ABOUT US
Creating a More Compassionate, Equitable and Sustainable world by enhancing the integrity and well being of men
The Men’s Initiative was founded to be a catalyst in the global conversation about the state and impact of men in the world. We want to bring people together and use our collective effort and wisdom to enhance the integrity and well-being of men. Together, we are mobilizing men around the world to be a force for equity, compassion, and sustainability.
The Men’s Initiative Values
ACCOUNTABILITY
Living our values, by focusing on rigour, evidence and evaluation of everything we do, to demonstrate its impact.
AUTHENTICITY
Relentlessly telling the truth and walking the talk, recognizing that inner work creates outer reality.
EMBRACING DIFFERENCE
Putting purpose before ego, valuing diversity, inclusion, and dignity.
COURAGE
Having difficult conversations, and ensuring a commitment to dialogue, not debate.
CURIOSITY
Exploring with openness, humility and a commitment to learning.
STEWARDSHIP
Tenaciously maintaining a cross-generational orientation for sustainability and legacy.
TRUST
Acting with integrity and embracing the hard personal work that is essential to earning the confidence of others.
COLLABORATION
Seeking to maximize impact through cooperation and engagement with partners locally, nationally and internationally.
The Men’s Initiative is committed to embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering a culture of inclusion, mutual respect, and reciprocity. We are allied to all genders in our work to positively influence the culture of men in service of families, communities, and the world. TMI’s values reflect the way we work and describe our philosophy for decision-making and engaging with clients and partner organizations.
OUR TEAM
The Men’s Initiative is represented by visionary leaders and team members who lead by example and devote themselves to ensuring the organization’s vision is carried forward year after year by turning aspirations into actionable commitments.
Dr. John Izzo, Ph.D
Founder
John has worked with executives and leaders for over thirty years across 500 companies helping them connect to the legacy they want to leave. He is passionate about the role men must play in creating a more sustainable future and the role that inner work has in that process. He is the bestselling author of six books including Awakening Corporate Soul and Stepping Up. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Outside of work he loves tennis and nature but believes that friends are the most important hobby of all.
Duncan Shields, Ph.D RCC
Founder
Duncan has been a counsellor and trauma therapist for the last 20 years, and is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. In his work and research with veterans and first responders he has observed how men have endured and caused suffering, and how they also stand as essential builders of a peaceful, just and compassionate society. “I have been impressed by the men of integrity that I have worked with and how, standing together in courage, they have labored to change their part of the world for good”. When not at work, Duncan is either reading and learning or sailing a traditional sloop built with his wife and daughter.
David Kuhl, M.D., Ph.D
Founder
David is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and the VGH Mohammad H. Mohseni Chair in Men’s Health, Integrity and Wellbeing. Integrating medicine, psychology and the social sciences is fundamental to his work. As a clinician/researcher he has been listening to the stories of men for more than 25 years and has developed an understanding of the physical, emotional, and spiritual depth of their suffering. He has also witnessed their personal growth, deepening relationships, and commitment to justice, peace and collaboration. He is passionate about enhancing the integrity and wellbeing of men. Time with his family and friends, fitness, reading and music are vital to David’s wellbeing.
NICKY DHALIWAL, M.Mgt.
Director of Engagement
Nicky is responsible for strategic storytelling and leading major partnerships and gifts for The Men’s Initiative. She operates from a place of values-based leadership and brings a strong sense of her values to all that she does.
MATTHEW QUETTON
Consulting CFO
Mathew leads operations at The Men’s Initiative. He brings 25 years of experience in strategy and finance. Matthew is passionate about startups and really efficient processes.
Evan Jolicoeur, BScN
Program Manager, Sport and Lead Facilitator
Evan leads the Good Men In Sport program. A former athlete, he brings a deep understanding of men’s social and emotional lives. He spends his time fostering connections between conscious living, maintaining awareness of one’s inner guide and the strength of the collective community.
AYNSLEY WONG
Project Coordinator
Aynsley runs the clock and the calculator in daily operations. She gets things done.
Join the Men’s Initiative
Connect with an influential group of representatives in an effort to create an equitable, compassionate world.
University of British Columbia
3rd Floor David Strangway Building
5950 University Boulevard
Vancouver, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3
The traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People