As November opens with the celebration of International Men’s Month, this year’s theme: “Supporting Men and Boys”, reminds us that true strength is found not in silence, but in connection. Last month, during the Global Mental Health Coaching Programme Soft Launch hosted by the African Institute of Mind, we witnessed a powerful moment in global transformation: men showing up, staying present, and sharing from the heart.
What began as a routine webinar became an unplanned movement of empathy and evidence of what social psychology calls collective resonance — the emotional synchronization that occurs when human beings feel seen, safe, and supported.
When safe spaces happen, healing happens
The event brought together representatives from across Africa, Asia, North America, and Europe — mental health advocates, psychologists, and wellness innovators united by a shared vision to advance coaching for mental health.
While many women attendees juggled multiple commitments and joined via chat, it was the men who lingered — not to lead, but to listen; not to instruct, but to connect.
Among them was Brian Osano, a Kenyan psychologist and 2025 mentee of the African Institute of Mind. His story captured the essence of hope: a young professional who, through our mentorship and sponsorship, was flown to South Africa — all expenses paid — to experience a life-changing immersion in mental health leadership.
Brian’s words moved the audience. He spoke not just of opportunity but of belonging — the warmth of knowing that someone believed in his potential. His testimony illuminated a truth social psychologists affirm: human flourishing begins when individuals are supported within communities that celebrate their worth.
Technology, neuroscience, and the human spirit
The event grew even more electrifying when Garnet Dupuis, founder of NeuroVIZR, joined live from Thailand. Garnet’s work merges neuroscience, creativity, and holistic wellbeing, introducing technology that harmonizes the brain’s light and sound frequencies to reduce stress and enhance focus.
His presence reminded us that the future of mental health is no longer limited to therapy rooms — it’s being reimagined through neuro-coaching, digital therapeutics, and immersive wellbeing tools. The African Institute of Mind stands ready to localize such innovations across the continent.
An African first: Master’s degree in Coaching Psychology, Mentoring & Leadership
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Master’s degree in Coaching Psychology, Mentoring & Leadership — a groundbreaking academic offering developed by the African Institute of Mind in partnership with Johnson University, affiliated with Oxford, Harvard, and Logos Universities.
With this announcement, Africa took a bold step into academic history.
In his special remarks, Professor Herbert Johnson, President of Johnson (JBI) University and a Harvard-trained scholar, embodied these inspiring words:
“Make sure everyone in your circle wins, for in that, you have already won.”
This philosophy encapsulates the positive psychology of communal success — the idea that happiness grows exponentially when shared.
Professor Johnson’s endorsement of the programme marks a new dawn in global coaching education: a curriculum that integrates leadership, mentorship, and applied coaching psychology within an Afrocentric context.
This is more than a degree — it’s a mission to equip the next generation of leaders with evidence-based skills to elevate wellbeing in workplaces, schools, and communities.
Vision 50: The Guinness World Record Challenge
As part of the unveiling, we introduced Vision 50: The Guinness World Record Challenge — an audacious, heart-driven initiative celebrating Dr. Awesome’s 50th year on Earth and humanity’s shared commitment to mental health.
The Challenge:
- 50 Countries
- 50 Facilitators
- 50,000 Participants
- 50 Hours
Imagine it: a global coaching marathon where people across continents unite virtually for 50 continuous hours of dialogue, insight, and healing. Vision 50 is a symbolic act of global coherence, a living experiment in social psychology showing how connection amplifies collective wellbeing.
The science of connection
Research in positive psychology underscores that social support is the single strongest predictor of mental health and longevity. Men, in particular, benefit greatly from belonging networks — yet they are often least likely to seek help.
What we witnessed at the soft launch was emotional courage in motion: men redefining masculinity not through dominance, but through dialogue.
The future of mental health in Africa — and the world — depends on these new narratives. It depends on spaces where vulnerability is valued, where technology meets empathy, and where coaching becomes a universal language for growth.
4 Calls to action
- Join the movement:
Become part of the Global Mental Health Coaching Programme community. Whether as a facilitator, coach, or participant — your voice matters. - Support Vision 50:
Register your country, organisation, or university to be part of the Guinness World Record challenge. Let’s show what unity for wellbeing can achieve. - Invest in education:
Apply for the Master’s Degree in Coaching Psychology, Mentoring & Leadership. Scholarships and mentorship opportunities are available for African and global learners. - Champion men’s mental health:
Use this month to reach out to a man or boy in your life. Listen. Affirm. Encourage. Small conversations can change destinies.
Closing reflection
The African Institute of Mind exists for one reason: to make mental health visible, viable, and valued. Because when men show up, when women stand alongside them, and when communities unite — the world heals.
