In this episode, host Randy Goruk has a conversation with Ed DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors, about how construction leaders can evolve from old school, command-and-control styles to adapt to a people-first, emotionally intelligent approach. Ed shares his personal journey from grinder and stress overload to servant leader and explains why he now treats humanity as a strategy investing in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and holistic worker experiences as core business drivers, not “soft” add-ons.
Listeners will also learn:
· Why traditional “old school” command-and-control leadership is rapidly losing effectiveness in today’s construction workforce.
· What “humanity as a strategy” is all about.
· How emotional intelligence applies to construction.
· Specific ways to create psychologically safe job sites where people feel respected, heard, and valued.
· Practical first steps for old school leaders such as pausing and breathing before reacting.
· How focusing on people can still drive safety, profitability, and performance.
· How to introduce emotional intelligence into a skeptical culture.
· The connection between leadership and the current labor shortage.
· How better leadership can help attract and retain workers.
· What younger workers are looking for today.
· The role of growth mindset and continuous learning.
· A vision of the future of construction.
Resources
Ed DeAngelis
CEO EDA Contractors, Inc.
