The Growing Challenges for Boys & Men — A Conversation with David Maywald
Governance specialist and investor David Maywald joins Fireside to unpack the overlooked challenges facing boys and men today — from education gaps to economic pressures — and what real, balanced solutions look like.
· 6 min read
There's a conversation happening right now that most people are either avoiding or getting wrong.
I sat down with David Maywald — governance specialist, investor, and advocate for men and boys — to unpack some of the biggest (and most overlooked) challenges facing society today.
Who Is David Maywald?
He spent 20 years in finance, working in investment management and capital allocation, before moving into governance roles across health, education, infrastructure, and sustainability.
But what really sets him apart is his advocacy work — particularly around the challenges facing boys and men in modern society.
You can connect with David on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/davidmaywald
The Part No One Wants to Talk About
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation:
We've lost balance.
David makes the point that while we often talk about inequality, we're not always looking at the full picture.
For example:
- Men make up the overwhelming majority of workplace fatalities
- Boys are falling behind in education — literacy, completion rates, and university attendance
- Many young men are disengaging entirely from traditional pathways
And yet, culturally, this isn't getting the same level of attention.
It's not about taking anything away from anyone else — it's about broadening the lens.
The Education Gap Is a Slow-Burning Crisis
This is the one that should concern everyone.
The gap between boys and girls in education starts small — but it compounds over time.
By the time you hit:
- High school completion
- University entry
- Career pathways
…it's no longer small. It's massive.
And here's the reality:
If boys disengage early, it doesn't just affect them — it affects the entire economy, workforce, and future of society.
Business Is Feeling the Pressure Too
This conversation isn't just social — it's economic.
David and I also touched on something every business owner already feels:
It's getting harder to run a business in Australia.
- Regulation is heavy
- Costs are rising
- Risk is increasing
Meanwhile, more of the economy is being driven by government spending rather than private enterprise.
And that's a problem.
Because small business — the bloke having a crack, backing himself, putting his house on the line — that's what actually builds a country.
So What's the Path Forward?
David's message is about balance, responsibility, and common sense.
Some of the key ideas:
- Bring symmetry back into the conversation — compassion for everyone
- Re-engage boys in education early
- Expand opportunity across all groups — not just a select few
- Reduce unnecessary barriers to starting and running a business
Simple ideas — but powerful if actually applied.
A Step in the Right Direction?
One interesting development discussed was the introduction of a Minister for Men and Boys in Victoria.
It's early days, and there's healthy skepticism — but it's a signal that things might be starting to shift.
And honestly, that's what we need more of:
- Open conversations
- Real data
- Practical solutions
Want to Go Deeper?
David's book is a solid, straight-up read — no fluff, no academic waffle.
The Relentless War on Masculinity
Available in Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook:
Final Thought
At Fireside, this is exactly the kind of conversation we want to have. Because if we're going to build better businesses, stronger families, and a healthier society — we need to be willing to look at what's actually going on.
And then do something about it as individuals and collectively as a group.
If you want more conversations like this, connect with the Fireside community.
About the Author
Adam James
Founder of Fireside Business Advice. Adam built Fireside to help men grow in business and in life — surrounding them with high-calibre operators, trusted advisors, and a community that holds a higher standard.
About Adam →Keep reading
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