The Employee Safety 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/. 

Executive Protection (EP) isn’t just about keeping leaders safe—it's about empowering them to perform at their best. Whether supporting Fortune 500 CEOs or startup founders, modern EP programs must go beyond traditional security measures to drive real business value. Brian Jantzen, an executive protection expert with over 30 years of experience, shares how organizations can modernize their EP programs in an evolving industry to enhance efficiency, streamline travel, and foster executive confidence. Listen to learn: Why EP should be viewed as a productivity enabler—not just a security function The most common pitfalls organizations face when implementing EP programs The role of trust in building an effective EP security strategy How structure, science, and technology are reshaping modern security programs 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/. 

Jeff Stoll, Associate Director of Championships, Safety and Security, at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), oversees safety efforts for 90 college sports championships annually. Jeff brings 15+ years of experience in law enforcement and public safety, a love for live sporting events, and passion for ensuring the safety of staff, players, and fans.  In this conversation, Jeff shares details about his risk assessment strategies, the importance of collaboration with venue security teams, and the challenges of scaling safety efforts based on variables like location, size, and sport. Any organization can apply Jeff’s advice and best practices to their own risk management techniques to better protect their people and business.  Key takeaways:  When, where, and how effective risk assessments are conducted Proper timing and cadence of after-action reporting New and emerging event security challenges to consider How to assess and anticipate crowd dynamics, size, and demographics Collaboration and communication with local security is the key to a safe event 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/. 

Kurt McKenzie, Director of Physical Security at a major global tech company and retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, has spent decades investigating financial crimes, terrorism, and organized crime. Now in the private sector, he applies that experience to help his company detect and mitigate risks. Kurt shares how his law enforcement background shapes his approach to corporate security, the biggest threats companies face today, and tips for other professionals looking to improve their security programs.  Episode highlights: Why insider threats, “hacktivism,” and espionage are growing concerns for businesses The current state of business travel and how to prepare traveling employees Proven strategies to gain leadership and employee buy-in for new initiatives How to leverage relationships with internal and external networks to share best practices This episode of The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Sara Pratley, SVP of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia. Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

When Hurricane Helene barreled toward North Carolina in September 2024, Johnny West, Safety Coordinator at Ingles Markets, sprang into action to notify employees and protect the company’s sole distribution center.   In this episode, Johnny shares the compelling story of how his team responded to Helene, ensured employee safety, and got the distribution center back up and running. Hear firsthand about the critical decisions and strategies that helped Ingles Markets navigate one of the most challenging moments in its history. Johnny’s story highlights: How Ingles Markets prepared for Hurricane Helene’s impact The importance of emergency communication in high stakes situations Lessons learned that informed the company’s future preparedness strategies Practical tips for any organizations facing severe weather threats 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/. 

Erick Anez, Head of Enterprise Risk and Resilience for Bridgestone West, explores Human and Organizational Performance (HOP)—a framework focused on reducing errors and improving outcomes by addressing systems, not blaming individuals. With over 16 years of experience in high-hazard industries, Erick shares how HOP principles can transform enterprise safety and resilience. From creating safer environments to turning challenges into opportunities, he offers actionable strategies for continuous improvement.  Erick shares insights on: Shifting away from a culture of blame to one of learning and improvement Designing systems that anticipate and mitigate human error Empowering employees to share feedback and observations Applying HOP principles to drive safety in high-hazard industries Whether you’re in a high-risk industry or a more traditional workplace, Erick’s insights offer actionable steps to build safer, more resilient organizations. 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 climate extremes to escalating geopolitical tensions, 2024 presented significant disruptions that reshaped how business leaders approach employee safety, security, and business continuity. As we enter 2025, emerging trends suggest the global threat landscape will become even more interconnected, complex, and challenging to navigate. In this episode, Sara Pratley, Senior Vice President of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, breaks down the key threats likely to impact organizations in 2025 and shares her expert recommendations for navigating them. Sara discusses: Climate Extremes Rising Global Elections Tensions Concurrent Wars Economic Uncertainty Cybercrime Infrastructure Vulnerabilities Take a look at the full 2025 Threat Outlook Report for even more business resiliency insights and advice. 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/. 

Ransomware demands and payments reached unprecedented levels this year, and the attacks themselves are more complex than ever. That’s why we decided to re-release our episode on ransomware resilience with guest Heather Engel, Managing Partner of Strategic Cyber Partners. She has extensive expertise in risk management, cyber planning, and security program development, and shares her best practices for ransomware preparedness and response. Listen in to learn how to: Protect and recover critical systems and data Train your team to stay vigilant against social engineering Consider your options before paying a ransom Mitigate reputational risk with effective communication For more information on mitigating the risk of cyberattacks, check out the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.  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/. 

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be no exception. With La Niña conditions influencing weather patterns across the U.S. and beyond, organizations must stay vigilant and proactive.Peter Steinfeld is joined by AlertMedia’s Senior Meteorologist, Jason Moreland, to discuss how global weather patterns, climate change, and historical trends shape winter weather forecasts. Jason shares insights into how organizations can prepare for unexpected cold snaps, protect outdoor workers, and educate employees on weather and safety alerts. Listen in to learn:Early season global forecast predictionsHow La Niña will impact the upcoming winter weather seasonWhy understanding weather terminology is crucial for safety professionalsThe importance of flexibility as forecasts evolveJason encourages listeners to visit theweatherprediction.com and Comet MetEd’s site for education and training on weather forecasts. Also, visit weather.gov to better prepare yourself for this winter weather season.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/.

Drones are an emerging threat that can disrupt business operations and pose risks to employee safety. With the evolution of technology, there has been an uptick in bad actors using drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with malicious intent. In this conversation, Ryan Wallace, Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, discusses the threat implications of drones for businesses, highlighting their capabilities, the emerging threats they pose, and the challenges organizations face in addressing these risks.  Listen in to learn:  Why organizations are often unprepared for drone-related threats Key takeaways from real-world drone attacks How laws and regulations for drones are varied and difficult to enforce Why proactive measures are the key to understanding and mitigating drone risks 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/.