The Employee Safety Podcast

Executive protection is evolving from traditional bodyguard work to a more intelligent, data-driven discipline that enables organizations to prevent threats before they materialize.Steve Hernandez, CEO of The North Group, shares how modern executive protection programs rely on predictive intelligence, thorough threat assessments, and a clear understanding of the organization’s risk profile.Listen to learn:Why risk assessments are the foundation of effective executive protectionHow organizations can rethink who needs protection as threats extend beyond the C-suiteWhat factors to consider when choosing between in-house support and external protection partnersHow sharing an executive’s full risk profile helps overcome resistance to protectionThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Organizations faced a record number of interconnected threats in 2025, from global political volatility and multi-city protests to emerging technology disruptions and extreme weather events. The sheer volume and variety of incidents forced leaders to rethink how they monitor risk, protect employees, and maintain business continuity in an increasingly unpredictable world.In this episode, AlertMedia’s Senior Vice President of Global Intelligence, Sara Pratley, unpacks the top threats and key trends from the 2026 Threat Outlook Report and shares practical guidance to help leaders build resilience for the year ahead.The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Business recovery plans succeed when they include two crucial components: a prioritized list of operations to restore first and strategies for setting recovery expectations well in advance of an incident.  In this episode, Kye Kolar, Business Continuity Manager at Dimensional Fund Advisors, explains why post-incident recovery depends more on empowered employees than on static documents and how clear crisis communication helps teams stay aligned when conditions change. Kye reflects on:  The experiences that shaped his approach to business recovery  Why supporting the people leading incident response and recovery is critical after a crisis Practical ways leaders can modernize emergency preparedness training The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Leadership can play a crucial role in fostering resilience by including employees in important decisions that directly impact their roles.  In this episode, organizational resilience expert Dr. Atyia Martin explains why inclusion is critical and provides additional advice for leaders on how to avoid or repair internal dynamics that can hinder resilience.  Dr. Martin also introduces innovative training approaches leaders can use to support organizational growth. Key takeaways: A structured framework for building resilience in practical steps What “justice principles” are and why they matter in organizational decision-making Leading and lagging indicators that highlight risks to resilience before they escalate Best practices for ensuring you bring the right employees to the table To learn more about the resource Dr. Martin mentions in the episode, visit https://intentionallyact.com.The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Corporate security risks are evolving in ways that demand new mitigation strategies. Ryan Schonfeld, Co-founder and CEO of HiveWatch, an AI-driven physical security software platform, draws on his background in law enforcement and global enterprise security to offer a new perspective on how organizations can better manage today’s challenges. From the rise of social media–driven civil unrest to the convergence of cyber and physical threats, Ryan discusses the security trends he sees shaping the future and what leaders must do to stay ahead.  Episode highlights: Learn how to shift to data-driven resource allocation to increase efficiency Identify cost-effective ways AI can support security teams Accelerate the convergence of physical and cyber security to strengthen resilience   Align security programs with business objectives to earn leadership support and long-term impact The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

When David Fortino joined New York Blood Center Enterprises—one of the largest nonprofit blood collection and distribution organizations in the U.S.—as Head of Corporate Security, he was tasked with building the company’s first enterprise-wide security program. With 2,300 employees spread across more than 70 locations in 17 states, and a constantly moving fleet of mobile blood drives, the role demanded a security strategy that could adapt to both scale and complexity.  In this episode, David shares how his frontline experience in emergency medical services informs the security program he’s building to meet real-world demands. He breaks down how to tailor training by role, monitor risks, and align security priorities with business needs. Whether your team works in labs, offices, or out in the field, David’s approach offers an adaptable and hands-on model for building a security program. David and Peter discuss: How understanding an organization’s mission helps define its security priorities The challenges of securing temporary locations and ensuring staff are equipped for unpredictable moments Why strong relationships with HR, legal, facilities, and local law enforcement teams are essential for effective security programs What it takes to embed security across departments and shift legacy mindsets over time The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

