Today is the Day Changemakers

Hosted by Jodi

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201

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Through connecting with and highlighting changemakers, self-starters, and those who are disrupting the status quo, Jodi Grinwald’s ‘Today is the Day Changemakers’ channel will provide content that will connect listeners to real stories, from real people who are making a real difference in their corner of the world. These intimate interviews with inspiring and relatable guests will act as an opportunity for you to peer inside the minds of the latest gamechangers and creators. Changemakers believe in the greater good. They identify a specific issue or challenge and give themselves permission to do what is needed. Learn more about their tenacity, determination, motivation, and their innate ability to move past the challenges even when it is not easy. Every Wednesday a new interview will be released. Remember....Today is the day! You cannot go back to yesterday and you do not yet own tomorrow! Please follow on social media @todayisthedayliveit or email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.

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60 recent

September 8, 202659 min

Finding Your Diamonds: The Courage to Heal, Evolve, and Become Limitless

Send us Fan Mail What if changing your relationship with fear could change your entire life? In this deeply honest episode of the Today Is the Day Changemakers Podcast, Jodi Hope Grinwald sits down with Liz Svatek—transformational coach, speaker, healer, author, podcast host, and Founder of the Warrior Woman Movement. Liz shares what it was like growing up in a volatile home and living in “two worlds”—the life others saw and the painful reality behind closed doors. She explains how those experiences created hypervigilance that followed her into adulthood and why writing her book, Finding Your Diamonds, allowed her to finally validate the experiences she had hidden and minimized for years. Liz also introduces the idea that changed everything for her: radical personal responsibility. This does not mean blaming yourself for what happened. It means owning the choices you make next so you can become the driver of your own life. Together, Jodi and Liz explore: • Creating boundaries within complicated family relationships • Accepting people for who they are—not who we need them to become • How healing yourself can create a ripple effect in others • Reinventing your identity when you know there is more for you • The difference between actual danger and the fear that accompanies growth • Why fear may be a green light rather than a stop sign • How one decision can completely change the trajectory of your life Liz works with women who feel exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or as though they have been silently drowning while caring for everyone around them. Her work helps women awaken, remember who they are, reclaim their voices, and return to the expanded, powerful, and deeply alive women they were always meant to be. Liz reminds us, “You can’t really change another person, but you can be the ripple effect.” And for anyone wondering whether life holds something more, her message is clear: “If you think there is more, there is.” EVOLVE WITH LIZ—FREE LIVE CLASS Join Liz September 14–16 for EVOLVE , a free live class designed to help you evolve your relationships, your parenting, and—most importantly—YOURSELF. Register here: https://www.lizsvatek.com/evolve-experience BECOME LIMITLESS Liz’s LIMITLESS program is a 12-week online, deeply connective experience that can change your life. Jodi has personally participated in LIMITLESS and highly recommends it to any woman who is ready to grow, heal, break free from old patterns, and discover what is possible in her next chapter. It was a gamechanger for Jodi and can be for you as well. As Liz says, “All it takes is 12 weeks to change your life, your legacy, and the woman staring back in the mirror.” Learn more at Warrior Women Inc.: https://www.lizsvatek.com/ Liz’s book, Finding Your Diamonds , is available now on Amazon. She is also the host of The Liz Svatek Show and will be a featured author in the upcoming collaborative book that Jodi is curating titled, Today Is the Day. OWN IT!, coming in late spring 2027. This is not only Liz’s story. It may be the beginning of yours. FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE Follow @todayisthedayliveit on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to the Today Is the Day Changemakers channel on YouTube. Please like, follow, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear its message. CONNECT WITH TODAY IS THE DAY If you would like to be considered as a featured guest or explore partnership opportunities to promote your business, organization, or nonprofit through the Today Is the Day ecosystem, contact Jodi at: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com #connection #changemakers #evolve #limitless #awaken #coaching #womenleaders #leadership #womeninbusiness #TodayistheDay #changemakers #overcomingfear #trauma #family Support the show

September 2, 20261 hr 2 min

Humble Beginnings, Brilliant Impact, Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Community

