Better Man

A practical guide to foster healthy masculinity, Better Man is the book parents, educators and boys, need – from the CEO of The Man Cave.

‘Ben is a man who deeply understands the challenges that boys face. This book cuts through all the noise, and pierces straight to the core of what they truly require from us.’ Luke Bateman

Many men are struggling, some are in crisis. Society is shocked by male violence and depression – which impacts everybody – and some of the loudest voices in the space are spouting hate. Better Man is an urgent call to reimagine this.

Drawing on two decades of work with boys and men, and his own personal experiences, author Ben Vasiliou has written a practical guide on how to promote healthy masculinity. Without judgement, Ben shares real life examples of men who’ve experienced shame, or insecurity, or been close-minded, and how his work helped them grow into emotionally aware, healthier people who are thriving, not just surviving.

The best part? Better Man illustrates how to do just that through both broad principles, like avoiding blame and shame; and specific tips and tools, like low-pressure conversation starters.

This book is for anyone raising, teaching, loving – or being – a man. It offers a roadmap away from rigid stereotypes and towards a more expansive, hopeful future of masculinity.

It’s time to reclaim masculinity for good.

About the Author

Ben Vasiliou is the father of two teenagers and the CEO of The Man Cave, one of Australia’s leading organisations helping boys and young men build emotional strength, self-awareness, and healthy relationships. Ben has spent his career tackling some of the toughest issues facing men and boys, including a seven-year stint as CEO of Youth Projects, where he worked on the frontline with young people facing homelessness, addiction, and complex disadvantage.

From school halls to crisis services, and from boardrooms to one-on-one conversations with young men at breaking point, his work is grounded in real-world experience. His leadership of major social change initiatives aimed at building healthier, more connected communities has earned him Innovator of the Year and a place among Pro Bono Australia’s top 25 most influential people in the social economy. Ben was also named one of Australia’s Top 5 CEOs by Third Sector, and was awarded Scholar of the Year by the Australian Leadership Hub in 2023.