As a leader in her community and having personally witnessed a loved one’s battle with substance misuse, Michelle de Potter uses her platform to bring attention to mental health and suicide in the construction industry. In the video, Michelle, CEO and lobbyist for the AGC Florida East Coast chapter, emphasizes the critical importance of mental health as part of workplace safety. She recounts the traumatic experience of her birth father’s addiction following a workplace injury, a struggle that profoundly impacted her life. Michelle candidly discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in the industry and advocates for open dialogue as a starting point for change. Her efforts include initiatives like promoting awareness of the 988 National Suicide Hotline and encouraging construction company owners to equip themselves with tools to address mental health and addiction issues among their workers. Michelle’s message is clear: it’s okay to not be okay, and finding solutions begins with talking about the problems.