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a 38-year career, lead a company through 20 years of growth and adversity, and stand up for the things you believe in—even when doing so isn’t easy? In this episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, I sit down with Philip “Phil” Brilliant, founder and owner of Brilliant Environmental Services, LLC , a full-service environmental consulting firm celebrating 20 years in business. Phil has dedicated more than 38 years to environmental science, helping protect the water people drink, the air they breathe, and the communities where they live. During his career, he helped grow an environmental company from four employees and $400,000 in annual revenue to 68 employees, four offices, and more than $9 million in revenue. His leadership extends far beyond his business. Phil is a longtime community advocate, frequent lecturer on environmental remediation, original member of the New Jersey Site Remediation Professional Licensing Board, and host of the Simply Brilliant Podcast . He continues to speak up, step forward, and stand behind the issues he believes matter—even when doing so makes him a target. But to understand the leader Phil became, you also have to understand where he came from. Raised by a single mother with limited resources, Phil learned about sacrifice, perseverance, and generosity at an early age. His mother raised two children, later returned to school, and earned her college degree at 50. When Phil was eight or nine years old, he tried to help her pay the bills. He found what he believed were postage stamps, licked them, and carefully placed them on the envelopes. He soon discovered that they were actually the family’s food stamps for the week. His mother also taught him the power of making people feel seen. She kept gifts in the trunk of her car because she believed you should never arrive at someone’s home empty-handed. She would even give a gift to a stranger celebrating a birthday in a restaurant. Today, Phil honors her legacy through a scholarship that helps high school seniors continue their education. Phil also speaks candidly about one of the most difficult chapters of his professional journey. After discovering his company was losing money on every job, he faced approximately $700,000 in bills with only about $100,000 coming in. He reduced his staff from 45 employees to 10 and ultimately filed for bankruptcy. Through honesty, resilience, and the willingness to ask for help, Phil rebuilt his business without losing a client or vendor. His advice to entrepreneurs is something every leader needs to hear: You may know something, but you do not know everything. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in the areas where you need support. This is a conversation about business success, leadership, family, community advocacy, bankruptcy, rebuilding, and having the courage to use your voice. Stories like Phil’s are at the heart of my book, LIVE IT! From the Edge of Comfort to the Center of Impact . Through real and deeply personal stories, the authors share how they moved beyond judgment, uncertainty, fear, and challenge to create lives of greater purpose and impact. The book is available in paperback and Kindle wherever books are sold. Listen to the full episode, subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, and please like and share this conversation so more people can hear Phil’s story. Follow @TodayIsTheDayLiveIt on Facebook and Instagram for more conversations with leaders, changemakers, entrepreneurs, and people creating meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Would your company or organization benefit from reaching an audience of leaders, business owners, nonprofit professionals, and changemakers? Customized podcast sponsorship opportunities are available, providing meaningful visibility while supporting the real stories and conversations that inspire people to take action. Visit todayisthedayliveit.com or contact Jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com to learn more about the podcast, Leadership & Business Growth Strategy services, purchase LIVE IT! , or explore sponsorship, and partnership opportunities. #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #StandUpForWhatYouBelieveIn #LeadershipLessons #EnvironmentalLeadership #SmallBusiness #CommunityLeadership #OvercomingAdversity #PurposeDrivenLeadership #Changemakers #Podcast #TodayIsTheDayChangemakers #LiveIt Support the show

