EP3: The $1 Billion Joke That Changed The Face Of Men's Health with Mark Leruste

Storytelling For Social Impact

Storytelling For Social Impact EP3: The $1 Billion Joke That Changed The Face Of Men's Health with Mark Leruste

In this episode, host Ravinol welcomes Mark Leruste, founder and CEO of Storycast, to explore the profound impact of storytelling on social causes.

Mark chose SDG3 'Good Health & Wellbeing' with a particular focus on Men's Health sharing insights from his time as Country Director at Movember.

Mark recounts his journey from creating a viral video resume to spearheading Movember's European efforts, emphasizing the pivotal role of personal storytelling in marketing and advocacy.

The discussion covers the alarming statistics around men's mental health, the societal hesitations men face in seeking help, and Movember's transformative approach using moustaches to raise awareness and funds.

You will learn how Movember went from a fun joke amongst friends to a global health initiative, raising over $1 billion, and some of the complexity of implementing disruptive campaigns and shifting masculine ideals.

They also delve into personal reflections on politics, empathy, and the importance of sharing personal stories for leadership and personal growth, drawing insights from both historical and modern advertising campaigns.

Through personal anecdotes and case studies, Mark and Ravinol underscore the liberating and impactful nature of embracing and sharing one’s authentic stories to make a difference.

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Meet Mark Leruste: Storytelling Expert

02:17 Mark's Journey with Movember

05:13 The Power of Personal Stories

07:50 Shocking Statistics on Men's Health

11:09 Challenges Men Face in Seeking Help

16:40 Movember's Origin Story

22:17 Successful and Unsuccessful Campaigns

30:13 Gillette's Take on Modern Masculinity

32:17 Exploring Gender Roles and Masculinity

34:19 The Impact of Controversial Campaigns

35:05 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

35:24 Reflecting on Historical Contexts

37:30 Debating Participation Trophies

39:28 Understanding Political Perspectives

43:53 The Power of Personal Stories

56:58 The Importance of Authenticity

01:03:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mark Leruste

Mark is a leadership and communication expert, bestselling author of Glow in the Dark (Hachette UK), award-winning host of The Unconventionalists® podcast and former 7-figure fundraiser. He is on a mission to empower impact-driven leaders who are looking to positively influence their audience, learn how to use their voices to drive change and create real impact in the world. Mark believes every leader has an obligation to use their position and influence to make the world better. That’s why his big hairy audacious goal is to help one million entrepreneurs and business leaders impact the world with their story.

Mark's Website

• Glow In The Dark Book - Mark's great book on how sharing your personal story can transform your career and change your life.
• Be Inspired Films - Purpose Driven Video Production Company - Award-winning social-purpose Video Production Agency bringing out the heart in stories that matter. We make creative content for ambitious clients that inspires the optimism and bravery needed to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
• Gillette Advert: 'We Believe The Best Men Can Be' - Ravinol and Mark discuss the controversial Gillette advert on the changing face of masculinity.
• Nike Advert 2024: Winning Isn't For Everyone - Mark shares his thoughts on Nike's 2024 Advert which asks 'Am I A Bad Person?' and explores the idea 'Winning Isn't For Everyone'
• Ben Hurst - TEDxLondonWomen Talk - 'Boys Won't Be Boys, They Will Be What We Teach Them To Be' - Ravinol quotes Ben Hurst's TEDxLondonWomen talk titled - 'Boys Won't Be Boys, They Will Be What We Teach Them To Be'
• Movember - About Us - Our Story - What started as a joke between friends ended up raising over $1 Billion for men's health.