EP 06 | Leading a Culture of Care with Cal Beyer

What does it mean to truly take care of your people? In Episode 06 of the Old Dawg Leadership Podcast, Adam Hoots and Mike Chiles sit down with Cal Beyer for an important conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, recovery, and the role construction leaders can play in creating a culture of care. Cal has spent decades helping the construction industry move beyond awareness toward prevention, readiness, and response. In this episode, he shares why mental health, substance use, suicide, overdose, and recovery need to be part of one connected conversation focused on whole-person wellbeing. The conversation also explores Cal’s Three V’s of leadership: visible, vocal, and vulnerable. For leaders, that can be as practical as walking the jobsite, knowing your people, starting conversations, and recognizing when someone’s normal behavior changes. In this episode: Building a culture of care in construction Mental health and suicide prevention Substance use, recovery, and whole-person wellbeing Moving from awareness to readiness and response The Three V’s: visible, vocal, and vulnerable Recognizing when someone may be struggling Creating stronger connections between workers and available resources The role everyday leadership can play in changing construction culture Cal also discusses resources available to construction leaders and workers, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Construction Suicide Prevention Week, SAFE Project, VitalCog, safeTALK, and QPR. The takeaway for leaders is simple: know your people, be willing to have the conversation, and be ready to connect someone with help when they need it. As Cal reminds us at the end of the episode: “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” 🎙️ Old Dawg Leadership Podcast Real leaders. Real lessons learned. Direct, practical, and no bullshido. Built by those who do. Shared for those who will. This episode’s Community Spotlight is Brent Darnell International, providing executive coaching for construction professionals from the field to the boardroom. Whether you're leading a crew, managing projects, or just beginning your career in construction, this kickoff episode offers practical wisdom you can put to work immediately. Join the conversation and discover why the best leaders don't create followers. They create more leaders. Connect with the Old Dawg Builder's Community Skool: skool.com/olddawg YouTube: @OldDawgs LinkedIn: Old Dawgs Builder's Community