For this “Secrets of the Biz” article we sat down with Adam Garone, Chief Mo Bro & Co-Founder of Movember Foundation.
As Co-Founder from the get go he built Movember into one of the most innovative and impactful charities created this millennium, working to change (literally and figuratively) the face of men’s health.
Chief Mo-Bro & Co-Founder Adam Garone.
Tell us about Movember
Movember is the world’s largest men’s health charity, raising funds for Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Movember started over a conversation in Australia in 2003, 3 of us decided it was time to put the moustache back on the face of fashion. Now, we fund over 1,200 projects in 21 countries.
“If you build it, they will come” – How have you guys built a community around Movember brand?
The moustache is our hairy ribbon for men’s health. Every November, when you see a man with a Mo, there’s a mutual recognition that you’re doing the same thing, something good and together for men’s health. As we’ve grown over the years and have the same people coming back year after year, and so many new people joining the movement, it creates a sense of camaraderie. The Mo Community are the rock stars, those of us who have the privilege to work at Movember are the roadies working out the back.
“Stop Men Dying Too Young, I am the difference” – tell us about this year’s marketing campaign for Movember:
We started the Stop Men Dying Too Young campaign last Movember to put the cause at the forefront of the campaign. Men are dying on average six years younger than women, many form preventable issues. We need people to get involved, to raise awareness and funds, in order to help them live happier, healthier and longer lives. This year, we added the I am the difference component, which empowers individuals to get involved in the campaign. You can be the difference in a mans life.
Events you’re looking forward to in Toronto?
The Notable Awards is always a good time. We also have our 10 year anniversary and Agency Wars as well as lots of community events you should stay tuned for.
Why is it important to focus on Men’s Health?
We all have men in our lives— fathers, brothers, friends, family. Men’s health is important for everyone, and it impacts everyone. Ultimately if we can inspire men to live happier, healthier and longer lives and inspire them to be better fathers, friends and people it will naturally flow on and impact women, women’s rights and women’s health.
What’s your secret to attracting new Mo-Bro’s and Mo-Sista’s?
Our formula has been the same for years: have fun, do good. Whatever we do, we want to make sure we’re putting the cause first, but we’re also having one hell of a great time while we do it. That’s the secret for Movember.
If you were to highlight some key moments throughout the Foundation’s life-span, what would they be?
After the early success of Movember in Australia, leaving my home country in 2007, to launch Movember in Canada. It wasn’t an instant success in Canada and took a few years to catch on but when it did it was amazing and humbling to see Movember be embraced across the country.
10 Years in the making of Movember, where do you see the Foundation in 10 years?
On the brand side – still pushing the boundaries, on the cutting edge of how social enterprises market themselves and inspire change.
On the impact side – reduced by 50% the number of men dying from prostate and testicular cancer. Reduce by 25% the number of men taking their life.
Movember is bad-ass and people want to do how they can work with you, are there any positions available at the Foundation?
Check out our LinkedIn to see any open positions! We look for people outside the charity sector that are connected to our cause, people that think big, work hard / play hard and get shit done!
Craziest Movember Story, GO!
The Calgary Gala party in 2009 at Cowboys! Can’t say much more than that….
Tell us a secret. Don’t worry we won’t tell.
At night I like sitting down to pee.
