Addressing the Men’s Health Crisis with Authentic Leadership
Dave Reggina, a well-known leadership expert and co-founder of ACE (Action Cultivates Excellence), alongside serial entrepreneur Sean Degnan is drawing attention to the growing crisis in men’s health. With men often facing societal pressures that prevent them from seeking help, addressing mental health struggles, or acknowledging emotional needs, Reggina is helping to lead the charge to redefine what it means to be a man and a leader in today’s world. Recently featured on ABC7 News as part of their Men’s Health Month coverage, Reggina is becoming a prominent voice in the movement for healthier, more emotionally aware leadership.
The Crisis in Men’s Health and Wellness
While there is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and emotional wellness, men are still less likely to seek therapy or address symptoms that could indicate health problems. From mental health struggles to physical ailments such as heart disease and preventable cancer, the statistics suggest that men’s health faces significant challenges. However, there are signs of progress, with leaders like Dave Reggina helping to bring attention to these issues and encourage change.
Reggina’s own journey has been marked by a series of personal challenges, including battling Crohn’s disease, navigating a public divorce, and overcoming a cancer scare. These experiences led him to recognize that while men are not lacking ambition, they often lack the supportive and structured environments needed to heal and grow emotionally. This insight drove him to co-found ACE, a platform that has gained recognition as a movement for leadership and wellness.
ACE: Bridging the Gap Between Leadership and Emotional Health
ACE has become an influential force in the leadership and wellness space, hosting sold-out men’s dinners, coed workouts, and leadership retreats. What started as a local initiative aimed at connecting men has gradually expanded into a nationwide movement. Reggina and Degnan’s work emphasizes real-world connection, vulnerability, and accountability, and their message is simple: men don’t need more noise; they need practical steps to grow emotionally and lead effectively.
Through ACE’s immersive events, men are encouraged to embrace vulnerability and emotional growth, qualities often overlooked in traditional discussions of masculinity and leadership. These events emphasize physical challenge, deep reflection, and brotherhood-building exercises—all designed to foster stronger, more grounded leadership both at home and in the workplace.
Leadership Beyond Titles
At the heart of Reggina’s leadership philosophy is the belief that true leadership starts with oneself. His upcoming book, 30 Lessons to Lead: From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs, offers readers a practical guide for leadership development through real-life lessons. These lessons, drawn from Reggina’s personal experiences, address themes like discipline, emotional intelligence, resilience, and service. This book isn’t about corporate jargon—it’s a straightforward roadmap to leading with integrity, even in the face of personal struggles.
Reggina’s background as a public servant and entrepreneur gives him a unique perspective on leadership. As the Deputy Commissioner of Community Resources in Greenburgh, NY, he oversees youth services and wellness programs, continuing his mission to develop people from the inside out.
A Platform for Leadership and Wellness
Reggina’s reach continues to expand, with his keynote at Invest Fest in Atlanta on August 23rd marking a significant moment in his journey. This appearance will give Reggina the chance to elevate the national conversation on leadership, wellness, and emotional growth for men.
Transformational Experiences with ACE
For those eager to experience Reggina’s approach firsthand, ACE will host its flagship ACE Leadership Summit from October 17–19 in the Catskills, NY. This three-day retreat is designed to push attendees out of their comfort zones and into deeper self-awareness. Through physical challenges, group sessions, and brotherhood-building exercises, participants will gain the tools to become stronger leaders in all areas of life.
Reggina’s message is clear: leadership is not about perfection, but about being present, confronting personal struggles, and growing stronger through adversity. His work serves as a reminder that true leadership begins with emotional health, discipline, and the courage to face life’s challenges head-on.
