Ed D'Angelis built a 450-person construction company that's been recognized six consecutive years as a Philadelphia Top Workplace. But his journey to "humanity as a strategy" started with a crisis: eight years into his business, he literally couldn't get off the floor. His body and mind shut down from relentless grinding.

That breaking point led Ed to a radical realization—in an industry built on toughness and hierarchy, the key to sustainable success is recognizing and strategizing around people's humanity. Through vulnerability, education about the brain and mindfulness, and unwavering commitment from the top, Ed transformed his company culture. The result? Better retention, more innovation, safer worksites, and a business that proves caring about people isn't soft... it's smart.

In this conversation, Ed and Clayton ex ...