International Men’s Day 2024

On November 19, we celebrate International Men’s Day, a global occasion dedicated to recognising the positive contributions men make to their families, communities, and the world. In 2024, the theme is “Positive Male Role Models,” and at Truro and Penwith College, we wanted to reflect on the importance of positive male influence. We interviewed Mark Lewin, Business Partnerships Consultant (Hospitality), to gain his perspective on what this means to him and how role models have shaped his life and work.

What Does a Positive Male Role Model Look Like?

A positive male role model is someone who guides, encourages, and inspires you to grow both personally and professionally. They are firm yet fair, offering support while holding you to high standards, and they help push you outside your comfort zone in a way that fosters confidence.

Importantly, different role models serve different purposes at various stages of life. For me, my father was the first significant role model I had, followed by my father-in-law, who helped me see the world through a different lens.

Currently, I find myself inspired by Tony Duce, the Deputy Team Leader for Occupational and Hospitality at Truro and Penwith College. His way of thinking challenges and broadens my perspective in ways that I hadn’t anticipated. I am very lucky to work with such an inspirational team across all of the Hospitality department at the College.

I’m also fortunate to work closely with James Cavanagh-Shaddock, Co-Founder and Director of Cornwall Hospitality Collective (CHC), whose innovative thinking constantly inspires me. This collaborative relationship helps me continue learning, while I hope I can offer some guidance to him in return.

Veryan Palmer, Director of The Headland Hotel and Co-Founder of CHC, has opened my world to new audiences and improved my ability to communicate at a higher level. And at home, my wife remains my greatest source of support, always grounding and encouraging me. I’m truly fortunate to work alongside such a talented and collaborative group of people who inspire me every day.

In What Sense Would You Say You Are a Role Model?

I don’t necessarily see myself as a role model, but I do hope my experiences and journey can inspire others. I grew up facing my fair share of challenges, and hard work was always a key part of life. Despite leaving school with low confidence, I’ve since come to realise how transformative confidence-building can be.

I understand the struggles that many of our students at Truro and Penwith College face, and I try to help them find their way and believe in themselves. It’s important for young people, especially boys, to have role models who come from similar backgrounds, showing them that success is within reach. The confidence I’ve built over the years has been essential to my progress, and if I can pass that belief and encouragement on to others, I consider it a job well done.

The Value I Bring to Students, Community, and Family

I believe the value I bring lies in fostering ambition and helping people realise their potential. I encourage young people to say yes to opportunities, even when they feel uncertain or unprepared. It’s all too easy to doubt yourself—especially when your parents didn’t have similar opportunities—but I want to help others see that they are capable of taking on challenges and figuring things out as they go.

Building confidence has been a long journey for me, and I want to pass on what I’ve learned so that others can develop theirs more quickly. Ultimately, I believe it’s our duty to help the next generation surpass us, and if I can play a small part in that, I’ll consider my role a success.

Overcoming Challenges on My Journey

I’ve faced many challenges on my journey to get to where I am today. I spent years in dead-end jobs before someone saw potential in me and encouraged me to take on a supervisor role. At first, I didn’t believe I was capable, but that moment marked a turning point. One of my most significant opportunities came when a friend pushed me to apply for a role at the Paris Air Show. That experience gave me the confidence to move forward, and from there, my career slowly built.

Truro and Penwith College has played a massive role in my development. While I always had a passion for hospitality, it was people like Graham Oxley who gave me the chance to retrain and combine that passion with my desire to help others. Despite having no formal qualifications at the time, Graham believed in me and offered an opportunity I’ll always be grateful for. Since then, I’ve taken on various roles at the College, each one helping me grow further.

Outside of my work at the College, I co-founded the Cornwall Hospitality Collective (CHC), a not-for-profit community interest company that supports the hospitality industry. My goal is to help people realise their potential through guidance and encouragement, offering support to those who struggle the most. We all have a responsibility to lift others up, especially those who need it most.

What Does Being a Man Mean to You Today?

For me, the idea of what it means to be a man hasn’t changed, though I recognise that society’s expectations have shifted. I’ve always believed that being a gentleman—approaching life with respect and kindness—goes a long way. Mistakes will happen, but the key is to learn from them and strive to do the right thing for those around you.

Strength is important, but true strength involves recognising the need to take care of your mental health and wellbeing. Too often, men feel they must stay strong at all costs, but acknowledging your needs and asking for help when required is just as vital.

I look to strong women in my life, especially my wife, as role models. I believe female strength should be matched by male strength, though both can manifest in different ways. Strength doesn’t look the same for everyone, but the core values—being good, being kind, and being as strong as you can in your own way—remain the same.

Having children was a defining moment for me. It was when I truly grew up and began to take life more seriously. I wish I’d matured sooner, but I recognise that youth is often about fun and self-discovery. Since becoming a parent, my focus and energy have shifted, and I’ve flourished as I channel my efforts into being the best version of myself for them.

Advice for Young Men

I’ve never considered myself a role model, so it’s an honour to be seen as one! However, if I could offer advice, it would be to listen to those around you. There are more good people out there who want to help than you might realise. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in wondering if you’re on the right path or whether you’ll ever get to where you want to be. More often than not, you’ll end up somewhere unexpected, and that’s okay.

Keep saying yes to opportunities and keep moving forward. Things will fall into place if you stay persistent. Look to the role models around you and strive to be a role model for others. Role models don’t always have everything together; we all face struggles. The best role models are often those who’ve been through tough times themselves and continue to strive, even when they’re still figuring things out.

Lastly, if you find good people who complement you, hold onto them—they’re invaluable.