Chris Hemmings Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerChris Hemmings

Engaging men in emotional health and well-being, gender identity, violence and harm reduction

Chris Hemmings is a psychotherapist, coach, author and public speaker who has dedicated his career to exploring issues of masculinity, gender, and identity. His most notable work is the book “Be A Man: How Macho Culture Damages Us and How to Escape It,” which examines the damaging effects of traditional... Read more

Biography

Chris Hemmings is a psychotherapist, coach, author and public speaker who has dedicated his career to exploring issues of masculinity, gender, and identity. His most notable work is the book “Be A Man: How Macho Culture Damages Us and How to Escape It,” which examines the damaging effects of traditional masculine stereotypes on men’s mental health, relationships, and wellbeing.

He’s the founder of the organisation M-Path, who deliver talks and workshops around masculinity & empathy, men’s mental health and bystander intervention to organisations all over the world. M-Path also helps businesses develop men’s well-being networks; acting as allies, consultants and facilitators, they aid men to create the healthy male spaces they’ve often longed for, but haven’t felt able to create. He’s a psychotherapist and coach registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. He works solely with male clients on a one-to-one basis as well as developing men’s groups – he has a keen interest in developing spaces for men to engage with their emotional well-being.

Chris Hemmings previously spent ten years as journalist making documentaries on the subject for the BBC, as well as writing about men for The Guardian, The Independent and The Telegraph, where he has shared his insights and opinions on topics related to masculinity and gender equality. He is a passionate advocate for social change and has worked with a range of organizations and campaigns to promote gender equity and healthy masculinity.

Chris Hemmings is a dynamic and engaging public speaker who has delivered talks and workshops on masculinity, mental health, and social justice in various venues, including schools, universities, conferences, and corporate events. He is known for his ability to connect with diverse audiences and to challenge and inspire them to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviours before encouraging them to become active agents for change.

"It was great having you as our guest speaker for our International Men’s Day discussion on men’s wellbeing, and how men can support each other – it was a lively and engaging discussion!  We had terrific feedback from our participants, and plenty of support for establishing a Men’s Wellbeing community at the firm.  I’ve asked for your support in helping me navigate the difficulties and hurdles in establishing the Men’s Wellbeing community – it’s challenging in an environment where there is large focus on historically under-represented and minority groups within the firm, but there is a clear need and appetite for this alongside all our other communities.  You’ve been helpful in shaping my thoughts on this, and framing the discussions I’m having to make this a reality for the firm – I’m grateful for your continued support, as those who benefit from the community will be, of which I’m sure there will be many!" John Midgeley - Director of Securitisation, KPMG
“It was a pleasure working with Chris. His pov as a male leader in this space is refreshing. We have worked with him on an event to create awareness on male violence against women. As a speaker, Chris was very authentic and managed to capture the audience with his honest story. As a stakeholder, he was very supportive in helping create the best concept for this audience to open up and receive the message. We’re really looking forward to working with him again and moving the needle!” Roos Vanderdussen, EMEA Services & Experiences Manager and Wxmen of Nike lead

Popular Talks by Chris Hemmings

  • Men’s Emotional Health and Well-being
    As a psychotherapist and coach who specialises in working with male clients, he has developed a keen understanding of the issues men face when it comes to engaging with their own emotional well-being. Chris is an advocate for men to move away from suppression as a coping mechanism, whilst also...
  • Gender Identity
    Much of Chris’ work derives from his personal experience of abiding by rigid masculine expectations and the understanding of the impact that had on his life.  Chris implores audiences to move away from demonising language such as ‘toxic masculinity’ and to celebrate maleness in its many forms. All-the-while he encourages...
  • Violence and harm reduction
    As a society we are rightly giving a lot of focus and attention on reducing violence against women and girls. It’s Chris’ belief that VAWG is a symptom of the a bigger problem, that being the normalisation of violent behaviours between and amongst men and boys. Chris engages his audience...
  • Empathy in Leadership
    (workshop) Every person within a business is a leader and, from CEO to new starter, each of us has the capability to change its culture. In this workshop attendees are encouraged to engage with the power of empathy, its role in society and how it can inspire trust amongst colleagues....
  • Men’s Mental Health
    (workshop) Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45. Most often the solution to this problem is identified as men needing to ‘talk more’, but this doesn’t address the fact that most men don’t know where to even start. This workshop challenges the stigma of men engaging with their...
  • Bystander Intervention
    (workshop) Eighty seven percent of violent crime in the UK has a male perpetrator – and despite men being far more likely to be the victims, male violence impacts the whole of society. However, violence isn’t always physical. This workshop aims to empower attendees to proactively and safely intervene whenever...