In this spotlight, we spoke with Ryan Parke, founder of The Mens Coach. Through workshops, coaching and keynote talks, Ryan helps organisations better understand male mental health using a practical, science-based approach. We spoke to Ryan about the impact of print, overcoming imposter syndrome and why physical resources can sometimes change lives in ways you never expect.
Tell us about your business! Who are you, what do you do, what’s your history, where did it all start?
I’m Ryan Parke, founder of The Mens Coach. I share the science of male mental health and wellbeing.
I’m an experienced coach who specialises in working with men, a TEDx speaker and the author of a book that became an Amazon number one bestseller in its category in the UK.
What I spend most of my time doing is visiting businesses, schools and NHS trusts, delivering talks and workshops on the science of male mental health. My goal is to help men better understand their wellbeing through practical, evidence-based strategies, while also helping organisations create environments where men feel supported and able to engage in conversations about mental health.
Ryan Parke - Photo credit: Phoenix ME - London-based Mechanical and Electrical contractor focused on social value and the wellbeing of its team members.
What is your main challenge and how do you overcome it?
Many organisations invest heavily in wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, but often find that men don't engage with them in the way they'd hoped.
The way I help overcome that challenge is by taking a science-based, practical approach to mental health and hormonal health. We talk about topics such as testosterone, competition, goal setting, nutrition and exercise - subjects that many men naturally connect with. By focusing on practical actions rather than abstract concepts, organisations often find that male colleagues engage more readily with wellbeing initiatives, helping the wider wellbeing strategy have a greater impact.
What made you choose instantprint?
One of the main reasons I use instantprint is the 3D proofing tool.
Being able to upload artwork and see exactly how the finished product will look before ordering gives me confidence that everything is correct. It's helped me spot issues with artwork and page layouts before going to print, which is invaluable. The ability to visualise the finished product means I can order with confidence, knowing it will look exactly as intended.
Photo credit: Phoenix ME - London-based Mechanical and Electrical contractor focused on social value and the wellbeing of its team members.
Thinking about your wins with print marketing, what advice would you give to businesses like yours?
If you're a subject matter expert or someone who shares knowledge professionally, don't let imposter syndrome stop you from creating printed materials.
For a long time, I questioned whether I should create a workbook or even publish a book. Looking back, I'm glad I did. Printed materials can go places you never expect and help people you'll never meet. Once your ideas exist in a physical format, they become part of someone else's learning journey.
My advice would be to trust yourself, create something useful and get it printed. You can always improve it later, but you'll never know the impact it can have if you don't start.
How do you make your customers feel special and understood?
The most important thing is giving people opportunities to reflect on how the content applies to their own lives.
In my workshops, people are encouraged to think about concepts, discuss them with the person next to them, write in their workbook and share feedback if they want to. Those moments of participation are incredibly important. They help people feel heard, understood and actively involved rather than simply listening passively.
Over time, those conversations also help me understand my audience better, allowing me to continually improve and tailor my content to the people in the room.
What print products do you order from us and how have they brought you success?
We regularly order perfect bound books to accompany our Science of Male Mental Health workshops, as well as compliment slips that I include when gifting copies of my book.
The workbook gives attendees practical tools, space for reflection and resources they can continue using long after the session has finished. It helps people structure their thoughts and leave with something tangible that supports their wellbeing journey.
Interestingly, there was a point where I nearly stopped using the workbook. Every time I updated the workshop, I also had to update and reprint the workbook, which made me question whether it was worth the investment.
That changed when I received a phone call from someone I had never met. He had been going through a personal crisis and, during a conversation with a manager, was shown one of my workbooks. Working through the exercises helped him identify some of the root causes of his distress and take positive action to improve his wellbeing.
What made the story even more remarkable was that I'd never worked with that company and had no idea how the manager had obtained the workbook. It reminded me that printed materials can go places you can't go and do work that you can't do. You never really know who will end up using them or the impact they'll have.
Photo credit: Phoenix ME - London-based Mechanical and Electrical contractor focused on social value and the wellbeing of its team members.
What are your top print tips for other creators and businesses?
Create something that is both useful and visually appealing.
People will keep printed materials on their desks if they provide genuine value. Think about what would be useful for your audience rather than guessing. Ask your customers what they would find helpful and create something they can continue using.
Don't be afraid to experiment either. Create a first version, review it, make improvements and keep refining it. The first edition doesn't need to be perfect - it just needs to exist.
Why do you use print marketing alongside digital marketing?
Interestingly, I don't rely heavily on digital marketing. I'm fortunate that most of my work comes through referrals, repeat business and people who have attended my talks.
As a public speaker, the workshops themselves often become the marketing for future work. There's usually someone in the audience who thinks, "I'd love Ryan to come and speak at my workplace," which often leads to new opportunities.
That said, I still see huge value in print. Physical materials create a different kind of impact. A workbook, booklet or printed resource can stay with someone long after an event has finished, continuing to provide value every time they pick it up.
For me, print creates a tangible connection that digital content can't always replicate. It can travel further than you expect and sometimes reach people you'll never even meet.
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