Polaris is a production of Synozur – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease.
In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty interviews Ed DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors, who shares his journey of transforming a roofing company into a leader in the construction industry through a focus on servant leadership and a people-first approach. Ed discusses the challenges faced in the construction sector, the importance of creating a win-win culture, and how humanity plays a crucial role in business success. He emphasizes the need for vulnerability in leadership and the impact of AI on the future of the industry.
Humanity as a Strategy
Treating employees as human beings first—before focusing on transactions—unlocks greater loyalty, performance, and organizational success.
Win-Win Beats Zero-Sum
Moving away from "I win, you lose" thinking to collaborative partnerships creates sustainable success with employees, vendors, and customers alike.
Leadership Evolution Takes Time
Shifting from command-and-control to servant leadership requires patience—not everyone will come along, and that's okay.
Vulnerability Is a Superpower
The best leaders know what they don't know. Humility and vulnerability build trust far more effectively than projecting invincibility.
Accountability and Care Coexist
Being people-first doesn't mean avoiding accountability—you can hold people to high standards while still treating them humanely.
The Human Brain Outpaces AI
While AI will automate mundane tasks, human emotion, creativity, and the ability to dream remain irreplaceable competitive advantages.
Culture Attracts Talent
In an industry facing a shortage of 439,000 workers, creating a best-in-class environment makes your organization the top choice for skilled talent.
Ed DeAngelis Quotes
"Humanity as a strategy. Be strategic on how you want to treat your people as humans first. Secondarily, you will then treat them where there's a transaction in there—but first treat them as a human."
"Vulnerability is one of the greatest assets of a great leader. The best leaders I've ever dealt with are so humble to the point that they know what they don't know."
"I'm not afraid of artificial intelligence, but I'm also not afraid of the value of humanity of humans. The human brain is a thousand times more powerful than an artificial intelligent brain."
"A robot can only do what the robot can do. A human being with the right focus on their emotion, their drive—they are way more powerful."
Ed DeAngelis [ LinkedIn] – CEO, Servant Leader, Believer in "Humanity as a Strategy"
EDA Contractors – Specializing in exterior envelope solutions for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings
Titan 100 – Ed DeAngelis was named one of Philadelphia's top 100 CEOs in 2025
Companies and Organizations Mentioned:
Zappos – Known for customer-centric and people-first culture
Starbucks – Pioneer in employee-focused corporate culture
Google – Recognized for innovative workplace culture
Southwest Airlines – Famous for servant leadership approach
Vanguard – Founded by John Bogle, known for client-first philosophy
Statistics and Data Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Source: approximately 49.9% of businesses fail within five years
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) – Source: The construction industry needs 439,000 new workers in 2025
Sports Reference:
Philadelphia Eagles – Super Bowl LIX Champions (February 2025), defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. Jalen Hurts named Super Bowl MVP.
ESPC 25 (European SharePoint Conference) – December 1-4, 2025, Dublin, Ireland
Strategy, Now With AI – January 6. 2026 (Teams Webinar)
M365 Community Days DC – January 29-30, 2026 (Arlington, Virginia)
Polaris is produced with help from Riverside.fm. Our theme song, "Alternative Dream" is provided courtesy of Adobe. Additional music and sound provided by IndieGuy Records. Graphic design by Josh Brantley.
Polaris is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:45 Introducing Ed DeAngelis
01:34 News and Data Points
03:10 Welcoming Ed to Polaris
05:27 Career Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit
07:55 Current Business Climate and Challenges
10:18 Leadership Evolution and Style
12:33 Creating a People-First Culture
14:48 Implementing Change and Overcoming Resistance
19:08 Navigating Different Paths in Business Relationships
19:41 The Power of Humanity in the Workplace
22:45 Leadership Beyond Transactions
25:41 The Strength of Vulnerability in Leadership
27:00 The Future of the Construction Industry
30:17 The Impact of Pop Culture on Leadership Philosophy
34:28 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
35:44 Gratitude and Reflection During Thanksgiving
36:37 Future Conversations and Insights on Technology
37:09 Closing Credits