In today’s complex global risk landscape, enterprise leadership teams must have a complete understanding of their risk profiles to make informed decisions on how to protect their people and assets. Daniel Devery, Director of Enterprise Crisis Management at Assurant, shares how his team turns geopolitical risks into early warnings by contextualizing their potential business impacts.   From shaping business travel security protocols to delivering concise executive briefings, Daniel outlines how building trust through proactive communication results in streamlined crisis management. Key takeaways: How to make geopolitical risks actionable by linking them to business goals Why understanding geographic context is essential to assessing real risk on the ground How cross-functional collaboration strengthens early-stage incident response How businesses of all sizes can contextualize risks to prepare for downstream operational and financial impacts The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Construction sites are unpredictable by nature, with changing crews, high-risk hazards, and exposure to the elements. Eddie Barry, Director of Risk and Threat Intelligence at Turner Construction, shares how the international construction services company builds safety into every project from the ground up.  Eddie also discusses how Turner’s culture of care extends beyond its employees to ensure that a project’s community, its people, and its infrastructure are protected.   Key takeaways: How Turner’s daily pre-task plans drive continuous safety improvements on jobsites The benefits of a cross-functional and collaborative approach to incident response  How to quickly account for every person’s safety following an incident or weather event The importance of integrating contractors into emergency communication and risk intelligence tools The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Many corporate security teams struggle to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape. Most rely on a patchwork of disconnected tools for intelligence, response, and communication, which leads to duplicative work, slower detection, and inefficient threat resolution.  To directly address these challenges, AlertMedia recently released a major upgrade to its Risk Intelligence suite, delivering powerful new capabilities that enable security teams to identify risk faster, manage response workflows, and track resolution across their organizations.  In today’s episode, AlertMedia’s Senior Vice President of Product, Ben Schneider, breaks down the new products and discusses how they help businesses stay ahead of risks and take faster, more confident action.  Listen in to learn about three powerful new capabilities of AlertMedia’s Risk Intelligence suite: Real-Time Signals: AI-Vetted initial reporting from thousands of sources in real-time for security teams to investigate.   Threat Management: Accelerate response and collaboration with a dashboard to investigate and triage alerts.   Social Intelligence: Monitor mentions of key individuals and brands to predict threats that could impact your organization.   Learn more about AlertMedia’s new era of Risk Intelligence. The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

September is National Preparedness Month and Rail Safety Month, two annual efforts spotlighting emergency readiness and rail-related hazards. With trains running through communities nationwide, we turn to Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, to see how these initiatives come to life. Amtrak’s Vice President of Operational Safety, Justin Meko, outlines how the nation’s leading passenger rail organization uses employee engagement, public education, and technology to reduce risk and raise awareness about the importance of rail safety.  Key takeaways: What daily commuters and business travelers need to know about rail safety risks and trespassing laws How to respond if you’re involved in or observe a rail safety incident How Amtrak uses its ‘Safety Olympics’ to reinforce preparedness and boost employee engagement The importance of confidential reporting programs that build trust and a proactive safety culture The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. When the storm struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Bonnie Canal was among the many New Orleanians forced to make an impossible decision: stay or evacuate.  In this deeply personal episode, Bonnie reflects on the chaos of evacuation, the shock of returning to a city in ruins, and the painful work of rebuilding a community.  Katrina exposed deep flaws in emergency communication, disaster response, and systemic preparedness that continue to inform Bonnie’s career. Today, Bonnie is a nationally recognized leader in disaster preparedness, community resilience, and business continuity. She currently serves as Tulane University’s Manager of Business Continuity. She’s also a certified FEMA instructor, a Disaster Recovery International (DRI) trainer, and a recipient of multiple industry honors. Bonnie’s powerful story reminds business leaders to anticipate the unexpected, ask the questions nobody else is asking, and lead with clarity and compassion in times of crisis. The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

At Capital One, operational resilience is a long-term, companywide investment that prioritizes customer needs. Theresa Reynolds, Senior Director of Operational Risk Management, shares how her team ensures the company can deliver on its promises, even amid disruption.  From mapping essential services to tackling third-party risk, she breaks down the pillars of Capital One’s resilience framework. The insights Theresa shares can be applied to organizations of any size aiming to build lasting resilience and strengthen business continuity. Episode highlights: Capital One’s customer-first definition of operational resilience How dependency mapping reveals hidden single points of failure Resilience frameworks that align leadership and guide decisions How to avoid burnout by building bench strength across incident response teams The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Business resilience isn’t built overnight; Joel Navarro knows that better than most. As Vice President of Global Business Resiliency at East West Bank and President of the North Texas Chapter of ACP, Joel is widely recognized as a go-to expert in business continuity. In this episode, Joel explains how close collaboration with business units leads to improved business continuity planning and fosters organizational resilience. Episode highlights: Active listening is key to earning trust and participation across business units Customized training tools, like short videos, increase employee engagement and recall Real-life incidents can be a catalyst for advancing continuity programs Servant leadership builds bridges between risk compliance and collaboration The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

“Culture is a series of intentional actions that show care”—and for Jenna Eichberg, those actions begin with safety. As Chief People Officer at AlertMedia, she fosters a work environment where duty of care is a daily commitment, not just a concept.  In the 200th episode of the show, Jenna discusses why creating a foundation of physical and psychological safety in the workplace deepens employee trust and drives productivity. She offers a compelling blueprint for creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.  Key takeaways: How to build resilient teams by leading with care Why creating psychological safety helps people bring their best to work The power of intentional actions that make employees feel valued and protected Cultures of care drive exponential growth and long-term business success Thanks to all our listeners and guests for helping us reach 200 episodes! The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

