On 19th November, K2 celebrated International Men’s Day. But as with International Women’s Day, for us, one day just wasn’t enough!
Keen to delve into the rich stories of as many of the business’ wonderful men as possible, we developed a campaign titled The Men of X Annos, which refers to the K2 men who have been part of the K2 Family for ten years or more. This campaign features a series of written and video interviews through which we explore the characters, the careers and the defining experiences of K2’s longest standing male employees. Today, we turn the spotlight onto Kamil Cwigon, our down-to-earth, well balanced, and definitely not grumpy(!) Commercial Lead for APAC.
What’s your name, job & how long have you been at K2?
I’m Kamil Cwigon, I am the Commercial Lead – APAC and I have been at K2 for 11.5 years
What’s the value of celebrating days like International Men’s Day?
International Men’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the men in our lives – whether they are fathers, brothers, sons, colleagues, or friends. The reasons for celebrating may vary from person to person, and the value of the day can mean something different to each of us. For me, I believe that many men tend to be more private and often don’t share – or they under-share – their health issues or other personal challenges, even with close friends or family. Days like International Men’s Day provide a valuable opportunity to encourage more open conversation, raise awareness about potential health challenges, and remind us all that we each face struggles and difficulties.
In the past, K2 Singapore have participated in Movember activities – raising funds and growing moustaches to support men’s health awareness. Memorable photos from those days (which may not be the most flattering!) are still safely archived!
The theme of International Men’s Day 2024 is positive male role models:
Who do you consider to be a positive male role model and why?
This is not an easy question for me, and it really made me pause and reflect. Throughout my life, I’ve looked up to many individuals for inspiration and guidance—my father, various famous personalities, senior colleagues at work, friends at school, and even fictional characters (I must admit, I’m a bit of a sci-fi and fantasy nerd). However, what I’ve come to realise is that, as life progresses, you eventually outgrow all of these figures.
Upon deeper reflection, I now recognise that I don’t have a specific role model in my life at this moment. That said, I have developed certain core values and traits that I strive to live by. These values help keep me focused and grounded, which, for now, is enough to guide me on my journey.
How do you strive to be a positive male role model?
I strive to be honest with myself and others, and to stand by the values and principles I believe in. It can be a struggle at times, but I believe that acknowledging our shortcomings and mistakes is an important part of growth. We don’t have to be perfect to be a role model; instead, we can focus on the positive traits we possess and lead others by example in those areas.
Men’s wellbeing is a subject that is spoken about a lot on International Men’s Day:
What does wellbeing mean to you?
To me, wellbeing is all about balance – striking a healthy equilibrium between physical health, mental clarity, and a positive environment both at work and at home. It means being happy and having healthy relationships, whilst also staying mentally and physically challenged, enabling you to continue growing and pushing forward. Wellbeing is about finding the right balance in life and maintaining it over the long term.
Do you think that society needs to do more to promote men’s wellbeing?
Yes, I do. However, it’s important that it’s approached in a natural and non-invasive way to ensure engagement. A great example of this is Movember, which is a fun and non-intrusive way to spread awareness, bringing individuals and groups together and promoting conversations around men’s health. Unfortunately, it seems to have become less common in recent years – I don’t recall seeing people sporting moustaches or discussing it much lately.
What impact does workplace culture have on wellbeing?
Workplace culture has a significant impact on wellbeing, as it is a major part of our daily lives. Even for those who view work as ‘just a job’ and something to endure, the time spent there still affects their overall wellbeing. A company with a positive workplace culture can greatly support employees in their pursuit of overall wellbeing. However, this is only half of the equation – the other half relies on us, as individuals, to find and maintain our own balance in life.
What advice would you give to a young man who is just starting out in his career?
My advice may seem a bit old school, but I believe in the importance of staying focused, working hard (and smart), being open to learning, and always asking questions. However, I think the most important piece of advice is to ensure that the work environment you are in is a good one. We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, and it becomes a place where bonds and friendships are formed, habits are created, and both positive and negative traits are learned from others. A supportive and healthy work environment plays a key role in your overall wellbeing, and it will foster both personal and career growth in the long run.
What do you do on a regular basis to help you remain positive (professionally, personally or both)?
Although I may sometimes come across as grumpy or pessimistic in day-to-day activities or brief interactions, that’s really not a true reflection of me! I have a natural tendency to stay positive and believe that things will work out in the long run. This mindset helps me approach challenges with optimism (even if it’s not always visible behind my grumpy exterior!)
However, when my positivity takes a dip, I make a conscious effort to spend more time outdoors in parks or any green spaces, unwinding with my wife, friends, and my secret weapon – our dog. Our dog has truly become a magical source of positivity, and simply spending time with him can lift my spirits in an instant.