Women in Financial Services
Connection Matters - Men for Inclusion
Mark.Freed / 09 Jan 2024
As we approach Blue Monday next week – dubbed the most challenging day of the year – it's a reminder that this time can be tough for many. Whether it's the post-holiday blues, shattered resolutions, or a dip in motivation, we all feel it in some way.
On a brighter note, this Sunday, I joined my closest male friends for our weekly cycle ride. Peaks and troughs in performance don't matter much; what does is the camaraderie. We holiday together annually, chat about life, politics, and everything in between, we celebrate birthday’s and other milestones together – creating a support system that goes beyond just riding bikes.
I count myself lucky to have such a strong friendship group. However, I'm aware that not everyone is as fortunate. Over a quarter of men in the UK lack close friends, and 22% of those aged 55 or over rarely see their friends. In the US, a recent survey revealed only 27% have at least 6 close friends, a significant drop from 55% in 1990.
Reflecting on my career, I've been privileged to work with amazing people, many of whom are my LinkedIn connections. While time constraints limit frequent interactions, I've come to realize that building and maintaining connections requires effort.
Whether we haven't spoken in years or if we're regular contacts, let's catch up for a virtual beverage of choice. I'm eager to nurture our connections. This invitation is open to all. Message me on LinkedIn, and let's make it happen. Cheers!
Matthew Edwards, Peter Prescott, Charles Crawford, Lawrence Gray, Stuart Powell and others thank you.
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