"Masculine Energy" or Misguided Myths/ Misogyny? Let’s Talk About That Zuckerberg Interview.

When I first heard Mark Zuckerberg's recent comments on masculine energy during his interview with Joe Rogan, my initial reaction was: Seriously?

It’s one thing to explore the concept of masculinity thoughtfully—it’s another to spin it into a tech-bro fantasy about dominance, aggression, and relentless optimization, masking it as a virtue.

Scott Galloway and @Kara Swisher nailed it in their analysis on Pivot: Zuckerberg’s version of masculinity isn’t about real strength (protection and providing, as Galloway defines it) or leadership. It’s about control, detachment, and a misplaced obsession with competition. This isn’t masculinity—it’s a hyper-masculine illusion that prioritizes force over wisdom and posturing over purpose. Swisher, too, I think, is right on the money - there is definitely seems to be some overcompensation going on in that psyche of his...

The Problem with Misguided Masculine Energy

Hilarity and Freudian inferences aside, Zuckerberg’s comments suggest that masculinity is about sheer energy, as if working harder, faster, and longer makes you more valuable. But let’s be clear: unchecked masculine energy—void of emotional intelligence, humility, or a sense of community—creates toxic environments.

It leads to burnout, exploitation, and a distorted sense of success. It leads to men feeling and acting on insecurity - not on their authentic power.

We’ve seen where this energy leads in tech:

• Companies scaling without soul.
• Leaders confusing disruption with destruction.
• Leaders destroying themselves, and ending up living out abusive patterns in relationship (I wrote two newsletters on this, feel free to check them out).
• Cultures where collaboration dies at the altar of competition.

Real masculine energy—when it’s healthy—is about protection, presence, and principled action - again, as Galloway (a MAN) says. It’s the kind of strength that can create, not just conquer.

But Zuckerberg’s framing? That’s old-school, fear-based scarcity thinking in a hoodie. That is a little boy.

Redefining Strength in Leadership

If we’re serious about moving beyond the gilded cage of ambition and control, we have to ditch this outdated narrative. The most effective leaders today—men, women, everyone—aren’t defined by how much they dominate. They’re defined by how much they care, how well they adapt, and how deeply they connect with the people and communities they serve.

We need a new model of leadership that balances strength with sensitivity, ambition with empathy. Call it balanced energy, call it enlightened leadership, or call it common sense. Whatever we call it, we know this: the Zuckerberg version of masculinity doesn’t cut it.

An Invitation to Reflect

If Zuckerberg’s words struck a chord with you, I invite you to ask yourself: What kind of energy am I bringing into my work and relationships? Am I showing up with wisdom, or just force? Am I driven by fear, or by a desire to contribute meaningfully?

The world doesn’t need more leaders obsessed with dominance—it needs leaders who know that real power comes from understanding, collaboration, and trust.

Let’s break free from the myths that keep us trapped and build something better. TOGETHER.

With clarity and equality,

Coach Keren

Learn more: www.KerenEldad.com