Zac Seidler

To help men & boys flourish, we need to stop assuming & start asking.

Profile

Dr Zac Seidler is a Clinical Psychologist, the Global Director of Men's Health Research at Movember and an Associate Professor with Orygen at The University of Melbourne.

Dr Seidler has devoted several years to the goal of reducing the staggering male suicide and domestic violence rate, treating and researching men’s mental health with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 2 books published.

Dr Seidler has worked clinically with men of different ages and presentations across the country. He provides expert consultation and advice to government's on mental health and domestic and family violence policy and research at a state, federal and international level. Dr. Seidler appears regularly on the ABC, BBC, Sky News and in The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald and AFR for his work.

Expertise

Talking Points

Helping Men Be Part of the Solution to End Violence

Violence is not just a women’s issue—it’s a societal issue that demands men’s involvement in the solution. Dr Zac Seidler explores the role men can play in preventing violence by challenging outdated norms, fostering accountability, and cultivating healthier expressions of masculinity. Through evidence-based insights, he provides practical strategies for workplaces, communities, and individuals to take meaningful action towards a safer and more equitable society.

Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the root causes of male violence and its impact on society.
- How to engage men in conversations about accountability, respect, and allyship.
- Practical strategies for individuals and organisations to drive cultural change.

Navigating the World of Dating and Relationships: How to Bridge the Gender Divide

The landscape of modern dating and relationships is rapidly evolving, often creating confusion, frustration, and disconnection between men and women. Dr Zac Seidler unpacks the psychological and social dynamics shaping relationships today, addressing the challenges of emotional literacy, communication, and expectations. With a focus on healthy masculinity, he offers practical guidance on fostering connection, trust, and mutual understanding in dating and relationships.

Key Takeaways:
- The impact of social conditioning on modern dating and relationships.
- How men can develop emotional intelligence and meaningful connections.
- Strategies for fostering mutual respect, trust, and authenticity.

Masculinity and the Media: Building a Narrative for Connection and Cohesion

The media plays a powerful role in shaping perceptions of masculinity—often reinforcing stereotypes that isolate men and limit their emotional expression. Dr Zac Seidler explores the intersection of masculinity and media, unpacking how representations influence societal norms, relationships, and mental health. This keynote challenges harmful narratives and provides a framework for a healthier, more inclusive vision of masculinity—one that fosters connection, cohesion, and wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:
- How traditional and digital media shape modern masculinity.
- The impact of media narratives on men’s mental health and relationships.
- How individuals and organisations can drive positive change in male representation.

Positive Male Role Models: How to Find Them, How to Be One

Role models shape our understanding of who we can become. Yet for many men, traditional role models have reinforced outdated ideals of toughness and emotional detachment. Dr Zac Seidler explores what makes a positive male role model in today’s world—highlighting the qualities that foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and meaningful leadership. He provides practical insights on identifying and learning from strong role models while equipping men with the skills to become positive influences in their families, workplaces, and communities.

Key Takeaways:
- The characteristics of a positive male role model in modern society.
- How to identify and learn from healthy role models.
- Practical strategies for men to lead by example in their personal and professional lives.

Psychologically Safe Workplaces

In this keynote, Dr Zac Seidler explores the crucial concept of Psychological Safety in the workplace. Leveraging his expertise in psychology, mental health, and current research, Dr. Zac explores the impact of fostering a supportive and open environment for employees. He highlights practical strategies that organisations can implement to enhance psychological safety, ultimately contributing to improved well-being, collaboration, and productivity.

Key Takeaways:
- Practical strategies for organizations to foster psychological safety in the workplace, enabling leaders to cultivate an environment where employees feel at ease expressing their thoughts and concerns.
- Insights on the link between psychological safety, employee well-being, and productivity. Dr. Zac emphasizes the tangible advantages organizations can anticipate, including reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and improved team performance.
- Understand the significance of psychological safety in nurturing an inclusive culture. Dr. Zac provides guidance on how to foster an environment that values diverse perspectives, ultimately leading to a more engaged and resilient workforce

Men's Mental Health: Keeping Men in Mind

Men account for three-quarters of suicide deaths in Australia, with global estimates suggesting that up to half a million men take their own lives each year, one every minute of every day. Despite worldwide public health initiatives providing education and de-stigmatising campaigns to promote male help-seeking when things get tough, men remain significantly less likely to engage in mental health services than women, attending fewer sessions, cancelling more often and dropping out prematurely.

Key Takeaways:
- Unpack why and how men struggle with mental health issues
- When these issues are most likely to hit
- Practical strategies that leaders, community members, friends and family can utilise to give men the support they need to help them live happier, healthier, longer lives

Unlocking The Lifesaving Power of Connection: Men, Friendship and Mental Health

In this Keynote, Dr. Zac shares insights from the latest research about social connections and longstanding evidence of its lifesaving capacity, above and beyond things like diet or exercise, to improve mental health outcomes. He also challenges stereotypes surrounding men making friends and gives clear advice for building social connections where men work, live and play.

In this Keynote, Dr. Zac will:
- Outline how communicating and relying on friends is a critical factor in stress reduction and resilience building, as well as relationship and work breakdowns
- Highlight the significance of strong male friendships in promoting mental well-being
- Discuss the positive impact of camaraderie, open communication, and mutual support on men's mental health

From Isolation to Inclusion: Tackling the Age of Loneliness

In this Keynote, Dr. Zac examines the prevalence of loneliness in society (particularly among men) and its detrimental effects on mental health.

Dr Zac will provide insights from current research on the positive impacts that building connections and fostering community has on mental health and provide practical strategies that combat isolation, which can contribute to mental health challenges.

A Roadmap for Engaging Men in Mental Health Care

As a group, an extraordinarily high percentage of men leave therapy prematurely, citing that they did not connect with their counsellor.

In this Keynote, Dr. Zac will:
- Busts some myths about men and counselling
- Describe the key elements for improved male engagement in psychological treatment
- Examines unhelpful therapist assumptions about men
- Provides a playbook to connect with and motivate men

Fatherhood & Mental Wellness: It's Not All Dad Bods

This Keynote explores the unique mental health challenges faced by fathers, including expectations, responsibilities, and societal pressures.

Dr Zac will share practical strategies based on current research for promoting positive mental health in the context of fatherhood.