Events for Heart-Centered Team Growth
Having open, honest conversations in the workplace enriches lives and can transform entire teams from top to bottom. I offer events for leadership teams as well as those on the front lines, built on a philosophy of genuine connection and vulnerability.
I’ve walked the path from being a “tough guy” to someone who truly understands the power of vulnerability. I’ve discovered that sharing my own struggles and encouraging others to do the same can create profound connections and foster a supportive environment. My approach to mental health leadership is all about authenticity and genuinely impacting those I speak to and work with.
Events for the Whole Team
I offer a range of events designed to connect with your team and create meaningful change.
Interactive Workshops: Leading with Mental Health in Mind
Example Event: US Air Force & AZCO Workshops
These interactive workshops have been reviewed as the most valuable work I’ve done with teams in Construction, Corporate, Military, Non-profit, Intelligence, and beyond.
In groups of 3-4, we connect deeply and delve into what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to take care of ourselves and those we lead at a deeper level.
Step 1: Focus on You
We start by focusing on you—because leading yourself is the foundation of everything. We dive deep into what it means to take care of your own mental health and well-being.
Step 2: Move Outward
From there, we move outward. We talk about how to better show up for the people closest to you—your family, friends, and co-workers. Through reflection and group conversations, we discuss real-world, actionable steps to strengthen those relationships.
Step 3: Lead
Finally, we get into leadership at work. We examine what it means to lead with compassion, keep mental health front and center, and create an environment where people feel supported. It’s about making your workplace a place where people’s mental health is strengthened, not drained.
Key Outcomes
- Leaders reshaping the way they run one-on-one and team meetings
- Teams transforming the way they connect, interact, and increase bottom line results
- Increase of 200% to 500% in Employee Assistance Program utilization
Keynote Speeches: Building Trust and Connection
Example Event: International Ironworkers Conference
My keynote speeches bring the same energy of my workshops to a larger crowd. My talks are direct, real, and cut through the noise in a way that resonates with a big and diverse audience. I don’t shy away from vulnerability—I share my own story of struggle and recovery, and how asking for help became the most heroic thing I’ve ever done.
International Ironworkers Conference
I was standing in front of 1,100 ironworkers—tough guys who live and breathe the job site grind. And by the end of that talk, we weren’t just talking about work anymore. We were talking about what really matters: our mental health, our relationships, and taking care of each other.
Key Outcomes
- Increased use of mental health resources within organizations
- Shift towards peer support and regular check-ins
- Teams motivated to lead with empathy and trust
Jobsite Talks: Real Conversations, Real Impact
Example Event: Burns & McDonnell Jobsites
Job site talks are powerful, short sessions, usually lasting 30 to 45 minutes, designed to connect directly with workers on-site. These talks are raw, real, and honest, where I share my personal story of vulnerability, recovery, and asking for help. I keep it authentic, allowing workers to relate and open up in ways they may not have experienced before.
1. Employee Assistance Program
During the talk, I encourage the company to have their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health resources available so workers can seek help right away. The focus is on building a deeper connection, fostering mental health awareness, and giving practical tools to take care of themselves and their peers. The impact is immediate, with many companies reporting a spike in workers reaching out for support after these sessions.
2. Discovering a Support System
I love to ask, “If someone in this room said they were struggling and needed to talk, how many of you would make time for them?” When everyone raises their hands, I point out that they walk past this support system every day without realizing it.
The goal is to make people see that support is always available, but we often overlook it in our pursuit of toughness. My talks aim to break down barriers and foster a culture where vulnerability and support are the norms.
3. Employee Empowerment
It’s not just about the talk itself but creating an environment where tough conversations about mental health can happen openly. By the end of the session, workers feel empowered to check in on each other and build a support system they may have been walking past every day.
Key Outcomes
- Job site culture shift towards vulnerability and trust
- Workers engaging in mental health discussions that were previously avoided
- Improved team connection and support systems in place
Reflective Retreats: Recharge and Realign
Retreats offer a unique opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and engage in deep reflection. Set in nature, these retreats are designed for leaders looking to recharge and align with their personal and professional goals. With the guidance of elite leaders and performance frameworks, participants gain insights into leadership, self-awareness, and their connection to others. This is a time to prioritize direction over speed and realign with what matters most.
Key Outcomes
- Participants report renewed clarity and focus in leadership roles
- Teams return with stronger personal and professional connections
- Nature-based mindfulness activities promote mental and emotional alignment
Zoom Calls: Virtual Connection, Real Impact
The Zoom calls I facilitate are monthly peer group sessions, open to anyone, particularly leaders in the construction industry. These calls typically have 10 to 20 participants and focus on fostering connection, reflection, and authentic conversation.
1. Peer-to-Peer Mentorship
While I guide the discussion, the real magic happens through the interactions between safety directors, superintendents, and even some C-suite leaders. It’s a space where mentorship naturally evolves, job opportunities emerge, and genuine, non-transactional conversations take place.
2. Leadership Conversations
Each call dives into meaningful questions, ranging from what’s keeping people up at night to deep reflections on leadership and personal boundaries. These sessions create a rare environment for professionals to share, support, and learn from each other in a way that goes beyond the surface-level discussions of most workdays.
Key Outcomes
- Leaders finding a community to openly discuss stress and burnout
- Long-term connections formed, creating ongoing support networks
- Participants report feeling heard and understood for the first time in years