Welcome to PathForge
PathForge helps you forge a meaningful, purpose-driven life and take on valued roles in fair and equal societies. Through research-based guidance, training, and narratives, we equip you with the tools to improve you well-being, build a strong identity, and grow as a partner, father, and citizen.
Vision and Values
We envision a world where all people can consciously shape their identities and actively choose paths that allow them to reach their potential, find meaning and purpose in life, and build lasting relationships. A fair world where we can use our strengths and virtues for the benefit of all and be genuinely valued for doing so.
Unlocking Potential
Too many feel lost, unmotivated, or undervalued. Without purpose, they disengage or become resentful. We help them uncover their strengths and find meaning, ensuring their potential isn’t wasted.
Positive Engagement
We focus on solutions, not criticism, meeting challenges with curiosity, dialogue, and a commitment to finding common ground.
Community & Inclusion
People need spaces where they feel welcomed and encouraged. We create environments where they can explore social norms and identities in ways that feel supportive, achievable, and meaningful.
Pragmatism & Progress
Change takes time and perfection is not the goal. We celebrate progress and recognize that expecting too much to quick can lead to alienation and defensiveness.
Assumption of Goodwill
While people can often be misguided or confused, they’re rarely evil. They just need to find the right path, and we’re here to help them.
Evidence-Based & Actionable
We ground our work in research and communicate complex issues in clear, compelling ways, that makes them practical, accessible, and applicable in real life.
Meet the Founder
Dr Simon Fokt is a philosopher, educator and writer. He authored multiple academic papers in aesthetics, applied ethics and metaphilosophy, and taught at universities across Europe.
He is a lecturer in ethics at HTW Berlin, a member of the steering committee for MenEngage Europe where he runs the Working Group on Positive Engagement; the founder and manager of the Diversity Reading List, a leading online resource which promotes equality in the academia; director of TELdesign Limited, which designs and develops academic and corporate online courses and training programs; and a business consultant in applied ethics.
What We Do
PathForge conducts independent research into topics related to social norms, equality, masculinity, and ethics, and produces research-based policy advice documents, training courses, and public outreach materials. We address problems boys and men struggle with, develop positively framed narratives helping them to critically engage with traditional masculine norms and conceptualise their place in a fair and equal world, and promote paths they can take towards living a life of purpose and personal fulfilment.
Our main thematic areas include: living a purposeful life, healthy relationships and sexuality, emotional intelligence and development, virtuous masculinity, critical engagement with masculine gender norms. The guiding principle in each, is to help men reach their potential in ways which respect the rights of others and are consistent with the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion.
We seek regular collaborators to develop joint research and outreach projects.
Get in touch now to explore potential for working together
