International Men's Day: A conversation with Sam Stacey

As we celebrate International Men’s Day, we’re shining a light on the stories and perspectives of men across Greene King. Exploring what the day means to them, how they support others, and how they look after their own wellbeing. This week we caught up with Senior Talent Acquisition Partner Sam Stacey, who shares his take on supporting others, breaking stereotypes and looking after his wellbeing, and what International Men’s Day means to him.

I am a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, we are the experts who work directly with managers across the business, from pub managers to corporate leaders, to handle all things hiring and future planning. We make sure every team gets the right talent, and we also focus heavily on helping our current employees move smoothly through established career paths when they’re ready for their next challenge.

Every day brings something different, but it’s always fast paced! My morning usually starts by digging into recruitment reports to see where we need to focus our efforts. A lot of my time is spent connecting with our key stakeholders and managers to plan for upcoming hiring needs across the business. This means I’m constantly liaising with our Talent Attraction and Recruitment Delivery teams to make sure candidates are moving quickly and having a great experience. We’re also frequently speaking with the candidates themselves! To keep a pulse on the business, we often attend hiring events and sit in on area meetings, ensuring our recruitment strategy is always aligned with what’s happening on the ground.

My proudest moments at GK was presenting at a recent conference and looking out to see so many faces of people I had hired, realising that our work essentially changes lives by launching new careers. Beyond the office, I love taking on challenges and supporting important causes, which recently included climbing a mountain in the Lake District for Macmillan with a number of colleagues. I also had the chance to lead and participate in key company events like our Metropolitan Showcases and a massive International Men’s Day event, which involved meaningful collaborations with charities focused on mental health, including Boys Get Sad Too, Andy’s Man Club, and The Burnt Chef Project.

To look after my mental health and ensure my long-term wellbeing, establishing strong boundaries is non-negotiable. I prioritise being fully present and engaged during the workday, which requires me to consciously switch off completely every evening and weekend, it’s crucial for preventing burnout. Stepping away helps me clear my mind and recharge my batteries effectively. My biggest source of wellbeing comes from spending quality time with my wife and our two-month-old baby. Beyond family, I make sure to carve out essential ‘me time,’ which often involves putting on some music and taking a long, uninterrupted walk; this simple routine is vital for restoring balance and helping me return to work refreshed.

For me, International Men’s Day is a vital moment to focus on men’s mental health. Having worked in hospitality, I’ve personally seen how much people struggle in silence with the long hours and pressures of the industry. This day is about actively breaking down that stigma. It was incredibly important to collaborate with amazing charities like Boys Get Sad Too, Andy’s Man Club, and The Burnt Chef Project for our event, helping to ensure that our male colleagues know it’s truly okay not to be okay, and that support is available.

One of the biggest shifts I’m seeing, and one I’m incredibly grateful for, is the gradual death of the phrase ‘man up.’ Growing up, being told to constantly suppress your feelings and toughen up was the norm, and frankly, I hate it. We’re finally seeing the stereotype that men must be unemotional stone walls start to crumble. I am sensitive at times, and I am genuinely proud to be that way, even when it’s not the easy route. Crying, wearing your heart on your sleeve, and showing vulnerability should never be a bad thing. In fact, showing this emotional honesty has been crucial to my success as a recruiter because it allows me to build genuine trust and empathy with both candidates and business leaders, leading to much better partnership and better hires.

The most important step we can take to create more space for honest conversations is making it genuinely acceptable for men to ask for help. Based on my own experience, where I’ve seen the power of emotional honesty in my career, the change has to start with visible vulnerability. We need more men in leadership and public roles to share their struggles, demonstrating that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. On a day-to-day level, this means actively listening without judgment and creating informal ‘check-in’ opportunities, rather than waiting for a crisis. It’s about building a culture where men feel safe enough to drop the ‘big man’ facade and talk openly about the pressures they face, whether that’s in hospitality, the office, or at home.

My message this International Men’s Day is simply a reminder: it is truly okay not to be okay.

I know the pressure to always ‘man up’ is still around, but showing vulnerability is actually what allows us to connect and grow. We are fortunate to work for a great company like Greene King, and if you are struggling, please remember that with tools like Teams, there are so many people within our community who would be ready to listen. Let’s make sure we prioritise our own wellbeing by setting those firm well-being boundaries, and give ourselves permission to ask for the help we need.