How to Invest in Mental Health Without Losing the Bottom Line
How to Invest in Mental Health Without Losing the Bottom Line
About
This session will explore practical, low-cost strategies for supporting mental health on the job site—without sacrificing productivity or profitability. Attendees will learn three simple steps they can implement immediately: Muscular Vulnerability – Redefining strength in construction culture by encouraging openness and storytelling instead of stoicism. Connect Instead of Disengage – Building stronger teams by recognizing subtle behavioral shifts and leaning into connection. Ask Twice, Stay Once – Practicing meaningful check-ins that go beyond surface-level conversations. Together, these approaches foster safer, more supportive work environments that benefit both people and performance.
Speakers
Eli Embleton
Dream Manager
Zachry Construction Corporation
Eli Embleton is the Dream Manager at Zachry Corporation, leading learning and development initiatives and championing mental health. A speaker featured in WSJ, TIME, and Newsweek, he contributes to suicide prevention efforts at the University of Colorado and co-chairs the Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference. Eli is also collaborating on a suicide prevention documentary and has published with Johns Hopkins University Press. Based in San Antonio with his wife and four children, he holds an executive MBA in organizational transformation and continues research and teaching through Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies.
Mariana Barahona
EAP Manager
Zachry Construction Corporation
Mariana Barahona is the EAP Manager at Zachry Construction Corporation, where she advances mental health awareness and prevention with a focus on workplace well-being and youth. She earned her Psychology degree with a Business minor from UTSA in 2015 and is dedicated to fostering supportive environments that positively impact individuals and organizations.