculine energy” in the workplace misses an important point: the future of work is not about celebrating aggression, but about embracing inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration—values that are universal, regardless of gender.
