Humanity as a Strategy - Ed DeAngelis

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.

Takeaways

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.

Sound bites

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."

References Guest Information:

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

Business

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