August 18, 20261 hr 11 min

Calling You Can't Deny: Changing Girls' Futures in Kenya

Send us Fan Mail How is ZanaAfrica transforming menstrual health, girls’ education, reproductive health, and gender equality in Kenya? In this episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, host Jodi Hope Grinwald speaks with Megan Mukuria—founder of ZanaAfrica , Ashoka Fellow, Harvard University graduate, and award-winning social entrepreneur. Megan grew up in Connecticut and attended Harvard University. But after working with girls in Kenya, she recognized a truth that changed her life: poverty is a lack of opportunity—not a lack of talent. In 2001, she purchased a one-way ticket to Kenya and followed a calling she could no longer deny. Megan later founded ZanaAfrica after witnessing how period poverty, limited access to sanitary pads, and a lack of trusted reproductive health education affected girls’ health, safety, dignity, and education. Today, ZanaAfrica provides menstrual products to more than 100,000 users and works with 250 teachers and 50,000 students—with the goal of helping bring its health curriculum to 13 million students across Kenya. In this conversation, Megan shares: How her Connecticut upbringing and Harvard education influenced her journey Why she left the United States for Kenya How ZanaAfrica is advancing menstrual health and girls’ education What she learned after six years without funding Why menstrual products and health education must work together How courage, purpose, and persistence can create systems change Why everyone—not only founders—can contribute to social impact If you are interested in Megan Mukuria, ZanaAfrica, Harvard alumni creating social change, menstrual health in Kenya, period poverty, girls’ education, gender equality, women’s health, nonprofit leadership, or social entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. Watch and listen: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Search Today is the Day Changemakers wherever you stream podcasts. Learn more about Megan Mukuria and support ZanaAfrica at ZanaAfrica.org . Learn more about Jodi Hope Grinwald, the podcast, books, leadership programs, and the Today is the Day Changemakers ecosystem at TodayIsTheDayLiveIt.com . Subscribe, follow, review, and share this episode to help more people discover Megan’s work. #MeganMukuria #ZanaAfrica #HarvardUniversity #HarvardAlumni #Connecticut #Kenya #MenstrualHealth #PeriodPoverty #MenstrualEquity #GirlsEducation #GenderEquality #WomensHealth #SocialEntrepreneurship #NonprofitLeadership #GlobalHealth #SocialImpact #Changemakers #TodayIsTheDayChangemakers Support the show

August 12, 20261 hr 3 min

From “Yes, But” to “Yes, And”: Turning Change Into Possibility

Send us Fan Mail I’m Jodi Hope Grinwald, host of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. In this episode, special guest co-host Fred Wasiak, Principal Owner of Humanics Consulting , and we sit down with motivational keynote speaker, author and improv comedian Avish Parashar for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about navigating change, moving beyond apathy and replacing “yes, but” with “yes, and.” Avish reminds us that life isn’t scripted—it is the ultimate improvisation. We are constantly facing unexpected changes, challenging conversations and circumstances we cannot control. The question is: Will we resist what is happening, or will we adapt and explore what could be possible? One of my favorite insights from Avish’s book, Say “Yes, And!” to Change, is: “Yes, but” is a brake. “Yes, and” is an accelerator. When someone presents an idea and the response is, “Yes, but that won’t work,” the idea can be shut down in seconds. But responding with, “Yes, and what if we also…” can open the door to creativity, collaboration and entirely new possibilities. Avish explains how changing our default response from “yes, but” to “yes, and” can help us: • Adapt more effectively to change • Strengthen communication and teamwork • Move beyond resistance and complacency • Unlock creativity and innovation • Become more comfortable with uncertainty • Say “yes, and” to ourselves and the possibilities we may be dismissing Our conversation also takes an unexpectedly honest turn when Avish shares his unusual personal theme: to become more “bored, awkward and rejected.” Why would anyone choose that? Because boredom creates space for imagination. Awkwardness can mean we are stretching beyond what feels comfortable. Rejection means we had the courage to try. Avish explains that when we stop immediately escaping discomfort through distraction, we give ourselves the space to create, grow and achieve better results. We also explore approval-seeking and how easy it is to focus on the one person who did not like what we did—even when 100 others did. Avish openly discusses his own desire for approval, the vulnerability behind performing and why being honest about what we are experiencing allows others the opportunity to support us. Avish also challenges the belief that every goal must feel achievable. While SMART goals have value, he believes we also need an “impossible goal”—one that makes us think, “I have no idea how I’m going to accomplish that.” An impossible goal requires us to experiment, learn, collaborate and use our creativity. When individuals or teams pursue an ambitious goal they genuinely care about, that renewed engagement can begin to replace apathy. Most importantly, Avish reminds us that bringing “yes, and” into our workplaces, relationships and communities must begin with saying “yes, and” to ourselves. How many times have you thought, “I want to do that,” only to immediately answer yourself with, “Yes, but I don’t have the time,” “Yes, but I might fail” or “Yes, but I’m not ready”? This episode invites us to change that response. If you are navigating change, leading a team, pursuing a goal that feels beyond your reach or struggling to move past your own “yes, but,” this conversation is for you. Listen to From “Yes, But” to “Yes, And”: Turning Change Into Possibility with Avish Parashar. CONNECT WITH AVISH PARASHAR Learn more about Avish: https://www.avishparashar.com Learn more about Say “Yes, And!” to Change: https://www.sayyesandtochange.com CONNECT WITH TODAY IS THE DAY Subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and join a global community committed to creating meaningful change. Learn more about me and the work of Today is the Day: https://www.todayisthedayliveit.com #leadership #changemanagement #yesand #TodayIsTheDayChangemakers #AvishParashar #leadershipdevelopment #adaptability #personalgrowth #teamengagement #creativity #innovation #growthmindset #workplaceculture #communicationskills #podcast Support the show

