5 Minutes for International Men's Day with Matt Colver
Matt Colver, HR Change Communication and Engagement Manager, is a member of the NTU community. To mark International Men’s Day, we spent five minutes with Matt to find out more about his thoughts on this year’s theme, supporting men and boys, and the people who have inspired him throughout his life.
What is your history at the University?
I started at NTU in April 2023. Previously I worked in local government at Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as at the University of Nottingham.
What has surprised you most about your job at NTU?
How helpful and supportive people are. A lot of good workplaces have this to an extent, but at NTU people usually can't do enough for you and genuinely want each other to succeed.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
Batman, or a firefighter. My knowledge of Batman was largely based on repeats of the 1966 TV series starring Adam West, so I think the common factor was that both slid down poles a lot, which appealed to me for some reason. The fact that the child's playground near my parents' house had a pole for sliding down may have had something to do with this. Batman, strangely enough, didn't pan out, and my asthma ruled out being anywhere near fire and smoke, so that was that.
This year’s International Men’s Day theme is “The Future is Everyone " How does that resonate with you in your role or in your life outside work?
It makes me think of my son, and the world he will grow up into. Every child will play a role in shaping the future, so if we want a better world that means, as well as doing what we can in the here and now, trying to encourage generations below us to embrace kindness, compassion, creativeness, and critical thinking.
How can we encourage everyone to challenge stereotypes that affect men and boys?
By being thoughtful and considered, and by encouraging ourselves and those close to us to critically assess what we're told or what we're presented with, especially things which we aren't likely to interrogate as much, like things which chime with our own preconceptions. Being prepared to be wrong, and to update our thinking and beliefs, if necessary, is also important.
By looking into the roots of stereotypes and the changing expectations in terms of gender over time, we can often see how arbitrary a lot of these things are. We can also encourage boys in particular to understand that feeling the full range of emotions isn't a weakness, but a strength, and a key part of being human.
How can we encourage men to seek support when they need it?
I think we need to meet people where they are, and to get support in their own way, in places that feel safe for them. While it is useful for many people, for others therapy can feel intimidating and confrontational. Finding communities of like-minded people through clubs, hobbies or other groups can help men feel less alone, can foster an environment where they feel able to share things which they may not otherwise, and ideally help build support. Having a 'third space' which isn't home or work can also be a place to exist without feeling the weight of responsibilities.
What is your history at the University?
I started at NTU in April 2023. Previously I worked in local government at Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as at the University of Nottingham.
What has surprised you most about your job at NTU?
How helpful and supportive people are. A lot of good workplaces have this to an extent, but at NTU people usually can't do enough for you and genuinely want each other to succeed.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
Batman, or a firefighter. My knowledge of Batman was largely based on repeats of the 1966 TV series starring Adam West, so I think the common factor was that both slid down poles a lot, which appealed to me for some reason. The fact that the child's playground near my parents' house had a pole for sliding down may have had something to do with this. Batman, strangely enough, didn't pan out, and my asthma ruled out being anywhere near fire and smoke, so that was that.
This year’s International Men’s Day theme is “The Future is Everyone " How does that resonate with you in your role or in your life outside work?
It makes me think of my son, and the world he will grow up into. Every child will play a role in shaping the future, so if we want a better world that means, as well as doing what we can in the here and now, trying to encourage generations below us to embrace kindness, compassion, creativeness, and critical thinking.
How can we encourage everyone to challenge stereotypes that affect men and boys?
By being thoughtful and considered, and by encouraging ourselves and those close to us to critically assess what we're told or what we're presented with, especially things which we aren't likely to interrogate as much, like things which chime with our own preconceptions. Being prepared to be wrong, and to update our thinking and beliefs, if necessary, is also important.
By looking into the roots of stereotypes and the changing expectations in terms of gender over time, we can often see how arbitrary a lot of these things are. We can also encourage boys in particular to understand that feeling the full range of emotions isn't a weakness, but a strength, and a key part of being human.
How can we encourage men to seek support when they need it?
I think we need to meet people where they are, and to get support in their own way, in places that feel safe for them. While it is useful for many people, for others therapy can feel intimidating and confrontational. Finding communities of like-minded people through clubs, hobbies or other groups can help men feel less alone, can foster an environment where they feel able to share things which they may not otherwise, and ideally help build support. Having a 'third space' which isn't home or work can also be a place to exist without feeling the weight of responsibilities.
By looking into the roots of stereotypes and the changing expectations in terms of gender over time, we can often see how arbitrary a lot of these things are. We can also encourage boys in particular to understand that feeling the full range of emotions isn't a weakness, but a strength, and a key part of being human.
How do you look after your own wellbeing, and what often gets in the way?
I think my report card would probably read 'Could do better.' I try to eat fruit and vegetables, get at least some exercise and have some time to myself for hobbies whenever I get the chance, but I'm often guilty of not getting enough sleep and consuming things that I shouldn't.
What gets in the way are the day-to-day demands of life. I think it's easier to look after yourself when you don't have tasks to do, you can take your time, and you don't have many worries. When you've been up at 2am looking after your child, you're dealing with a broken boiler, or your train has just been cancelled, that sugary drink and doughnut look more and more appealing.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self about being a man, what would it be?
Don't let other people tell you what you should be like. Pursue the things you are genuinely interested in, not the things people say you should be interested in.
What is your signature dish?
Going to the local takeaway (I'm not a good cook). I suppose the one thing I can usually make - besides a mess - is a chocolate cake or brownies.
Who would be your dream dinner party guests?
People like Groucho Marx, Kenneth Williams, Dolly Parton, George Carlin, Bo Burnham and Robin Williams, who I think would have interesting and funny, with entertaining conversations. Although, as an introvert, I think I'd prefer to watch the conversation through a one-way mirror rather than be there in the room with them - I don't think I could keep up.