Never beg for a seat at the table when you can build your own furniture

Two of the best lessons I learned from my parents:

1. "We," meaning the Topps, don’t take rubbish from anyone.
   
   
2. If you want something, go and get it.
   
   

Believe it or not, applying these two principles to my family, business, and even my faith has given me the permission to create what I want.

The last 18 months of living in the Mediterranean with my children—following a dream that had been in my wife’s heart since she was a little girl—have opened up so many opportunities.

It has also inspired those closest to her.

I tell every man who will listen: life is either by design or by default.

You choose.

And in business, mission, and impact, we live in a global economy.

This is the era where you can build.

I remember a time when I was thrilled that men would travel 100 km just to attend my programs.

Now, we have men joining us from New Zealand to Alaska and everywhere in between.

Yes, you get to choose.

What most men won’t tell you is that doing the extraordinary requires faith.

You must believe in what you cannot yet see—until it materializes. And that takes courage.

That’s why we need each other—for encouragement and support.

Because on your own, your courage will fade, and you’ll find yourself taking a seat at someone else’s table.


-Gavin Lance Topp

Your contribution to society as a man

As fathers, we often don’t realize the profound impact we have on shaping a generation.

At 16, I had no idea how much my dad’s influence would extend beyond just me. He set up a gym at our house where my mates would come a couple of times a week. They didn’t necessarily have a goal to fight, but at the end of every session, my dad would take turns sparring with each of us—sometimes eight of us, one by one.

I’ll never forget the day after one of those sessions when my dad pulled me aside and said, “It won’t be long before you’re better than me.” At 16, I couldn’t comprehend that.

Years later, three of those boys—now men—have reached out to tell me how those training sessions changed their lives. The physical challenge, the discipline, and the lessons learned in that garage went far beyond boxing; they built resilience, confidence, and strength in all of us.

In today’s world, where kids are wrapped in cotton wool and the biggest challenge is staying politically correct, many young men never get the chance to truly test their strength—physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Every one of us has the opportunity to inspire and challenge the young men around us. Boys naturally seek to measure themselves against men they respect.

So, I challenge you—think back to your own youth. What did a male role model, whether it was your father, a mate’s dad, or a mentor, do that left a lasting impact on your life?

Now, go and be that man for someone else.

Lately, I’ve been meeting my son and his mates at the local gym after school, doing exactly what my dad did for me. And guess what? This young bloke is going to be way too good for me soon. But that’s the goal—to show him (and his mates) that he is good enough, strong enough, and determined enough. 

Have a great weekend, men.

— Gav Topp

Something that always feels like a dagger to the heart is having a conversation with a man who tells me he has given up on making his dreams a reality…

When he settles for average, plays it safe, and lets go of the things he truly longs for.
You see, your dreams have a price—and risk is the currency.

You either pay the price (which requires courage) or stop dreaming and stay stuck.

I recently spoke with a successful gentleman, and as we swapped stories, he told me about an opportunity he had to have a 15-minute conversation with a business mentor who was excelling in the exact area he wanted to grow in. However, to make it happen, he had to fly 24 hours, fit it into a packed schedule, and face a tight turnaround with other work commitments.

The risk?

• Two long flights
• Financial investment
• Four days away from his family and business
• No guarantee of a successful outcome

But he made the decision to go for it.

And of course, nothing went according to plan.
His flight was delayed.
He barely made it in time for his allotted 15-minute meeting.
Just five hours after the conversation, he was back on a plane for another 24-hour flight home.
BUT—those 15 minutes gave him absolute clarity on his next steps in business.
And yes, millions of dollars followed.
And yes, his dreams are coming true.

As men leading in business and our careers, risk is our currency.

It is a sad day when you meet a man who has given up on his dreams, believing the lie that comfort and safety are better alternatives.

I believe with all my heart that the best thing we can do for our children is to show them that dreams can come true and that requires us men taking risks.

P.S. I'm thinking of hosting an in person event in Florida in a couple of months time to show you the formula I have been using to create momentum in my family, business and faith. Reply to this email with a 👍🏼 if you would be interested in this, and share the area in which you are most wanting to create momentum in.

Be blessed!!

-Gavin Lance Topp 

I was a teenager in the 80s, watching my parents hustle day and night, working early mornings and late nights in farms and shops. That was our family; there were no choices.

Distractions were minimal. No one asked, “How do you feel?” You did what needed to be done without checking in or taking days off.

Today, we see a huge shift where participation trophies are given and children are choosing what gender they identify as… . But old-fashioned values are timeless.

In 2025, as fathers and leaders, we must change our delivery. Having seven children aged 10 to 26, I’ve witnessed how parenting must adapt.

How I raised my 26-year-old daughter is different from how I am raising my 10-year-old daughter.

How I raised my 25-year-old son is different from how I am raising my 14-year-old son.

And how I am raising my 16, 20, and 22-year-old daughters could be a book on its own… goodness me! LOL

In my latest podcast episode, I discuss how in the past I delegated parenting responsibilities at times without realizing it. I’ve pivoted my approach to raise my kids to be strong, independent, and Christ-like.

Listen to the episode and share your thoughts. I’m gifting a 1:1 strategy session to one man who replies to this email with his thoughts on the topic.

You can listen here 🎧

Stay focused & lead with strength Men 🫡

- Gavin Lance Topp