August 5, 202639 min

One Sandwich Sparked a Movement—And a Life Meant For More

Send us Fan Mail One Small Act of Kindness Can Change Everything: A Conversation with Karen Olson What if one small act of kindness could change the course of your life—and ultimately impact millions of others? On this episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast , host Jodi Hope Grinwald sits down with Karen Olson, founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, for an inspiring conversation about kindness, compassion, purpose, and the extraordinary impact one person can create. Karen’s desire to help others began early in life. After losing her mother as a child, she experienced a depth of hurt that made her want to protect others from feeling the same kind of pain. Although she once dreamed of becoming a nurse, her life took her in a different direction, and she built a successful career as a marketing executive at Warner-Lambert. Then, one encounter outside Grand Central Station changed everything. On her way to a business meeting, Karen stopped to help an unhoused woman named Millie. She offered her a sandwich and orange juice—and, even more importantly, took the time to sit with her, listen, and learn her story. That single decision opened Karen’s eyes and heart in a new way. It led her to begin volunteering, learn more about family homelessness, and bring communities together to create meaningful solutions. Karen eventually founded what would become Family Promise , a national nonprofit dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity achieve lasting independence. Through the power of compassion, community, and human connection, she rallied more than one million volunteers and helped build a movement that has served more than one million children and adults. In this deeply personal conversation, Karen opens up about childhood loss, depression, unexpected roadblocks, her transition from corporate leadership to nonprofit service, and the life-altering health crisis she later faced. She also shares how volunteerism transformed her own life and why compassion has the power to heal both the person receiving kindness and the person offering it. Karen’s journey reminds us that purpose does not always arrive through one grand plan. Sometimes, it begins by noticing the person in front of us, listening to our hearts, and choosing to take one small step. Karen’s memoir, Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose , chronicles her journey from personal tragedy to a life of compassion, service, and national impact. The book is available through Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. Learn more about Karen at KarenOlsonAuthor.com and about Family Promise at FamilyPromise.org . About the Host Jodi Hope Grinwald is a Leadership & Connection Strategist, author, collaborative publishing strategist, and host of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast . She partners with companies, nonprofits, leaders, and professionals through leadership and team development, career transition coaching, nonprofit fundraising strategy, and organizational consulting. Through her Connection Is the Work™ methodology, Jodi helps companies and nonprofits turn meaningful human connection into measurable organizational outcomes—including stronger leadership, more effective teams, improved workplace culture, greater employee and client engagement, increased retention, sustainable fundraising, and long-term growth. Jodi is also the creator and lead author of Today is the Day. LIVE IT!—Edge of Comfort to Center of Impact , featuring the stories and insights of 31 changemakers. She is currently curating the second collaborative book in the series, Today is the Day. OWN IT! , scheduled for release in Spring 2027. Today is the Day. LIVE IT! is available through Amazon , Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, and other major online booksellers. Learn more about Jodi’s consulting, coaching, speaking, podcast, and books at TodayIsTheDayLiveIt.com . #homelessness #nonprofit #Princeton #Florida #Author #CEO #cryotherapy Support the show

July 29, 20261 hr 5 min

Humor is a Healer: Replay of July 31, 2025 Episode

Send us Fan Mail On July 31, 2025, we released an episode about what humor means and how it is a true connector. Today, we’re honored to share it again. In this episode I am joined by Lenny Dave, Kermit Cole, and special guest co-host, Michael Gershe. Humor connects people. Humor heals people. Humor is much more than telling a joke. Listen in the hear more about what humor means to us as a society. Last month, we said goodbye to our dear friend, Lenny Dave who is one of the guest's in this episode. His passing leaves an incredible void, but his voice, wisdom, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. Lenny was also a featured author in LIVE IT! , where his Chapter 8, “Lost and Found,” captures the resilience, perspective, and joy that defined his life. One of his unforgettable lessons? “Life is a gravy sandwich.” It was quintessential Lenny—finding light even in life’s most difficult moments. As the co-founder of Humor Camp , Lenny understood that humor wasn’t about telling jokes. It was about creating connection. He had a remarkable gift for helping people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something bigger than themselves. That gift transformed countless lives and built a community that will forever carry his legacy forward. His absence will be deeply felt at this fall’s Humor Camp and throughout both the Humor Camp and Today is the Day Changemakers communities. As we mark one year since this episode first aired, we invite you to listen—or listen again—and celebrate a man who showed us that laughter can heal, connection can change lives, and the way we make people feel is often the greatest gift we leave behind. Thank you, Lenny. Your legacy lives on. Click to purchase the book and learn more about Lenny in Chapter 8 of Today is the Day. LIVE IT! Support the show

