July 29, 2025 · 44 min · Episode 590
The Art of Connection: Will Henshall on Building Authentic Communities for Men
About this episode
Will Henshall's journey is a remarkable exploration of creativity, community, and personal growth. As a founding member of the successful UK soul-pop band London Beat, he experienced the exhilarating highs of musical fame with hits like I’ve Been Thinking About You. However, his story extends beyond music; it encompasses a deep understanding of authenticity and the importance of connection in both personal and professional realms. Will has transitioned into entrepreneurship, leveraging his musical expertise to create innovative platforms like Focus@Will, which harnesses the power of music to enhance focus and productivity.
Throughout his journey, Will has emphasized the significance of community, particularly among men. His involvement with the Metal Men organization reflects his commitment to fostering supportive environments where individuals can share their experiences and grow together. By advocating for emotional vulnerability and mentorship, he highlights the importance of building networks that empower individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Henshall’s insights remind us that success is often a collective effort, enriched by the wisdom and experiences of others.
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Article
Will Henshall of London Beat and Focus@Will on Creativity, Authenticity and Community for Men
Will Henshall was a founding member of the UK soul-pop band London Beat, built Focus@Will, a platform that uses music to help people focus, and now works on supportive communities for men through Metal Men. On Your Brand Amplified, he tells Anika Jackson what each of those chapters taught him about authenticity, connection and growth. His view: achievement is rarely a solo effort.
What did Will Henshall learn from London Beat?
That audiences can tell when work is genuine. London Beat's global hit I've Been Thinking About You became part of the 1990s cultural fabric. The band brought together musicians with different perspectives, and that collaboration shaped both its sound and its camaraderie. Will came away seeing music as storytelling and emotional connection, not just entertainment.
How did Will Henshall connect music and productivity?
Through Focus@Will. Will moved into photography and neuroscience to better understand human behavior and the creative process. For him, creativity isn't confined to one medium; it shows up in music, visual art and business. Combining his music background with neuroscience, he built Focus@Will to help people use music to focus and work more productively.
Why do men need supportive community?
Because emotional vulnerability is often stigmatized, which makes safe spaces for connection more important. Through Metal Men, Will creates environments where men can share their experiences, challenges and successes. Surrounding yourself with people who share your values, he believes, builds the support network that personal and professional development depend on.
He sees success as the product of collective effort, mentorship and other people's wisdom. Engaging with a diverse group has broadened his outlook. He also encourages people to treat change, in technology or social norms, as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Key takeaways
- Audiences can tell genuine work from manufactured work.
- Creativity carries across music, visual art and business.
- Focus@Will applied music and neuroscience to productivity.
- Safe spaces for men to share experiences counter the stigma around vulnerability.
- Success comes from collective effort, mentorship and relationships, not accolades alone.
Listen to Anika Jackson's full conversation with Will Henshall on Your Brand Amplified.
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