From AI-generated phishing to the growing threat of deepfakes, cybersecurity risks are evolving faster than most companies can keep up. Will Knehr, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at i-PRO, shares the most pressing cyber concerns facing organizations today and actionable tips on how to prepare and respond.   Whether your company is a global enterprise or a small business, Will’s insights will help you stay informed and ready for today’s AI-driven threat landscape.  Episode highlights:  How AI is lowering the barrier for inexperienced cyber attackers The importance of an effective incident response plan  Why hands-on demos can make cybersecurity training stick  How to encourage reporting by building trust across teams In this episode, Will suggests accessing CISA’s Incident Response Playbook to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture. The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Wellness checks and surveys are essential to any crisis communication plan, but what happens when an employee responds that they need assistance? In this episode, Ashley Guest, Head of Strategic and Operational Solutions for Trust and Security at Uber, explains how the company built a global support model to ensure that impacted employees receive the help they need after an incident.  Ashley breaks down how Uber aligns regional teams to deliver consistent resources, improve data transparency, and build real-time support systems to fulfill duty of care across its global footprint. Key takeaways: How Uber’s GSOCs support employees across 90+ countries Real-world examples of the company’s global support model in action The importance of developing valuable partnerships with vendors How Uber improved its employee data process to ensure accuracy with emergency communications The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Jared Greene brings a unique blend of federal law enforcement experience and corporate security expertise to his role as Head of Global Security and Safety at Vuori. Tasked with building a comprehensive safety program from scratch, Jared has implemented a scalable strategy that protects employees, assets, and operations across a rapidly growing global footprint. In this episode, Jared shares how he approaches risk assessments, aligns security initiatives with business goals, and earns leadership buy-in—even when resources are limited. He also offers practical advice for professionals tasked with starting or scaling corporate safety programs. Key takeaways: Why starting with policies and SOPs lays the foundation for long-term success How to tailor security programs based on industry, business model, and growth plans Tips for navigating global compliance and cultural differences The critical role of internal partnerships with legal, IT, and marketing teams The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

Business resilience means effectively navigating organizational disruptions from preparedness through recovery, and it can be difficult for any business to achieve.  Emergency preparedness and business continuity expert, Justen Noakes, joins the show to discuss how his latest venture, BeforeDuringAfter, a free online resource providing crisis management tools and best practices, is helping to build a more resilient business community.  Originally designed to support small businesses across Texas, the program offers practical disaster preparedness, risk mitigation, and continuity planning guidance. But as Justen explains, its value extends beyond state lines and provides valuable insights for any organization looking to strengthen its resilience.   Listen to learn: How the program’s Readiness Roadmap helps companies build a solid business continuity plan Why having access to information from local sources that’s tailored to your business is an advantage in a crisis How the program’s all-hazards approach prepares small businesses for each stage of an emergency Tips on navigating insurance claims and working with vendors after a disaster To build your own Readiness Roadmap, visit BeforeDuringAfter.com. The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

When a mass casualty incident occurs, every second counts. Chris Riccardi, Emergency Management and Business Continuity Manager at Rady Children’s Health, developed a transformative response program that enables hospitals and other facilities to triage and treat 50 victims in under 15 minutes.  In this episode, Chris breaks down how the “15 ‘til 50” protocol was born, what makes it so effective, and how it’s being adopted across healthcare systems, schools, warehouses, and more. Chris’ insights offer a practical approach to emergency preparedness that strengthens coordination, speeds up response, and helps save lives.  Key takeaways: Why standardized role assignments are critical during disaster response How regular drills help build muscle memory and identify real-world gaps The importance of scalable plans for non-hospital environments  Tips for stress-testing your emergency management system with realistic scenarios Download the full “15 ‘til 50” Mass Casualty Incident Guide and training materials at WRAP-EM.org. The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/. 

As climate risks intensify globally, Mastercard is committed to ensuring the safety of its people, facilities, and communities, in part by mitigating risk from extreme weather.  Montana Eck, Ph.D., Director of Physical Climate Risk and Resiliency at Mastercard, shares how his team assesses and prioritizes climate risks across the company’s global operations. With a background in climate research and data analysis, Montana explains why prioritizing climate resilience is a business imperative. Listen in to learn: Tips on how to evaluate, assess, and address climate risks for each business location How Mastercard balances short-term business needs with long-term climate planning The role of partnerships in creating more climate-resilient workplaces How companies can influence climate resilience beyond their own walls The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.