July 22, 20261 hr 3 min

Unbroken Motion

Send us Fan Mail What happens when one moment changes the direction of your life—and you must decide how you are going to move forward? On July 20, 2017, Matthew Fumo dove into shallow water while swimming with friends near the Longport Bridge in Ocean City, New Jersey. He struck his head on the bottom, sustained a C4 spinal cord injury, and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. He was told he could remain on a breathing tube for up to three years and would never move anything below his neck again. But Matt’s story did not end with what he was told. In today’s episode, Matt and his sister, Julia Fumo, share the realities of that day, the long and continuing road of recovery, and what the experience taught their entire family about resilience, hope, support, and moving forward. Today, Matt is president of Unbroken Motion, and Julia serves as secretary. Together, they are building a community to support individuals living with spinal cord injuries and the families walking beside them. Learn more, get involved, or support their mission at UnbrokenMotion.org , and follow @UnbrokenMotion on Facebook and Instagram. Before we begin, please download and follow the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel. You can also follow Today is the Day Live It on Facebook and Instagram. Please like, comment, and share. Every interaction helps us bring these powerful stories to more people around the world. Today is the Day. LIVE IT! — Edge of Comfort to Center of Impact , is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Target online. If you are sitting at the edge of a decision or unsure how to move forward read what 31 authors from across the U.S. and Uganda have to share. #spinalcord #spinalcordinjury #motion #TodayistheDay #Changemakers #ocean #surfing #watersafety #family #community #healing #mindset #connection Support the show

July 15, 20261 hr 1 min

Locally Rooted: Globally Minded

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast . Today’s guest is Whitney Buchmann , Founder of Illustra Impact , joined by co-host Fred Wasiak , Founder of Humanics Consulting . Whitney believes we’re at our best when we’re locally rooted, globally minded . In this inspiring conversation, she shares how embracing new perspectives, cultures, and experiences expands our thinking, strengthens our leadership, and equips us to create greater impact right where we live. You’ll walk away challenged to think differently about community, connection, and why some of our greatest lessons come from people and places far beyond our own backyard. At Today is the Day , we believe Connection is the Work™ . Every conversation is rooted in the idea that intentional human connection isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation for measurable organizational outcomes. Through Connection is the Work™, organizations strengthen leadership, build stronger cultures, improve collaboration, deepen customer and donor relationships, increase retention, and create lasting impact. If you enjoy today’s episode, please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel , and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @TodayIsTheDayLiveIt . You can continue your own changemaker journey with Today is the Day. LIVE IT! , a collection of leadership insights and personal stories from 31 extraordinary changemakers. The book is available wherever books are sold online. This book also represents the enduring legacy of our dear friend and contributing author, Lenny Dave . His recent passing has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved him. Through his chapter, “Lost and Found,” and his unforgettable reminder that “Life is a gravy sandwich,” Lenny continues to inspire others to find hope, gratitude, and purpose no matter the circumstances. By purchasing Today is the Day. LIVE IT! , you’re helping us continue to share Lenny’s message and honor the legacy of a remarkable changemaker whose voice will continue to make a difference for years to come. And now… let’s meet today’s changemaker. I'd love to leave you with this one question: What belief do you hold with complete confidence today that might simply be the result of never having stood somewhere else? For more information on being a guest, a client, or to learn more about the next book coming out May 2027, please email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com. Support the show

