Ever wondered how to partner with AI tools without losing the human element, or how to integrate mental health skills into daily workflows? This episode delivers.
A former NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneer who once battled the silent pressure of “lonely at the top,” Alex Willis now helps construction leaders build safety cultures where both bodies and minds are protected. Alex shares his personal turning point -- how experiencing depression and isolation during his NFL years shaped his mission to protect what matters most: people.
In this episode of Hope Illuminated, Alex and I explore how AI-powered tools -- used wisely, not as a replacement for human care -- can spark more effective conversations when mental health concerns arise at work.
Hear how one innovator is proving that technology, blended with empathy and evidence, can move us beyond awareness into real skill-building.
About Alex Willis
Alex Willis is the Founder and CEO of Leadership Surge, a training company dedicated to transforming construction safety culture. A former wide receiver with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he brings firsthand understanding of the high-stakes stress and pressure of elite performance into his work today. Over the past 15 years, Alex has trained more than 2,000 construction professionals -- from Fortune 500 executives to frontline foremen -- equipping them with the leadership tools to build both physically and psychologically safe workplaces. Known for his high-energy “edutainment” approach, Alex delivers programs that not only shift mindsets in the moment but also drive lasting improvements in safety compliance, team communication, and operational excellence, leaving organizations with sustainable systems that continue to thrive long after the training ends. Learn more at Leadership Surge.
What We Discuss
How can AI tools strengthen peer-to-peer mental-health conversations at work without replacing human connection?
How can leaders use technology to move from mental-health awareness campaigns to practical skill-building?
What are the top barriers to adopting AI-powered mental-health tools, and how can leaders overcome them?
How can organizations select the right technology for mental health skill development while ensuring privacy and data security?