On 19th November 2024, 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 Christian Valentine, our South Africa-based Commercial and Finance Manager who is both refreshingly honest and extremely self-aware.
What’s your name, job title and how long have you worked at K2?
Christian Valentine | Commercial and Finance Manager | 12 years
What do you think is the value of celebrating days like International Men’s Day?
Creating awareness of wellbeing and health amongst all men. Also breaking the stereotype of how men see themselves. International Men’s Day should focus on men supporting each other every day.
The theme of IMD 2024 is positive male role models:
a) Who do you consider to be a positive male role model and why?
Richard Nunes, Director – Africa and Middle East, as he has guided me so much in my life, personally and professionally. He is a true example of a man supporting another man. I have nickname for him: Half Man, Half Amazing.
b) How do you strive to be a positive male role model?
I don’t strive to be a positive male role model. I just strive to be a better man than I was yesterday. Hopefully, that will translate later in my life into my becoming a role model for someone, but that is not my primary focus. Each man should strive to be a better person for the people around him and that starts with respect, and respect starts with yourself.
Men’s wellbeing is a subject that is spoken about a lot on International Men’s Day:
a) What does wellbeing mean to you?
Being healthy and fit.
b) Do you think that society and businesses need to do more to promote men’s wellbeing?
Yes and no: society and businesses have a part to play, but as individuals, men need to work to achieve a state of wellbeing. This isn’t easy as most men are not taught how to do this.
c) What impact does workplace culture have on wellbeing?
Wellbeing and workplace culture are closely connected as most of us spend most of our time during the day at work. Each has a big impact on the other.
What advice would you give to a young man who is just starting out in his career?
Take it easy and take your time. There is no rush or deadlines. Both men and women usually work to validate their existence. But play is so important. Spending time with your friends and family is crucial. Sometimes we just need to stop and look around and be grateful for what we have in our lives.
What do you do on a regular basis to help you remain positive (professionally, personally or both)?
Exercise, exercise and exercise. Healthy diet and 8 hours of sleep. This all helps with the production of healthy levels of natural testosterone – a topic not spoken about much amongst men due to vulnerability and embarrassment. This is the foundation for me and allows me to face any challenges that come my way in both my professional and personal life.
Interested in learning more about K2’s South Africa Team and their activities? Start with the Human Library profile of Richard Nunes, Director – Africa and Middle East, as well as the write-up of the team’s most recent webinar, which explored the alignment of Global Mobility and Talent Management.