Mark Zuckerberg’s Comments on leadership – and why we should care.

 Mark Zuckerberg recently stirred up controversy with his comments on the benefits of "aggressive leadership" and "masculine energy” in business.  While it’s challenging to understand the intent behind these comments, there are some significant concerns about the underlying misogyny that often accompanies such views. 1

Why should we care?

Regions like ours have communities with up to 70% male representation in key leadership roles. So these comments land heavily, feel close to home, and demand reflection. 2

We could all simply ignore the comments. But like it or not, Mark Zuckerberg and others like him, wield considerable influence. Their words reach vast audiences and shape public perception. There will always be people who take these comments as validation of their own disrespectful behaviour and language.  These words have impact.

In a world where we are seeing an increase in openly misogynistic behaviour by social, business and political leaders (think Andrew Tate, Donald Trump) we can’t afford to turn a blind eye and hope that people see sense, we must offer an alternative narrative to counter the influence. 3,4

Violent resistance to feminism

A recent University of Queensland study released in 2024 showed that nearly 20 per cent of Australian men believe that feminism should be violently resisted.  The researchers were surprised by how prevalent the anti-feminist, violent, extremist attitudes were in the responses. 5

Respect Victoria, in its pursuit of eliminating violence against women, urges us to "call it out" when we witness disrespectful or harmful behaviour. This is a call to action for us all and is crucial to address this behaviour head-on. 6

The risks of “aggressive leadership”

Mr. Zuckerberg’s comments suggest that strong, successful leadership is synonymous with aggressive, often masculine behaviour. While traits like assertiveness can certainly be valuable, an overemphasis on aggression and male dominance in leadership can lead to harmful cultures.

The 2024 ‘Man Box’ report highlights this issue, linking adherence to beliefs of traditional masculine norms with an increased risk of violence against women. 7

When leadership is framed within the context of aggression and dominance, it has the potential to perpetuate outdated images of masculinity and reinforce negative stereotypes about more feminine attributes and behaviours.  This combination of aggression, male dominance and the perpetuation of stereotypes directly correlates with the known drivers of violence against women as identified by Our Watch.  If left unchecked, this mindset can contribute to a culture that tolerates disrespect, glorifies aggression and condones violence.8

The benefits of diverse and inclusive leadership

Moreover, when decision-making is dominated by a single demographic, innovation suffers, and the needs of parts of the community can often go unaddressed. While efforts are underway across Victoria to improve diversity in leadership, we still have a long way to go. We must challenge the notion that effective leadership needs to be aggressive or masculine. These views devalue half the population and limit the potential for holistic community participation in decision-making. 9

Research consistently shows that organisations with diverse leadership teams perform better, as they are more innovative and better equipped to address complex challenges. When women and other underrepresented groups are included in decision-making processes, organisations and communities benefit from a wider range of perspectives and experiences.

Many social issues, such as domestic violence and mental health, disproportionately affect women and marginalised groups. Leaders who understand and empathise with these issues, who collaborate, communicate and build relationships, can be more effective advocates for policies and resources that address them. Increased female representation in leadership can lead to more support for services and community programs that prioritise the wellbeing of vulnerable populations.

A stark reminder

Mr. Zuckerberg’s remarks about "aggressive leadership" and "masculine energy" should be called out for what they are, a stark reminder of outdated views that we have largely moved beyond. Rather than ignore the comments, let’s acknowledge what they are – a relic of a bygone era, a reminder of the stubbornness and tenacity some of these dangerous ideas, and a signal that we must continue our efforts to drive equality.

The comments highlight the ongoing struggle we face as we strive for gender equity in leadership. Zuckerberg is not alone in his thinking; he is an example of a portion of society that clings to the idea of male dominance and control.  We must remain vigilant against the influence of this thinking and continue to “call it out”.  Especially in regions like the Barwon South West, where masculine leadership is still the norm, and we have some work to do to achieve equal representation.

Always moving forward

As we look ahead, it is vital for organisations and communities across our region to recognise the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that allows everyone to contribute and thrive. By championing diverse leadership, we create a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.

By advocating for diverse and inclusive leadership, we not only challenge outdated stereotypes, but we build communities that are stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to face the challenges of the future. Maybe, most importantly, it also gives young people a vision that runs counter to the influences of the Zuckerberg’s of the world.  

1. https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/zuckerberg-says-most-companies-need-more-masculine-energy-20250112-p5l3la
2. https://victorianwomenshealthatlas.net.au/#!/atlas/Socioeconomics/SE/Chief%20Executives,%20General%20Managers%20And%20Legislators/SE_11/2021%20%25/440/F/region/all/false?layerName=&layerCode=
3. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mega-Misogynists-PDF.pdf
4. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a42442/donald-trump-women-sexist-quotes/
5. https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/items/9c386698-5d92-4667-8bbb-4060ed59f42b
6. https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/campaigns/respect-women-call-it-out-respect
7. https://jss.org.au/programs/research/the-man-box/
8. https://www.ourwatch.org.au/link-between-gender-inequality-and-violence
9. https://www.diversityaustralia.com.au/7-benefits-of-diversity-and-inclusion/