In a society still grappling with outdated stereotypes, NXT45 is leading the charge to redefine masculinity for the modern era. Through their groundbreaking events, insightful discussions, and expert-led strategies, NXT45 aims to empower men to to feel completely comfortable focusing on their own health and wellbeing, mental resilience, and personal growth.
NXT45 is dedicated to challenging traditional perceptions of masculinity and revolutionising the narrative surrounding men’s health. The organisation, founded by a trio of passionate experts – Mike Bates, Jonny Grayshon, and Joe Gaunt – brings together a wealth of experience and expertise to drive positive change.
Co-founder Mike Bates, a former covert counter-terrorism operations leader, draws from his remarkable experiences to offer unique perspectives on resilience and leadership. Jonny Grayshon, with over 12 years in professional sport and renowned mental toughness, is committed to understanding true masculinity in the second peak of life. Joe Gaunt, with a background in leading multi-billion valuation companies, brings expertise in mindset and stress management.
Building on the success of their inaugural event in 2023 – The Hundred, NXT45’s mission extends beyond is to foster a supportive community where men’s health and wellbeing can thrive. Through monthly masterclasses, regular in-person events, and access to an award-winning health app, NXT45 provides ongoing support and resources for holistic wellbeing and personal growth, giving men an opportunity to network, connect, and recharge.
The organisation’s “Real Men…” campaign aims to promote positive behaviours among men, such as open communication, expressing love, prioritising family, and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms. By encouraging men to embrace these qualities, NXT45 believes they can become better fathers, partners, leaders, and friends.
Through this the co-founders are committed to encouraging a number of positive outcomes for men, such as talking openly and honestly about their feelings, telling their loved ones they love them, making time for their children and ultimately facing issues head-on, without relying on alcohol or drugs.
Joe Gaunt, co-founder of NXT45 adds to this: “There’s still a significant stigma to get through when it comes to men and mental health. Men face unique challenges in this area, such as the polarising expectations of traditional masculinity versus being more vulnerable, open and sensitive. We live in a society where we still experience a strong male bravado culture, particularly in industries or roles with high male representation, and as a result we often find that men believe showing emotion is a weakness. More recently men may struggle with their role and place in the world, not knowing how to navigate changing societal expectations, such as offering a woman a seat on a train can now be interpreted to some as an insult.
The well-known health paradox principle also known as the male-female health survival paradox, morbidity-mortality paradox or gender paradox, is the phenomenon in which female humans experience more medical conditions and disability during their lives, but they live longer than males, which is believed to be the case because they seek help, support and guidance when they notice changes in their health and wellbeing.
This highlights how socialised ideals of masculinity can hinder men’s mental health at work. While women generally seek help and live longer, men often don’t talk about their issues and resort to negative coping mechanisms like drinking, drugs, gambling, or pornography, while saying everything is fine.
Co-founder Mike Bates shares the vision, stating, “True masculinity transcends stereotypes. This event marks a pivotal moment in reshaping the discourse around men’s health, empowering individuals to embrace holistic well-being.”
Through their dedication to redefining the conversation around men’s health and masculinity, NXT45 is catalysing a cultural shift towards a healthier, more authentic masculinity. By empowering men to become the best versions of themselves in the second half of life, NXT45 is paving the way for a better world, one man at a time.
Learn more at NXT45 Website.
By Joe Gaunt, Co-founder NXT45 and stage 1 trained psychologistÂ