How One Dirty Nappy Changed a C-Suite Leader’s View on Fatherhood, Masculinity, and Leadership

From Provider to Carer: What One Dirty Nappy Taught a C-Suite Leader

It’s not unusual at our workshops for attendees to share personal stories. But every now and then, one hits you right in the heart.

This one came from a senior C-suite executive.

He had just become a grandfather and, in his words, was “honoured to be trusted with the job of changing a nappy.” It was, he admitted, the first nappy he had ever changed – despite being the father of five.

His role back then? Provider. Protector. He worked long hours. He showed up in the ways he thought mattered. The practical, messy, tender day-to-day care? That was his wife’s role, not his.

But now, holding his grandchild, cleaning up the mess, soothing them afterward – he realised he was doing something he had never done before. Caring. And it moved him. Deeply.

He said:
“I missed this. I didn’t know what I had missed – until I had it. I thought I was doing the right thing, but now I see there was so much more to being a dad.”

The room went silent.

Because this wasn’t just about nappies.

It was about identity. About what we, as men, have been told it means to be a “good father,” a “good husband,” a “successful man.”

That one smelly, uncomfortable moment became a mirror. And he didn’t like everything he saw in the reflection.

But more importantly – he saw the opportunity for change.

Not just for himself, but for the next generation.
So here’s the message he’d want to share:

Take note, young men. Young fathers.
Don’t wait for your grandchildren to show up before you realise what being a carer can mean. Don’t miss the moments that shape connection, empathy, and joy. Don’t let an outdated version of masculinity rob you of your full humanity.

We need more of these conversations in leadership spaces.

We need more men to show up – mess and all.
Because it turns out, those smelly jobs?

They’re not the ones to avoid.
They’re the ones that change you.