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Today is the Day Changemakers

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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Today is the Day Changemakers

Why Humanity is Your Greatest Competitive Advantage

June 24, 2026 • Jodi

0:00 | 55:20

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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

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Jodi Hope Grinwald

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