July 1, 202657 min

Let's Stop Just Talking About It: It's Time to Take Action

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest challenge facing our communities isn't a lack of ideas... but our willingness to act? In this episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast , I sit down with Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Newark for one of the most honest conversations I've had about leadership, community, and creating meaningful change. We begin with an unexpected question inspired by the excitement surrounding the Knicks: If complete strangers can unite around a basketball team, why can't we unite around strengthening our communities? That one question opened the door to a conversation about what happens when we stop talking and start making intentional decisions. Together, we explore: • Why Catherine believes we need to stop talking about issues and start looking at what the data is actually telling us so we can make informed, courageous decisions. • The growing leadership crisis in the nonprofit sector, including burnout, compensation, succession planning, and why organizations must stop trying to be everything to everyone if they want to build sustainable futures. • Why the conversation around paid nonprofit sabbaticals isn't about taking a vacation—it's about investing in leaders so they can continue serving others without sacrificing themselves. • Why preparing for leadership starts long before you're given the title by showing up, asking questions, observing, listening, and learning. • Why your degree or résumé may open a door, but your character, curiosity, relationships, and willingness to grow determine the leader you become. • Why board service should never be about prestige or filling a seat, but about passion, engagement, and opening doors that create lasting impact. • How one investment in one individual can create a ripple effect that strengthens families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. • Why authentic leadership requires making difficult decisions, including scaling back in one area to strengthen another instead of trying to do everything. • The importance of civic engagement and Catherine's powerful reminder: "I don't care who you vote for—I need you to vote." Participation creates possibility, and hope begins when we choose to engage instead of giving up. If you've followed my journey, you know I believe Connection Is the Work™ . This conversation is exactly why. Connection isn't a soft skill. It's how trust is built, leaders are developed, boards become stronger, organizations thrive, and communities move from conversation to action. It's also the heartbeat behind my bestselling collaborative book, Today is the Day. LIVE IT! – Edge of Comfort to Center of Impact , where 31 voices remind us that one decision, one connection, and one courageous action can change the trajectory of a life. As you listen, I invite you to reflect: Where have I been talking instead of acting? Am I preparing for the leader I hope to become? What action can I take today to create meaningful impact in my family, my organization, or my community? Because change doesn't begin when everyone agrees. It begins when someone decides to act. I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway in the comments. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with someone who believes leadership is about serving others, subscribe to the YouTube channel , and join us as we continue proving that Connection Is the Work™ . Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Today is the Day Live It. We are given only one day at a time—how are you living it today? #nonprofit #vote #connection #TodayistheDay #burnout #podcast #takeaction Support the show

June 24, 202655 min

Why Humanity is Your Greatest Competitive Advantage

Send us Fan Mail What if success isn't just measured by what we build—but by how we impact the people around us? This week on the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast , I sit down with Ed DeAngelis, Founder and CEO of EDA Contractors , whose journey from selling newspapers as a young boy to leading a company of more than 400+ employees challenges much of what we think we know about success, leadership, and what truly drives high-performing organizations. In an industry often known for projects, productivity, and performance, Ed is championing something different: the belief that trust, kindness, vulnerability, accountability, and genuine human connection are not distractions from success—they're the foundation of it. As someone whose own work is centered around Connection Is the Work™ , I found myself deeply aligned with Ed's philosophy of Humanity as a Strategy . In fact, we probably could have spoken for hours about the power of putting people first and the impact intentional connection can have on individuals, teams, organizations, and communities. Ed shares the experiences that shaped him, the leap of faith that led him to build his own company, and the moment success forced him to ask a difficult question: Is there another way to lead? What followed was a deeply personal journey—one that challenged him to rethink not only how he defined success, but how he showed up for the people around him. Through his philosophy of Humanity as a Strategy , Ed makes a compelling case that people-first leadership isn't just good for culture—it's good for business. Before we jump into today's episode, I'd like to ask a favor. If you're enjoying the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast , please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel , leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from this conversation. And if you're looking for inspiration to take your own leap of faith, pick up a copy of Today is the Day. LIVE IT! — Edge of Comfort to Center of Impact. Featuring 31 inspiring voices and stories of courage, resilience, leadership, and transformation, it's available through Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedaychangemakers for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes content, upcoming events, and daily inspiration. And we'd love to hear from you. What resonated most with you from today's conversation? What questions do you have? What topics would you like us to explore in future episodes? Now, let's meet today's changemaker, Ed DeAngelis. #Changemakers #Contractors #Ceo #Humanity #Strategy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship Support the show