Overview
We don’t always recognize how trauma shows up at work. Sometimes it is hiding in the shadows. The quiet withdrawal. The anger that simmers just below the surface. The exhaustion that no amount of sleep can fix.
In this moving and honest episode, Eli Embleton shares his story of how a life-threatening trauma in his family sent him down a path of depression, rage, and emotional disconnection. Work became his survival strategy, a place to avoid the pain, to push through, to appear “fine.” But under the surface, he believed he was a burden.
What saved him wasn’t just time or treatment; it was connection. Through storytelling, community, and purposeful work, Eli learned the art of what he calls “muscular vulnerability” -- the ability to share pain with strength. Today, as Dream Manager at Zachry Construction, Eli walks alongside others with similar stories, helping people reach instead of retreat.
In this podcast, we discuss:
What are the signs of unresolved trauma showing up at work?
How can workplace leaders support employees with trauma histories?
If you’re a workplace leader, this episode is a guide to understanding trauma not as a personal weakness, but as a human experience that deserves compassion and care.
Two Big Takeaways
The art of muscular vulnerability in storytelling
— Real strength lies in the courage to be honest without falling apart.How to REACH
— When trauma tells us to hide, we practice connecting instead.
Quotable Quote
“Who could I be, if I forgave?” — Eli Embleton
About Eli Embleton
Eli Embleton is the Dream Manager at Zachry Construction, where he helps people pursue meaningful goals while navigating life’s hardest challenges. A survivor of profound family trauma, Eli’s journey through depression and suicidality brought him to VitalCog in Construction, the Construction Working Minds Summit, and ultimately to a new sense of purpose. His upcoming book, Reach, explores what it means to stay human after trauma.
Connect with Eli
Follow Eli on LinkedIn: Eli Embleton
Fun Fact: Eli is a published poet and a former mixed martial artist. He’s missing a few teeth but has gained a lot of wisdom. A true lover and a fighter.
Show Notes & Resources: Trauma-Informed Workplaces
If you’re a leader looking to better understand and support trauma survivors at work, these resources are a great place to start:
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Workforce Development – Practical guidance for organizations adopting trauma-informed practices.
How to Create a Trauma-Informed Workplace (SHRM) – HR-focused strategies for supporting employees with trauma histories.
SAMHSA’s Guide to Trauma-Informed Care – The foundational principles of trauma-informed systems.
Spring Health: How Trauma-Informed Practices Create Safe Workplaces – Insights on workplace safety, inclusion, and mental well-being.