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In construction, we pride ourselves on toughness, grit, and getting the job done. But when it comes to mental health, the most important work isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about pausing to look inward.
Josh Rizzo, a West Point graduate, combat leader, and now a mental health advocate, knows this firsthand. By 25, he was promoted to Captain in the U.S. Army, leading hundreds of soldiers in combat. He received military awards and corporate promotions and checked all the boxes society defines as “success.”
And yet, he was miserable.
“I had everything I ever wanted, everything people dream of, and I was falling apart inside. On paper, I looked unstoppable, but I was self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, and risky behavior because I didn’t know how to face my sadness and anxiety.”
The Turning Point: Treating Yourself Like You Matter
It took years before Josh asked for help. Walking into the VA hospital in 2012 was one of the hardest things he’s ever done. But it was also the beginning of a new way of leading, from the inside out.
“I realized that I had to treat myself like someone I’m responsible for. We’re so good as leaders at taking care of everyone else, but we often put ourselves last, until we fall off the hill.”
For Josh, the shift came through small, daily practices:
- Gratitude journaling – writing down what’s good, even on hard days.
- Self-compassion notes – a short letter to his inner child, ending every time with: “I love you. You have everything you need inside of you.”
This isn’t indulgence, it’s maintenance. By filling his own tank, Josh found he could show up stronger for others.
Compassionate Listening: The Leadership Skill We Miss
Most leadership training focuses on how to speak: how to motivate, how to inspire, how to correct. But Josh points out that the real magic comes when leaders learn how to listen.
“Everybody’s teaching the talking part of leadership. But when I ask people how the best leaders make them feel, the answers are always the same: heard, understood, acknowledged, cared for, and included. That’s what people want.”
Compassionate listening, whether as a leader, a friend, or a partner, creates a safe space where others can finally take off the mask. On jobsites, Josh has seen rival crews who wouldn’t even make eye contact walk away with respect and connection after just one day of sharing and listening together.
Practical takeaway for leaders: Build listening into your routine. In huddles, check-ins, or even casual conversations, ask open questions and resist the urge to immediately fix or respond. Sometimes being heard is the most powerful help you can give.
A Safe Space in the Field
Josh now spends five to ten hours a week on the phone with construction workers across the country. Some just need a few minutes to vent, and others need a companion on the road to professional help.
“I don’t care if you think there’s no one in this world you can talk to. You’ve got one guy at least, me. I promise you, I’ll pick up the phone.”
For companies, Josh runs workshops and retreats that create peer groups where crews learn to listen deeply to each other. It’s often the first time workers realize they’re not alone in their struggles.
A Book to Start With
Until Josh’s own book is finished, he often recommends Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s a simple, practical guide to mindfulness, perfect for anyone navigating stress and uncertainty.
3 Ways to Start Today
- Journal – Write down one thing you’re grateful for and one kind note to yourself.
- Practice compassionate listening – In your next conversation, focus only on understanding, not fixing.
- Learn from others – Read a page of Peace Is Every Step or follow Josh’s ongoing lessons on LinkedIn, where he shares reflections and leadership insights.
Moving Forward
Josh’s story is proof that success on paper doesn’t equal peace on the inside. By looking inward, practicing self-compassion, and embracing compassionate listening, we can create jobsites and lives where people feel safe, supported, and human.
If you’d like to explore Josh’s work and resources, visit JoshRizzoHuman.com
Toolbox Talks
To help bring these ideas into daily practice, there’s also a toolbox talk crews can use during morning huddles or safety meetings. It encourages workers to pause, reflect on what they’re grateful for, and check in on each other, reminding everyone that mental health is just as much a part of jobsite safety as hard hats and gloves.