The Employee Safety Podcast

AI adoption is accelerating, but many organizations still lack the governance and domain expertise needed to use it effectively. Jason Hoss, a risk and resilience practitioner, shares what he’s seeing across risk and continuity teams as they work to operationalize AI. This conversation goes deeper into how companies are applying AI in real workflows. Jason outlines where it adds value, where it creates risk, and why human judgment remains essential when decisions carry real-world consequences. Questions to ask as you evaluate operational AI usage in your risk and resilience strategies: Are we using AI to support decisions or replace them? Do we have clear rules for how our teams can use AI? Who is responsible for validating AI outputs? Where could AI introduce risk into our workflows? 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 a moment of crisis, your first reaction can determine everything. Michael Julian, founder of the A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program, shares his proven mental and physical techniques for surviving an active shooter scenario. Michael walks through the A.L.I.V.E. framework, a practical approach that equips employees with skills and confidence to navigate any act of violence. What does A.L.I.V.E. stand for? Assess the situation and focus before taking action Leave quickly if a safe escape path is available Impede by creating barriers and slowing the attacker Violence may be required as a last resort to survive Expose your position carefully to avoid additional danger 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/.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest and most complex tournament in the event’s history, spanning three countries and 16 host cities. With that scale comes a wide range of risks that extend far beyond the stadiums, impacting employees, travelers, and operations alike. Sara Pratley, Senior Vice President of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, shares the key threats her team of analysts is tracking ahead of the tournament and how organizations can prepare for their potential impacts. Risk categories highlighted: Physical security Cyber threats Disinformation Civil unrest Travel disruption Severe weather To better understand organizational risks tied to the tournament, download AlertMedia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Situation Report. 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 organizations have strong risk functions, but when disruption hits, siloed teams continue to operate without a unified model. Bruce McIndoe, a global risk advisor with decades of experience, explains why this gap makes it harder to respond quickly and effectively when it matters most. Bruce outlines how organizations can move toward a joint, multidisciplinary model by leveraging shared data and stronger coordination to help teams detect threats earlier, act faster, and protect business outcomes. Episode highlights: Why organizations struggle to move beyond siloed risk functions How to create a shared operating picture to improve response speed The importance of aligning risk reduction efforts to business objectives What metrics leaders can use to measure operational effectiveness 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/.

Threats toward business leaders are rising, and security teams are starting to see the shift firsthand. Bob Hayes, Managing Director and Founder of the Security Executive Council (SEC), shares what his team uncovered after analyzing new data on executive targeting. In this episode, Bob explains what’s driving the surge in incidents, how executive exposure is changing, and why organizations may need to rethink how they assess leadership risk. Key takeaways: What new research reveals about the 313% rise in executive targeting incidents The surprising shift in motives behind many incidents How visibility and circumstance can quickly increase exposure Why leadership risk often extends beyond the C-suite For more insights, explore the Security Executive Council’s Executive Targeting Report and Beyond Incivility Report. 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 is at a turning point. With rising acts of violence and grievance-driven threats, protective intelligence is no longer confined to executive protection. Melissa Newberg, Global Head of Intelligence at Seerist, explains why it’s becoming the standard operating model for modern security teams.Drawing on her experience building a protective intelligence program at Meta, Melissa outlines how organizations can shift from chasing isolated threats to analyzing big-picture patterns and trends to mitigate potential risk.Episode highlights:Balancing real-time social media monitoring with trend trackingHow to deliver stronger protection with limited resourcesWhy private groups, encrypted apps, and AI-generated content make online threats harder to spotThe 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/.

Dell Technologies’ Global Security Investigations Lead, Bo Bohanan, says most breaches start the same way: someone convinces you they belong. In this episode, Bo shares how his team approaches fraud prevention and investigations, and why Zero Trust is as much about culture and process as it is about tools and technology. From role-based access to physical tailgating, he offers practical ways to tighten security without crushing productivity. Key takeaways: What modern impersonation fraud looks like in the age of AI How to reduce risk with smarter access rules and ongoing checks for unusual activity Why fusion centers reduce silos by routing threat intel to the right 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/.

Behind every Olympic Games is years of careful planning to keep athletes, officials, and spectators safe. As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games kick off in Italy, security efforts stretch far beyond the venues, spanning multiple regions, agencies, and international partners. Nick Fanelli, Olympic Security Coordinator at the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), joins the show to break down how the U.S. prepares for one of the world’s most complex security operations. Key takeaways: How international partnerships strengthen threat prevention and response Why long lead times and early planning are critical for complex security operations What the most geographically dispersed Olympic Games in history mean for transportation security Lessons corporate leaders can apply to large events and global travel 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/.

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/. 

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/. 

Scaling safety and security is a daunting task for any organization, especially if your enterprise is a global brand with many moving parts. Today’s guest, Luis Duran, brings over twenty years of experience as a naval officer, NCIS Special Agent, and corporate security leader to his current role as Director of Corporate Safety and Security at TaylorMade Golf.Luis shares his expert insights on risk management and provides a behind-the-scenes look at TaylorMade’s global operations, including support for remote employees, security for high-profile golf events, and the development of an ideal security program.Listen in to learn: How to adapt public sector strategies for enhanced effectiveness in the private sectorHow to cultivate trust and foster strong relationships with your teamHow to equip employees with practical security skills for everyday useHow to be aware of and mitigate challenges like insider 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/.

Automation and generative AI can streamline workflows and improve efficiency for corporate intelligence and security functions, especially when it comes to processing large data sets. But AI should be seen as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Matt Kish is the Head of Situation and Intelligence Analysis – Corporate Security at Siemens, a global technology conglomerate headquartered in Munich, Germany. In this episode, Matt explains how his team built and developed an AI platform to help process large volumes of information so their analysts could focus on high-impact tasks. Matt and Peter discuss: The benefits and challenges of building an AI platform from scratch How Matt’s team got buy-in from leadership to create the platform  Common mistakes employees make when utilizing AI and how to avoid them Best practices and advice for other organizations looking to incorporate AI into their businesses 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/. 

With the 2024 U.S. election rapidly approaching, organizations should prepare their people and business for potential disruptions, from heightened security and demonstration activity to disinformation campaigns and personnel disputes. Sara Pratley, SVP of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, spends countless hours briefing customers and stakeholders on what to expect before, during, and after election day. In this episode, Sara provides valuable insights on the top three election-related threats her intelligence team is monitoring and actionable tips for how to mitigate their impacts. Sara explains: Key dates and locations of concern, from pre-election events to Inauguration Day The potential risks businesses should prepare for—locally, nationally, and globally The importance of monitoring election-related activities near your people and assets 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/. 

Whether your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is inherited or created from scratch, it must be practical, efficient, and up to date—not put on the shelf to be ignored.In this episode, Barry Morgeson, Business Continuity Director at Ryan Specialty, draws on his two decades of experience to offer actionable insights and recommendations for crafting a Business Continuity Plan that achieves ROI across the business.Listen in to learn: Why you should prioritize revenue-generating business verticals when building your BCPWhy you need internal champions to help your BCP succeedHow to identify the “must-haves” versus “nice to haves” for your BCPHow to develop a personalized approach to planning to maximize adoption across departmentsThe 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/.

No organization wants to be unprepared for a crisis, but many internal and external obstacles can hinder its ability to manage and respond effectively. If these challenges are not identified and addressed in advance, companies risk damaging their brand and unintentionally conveying the wrong message in an emergency scenario.In today's episode, we're joined by Melissa Agnes, Founder and CEO of Crisis Ready Institute, an organization dedicated to enhancing crisis resilience through training and industry standards. Melissa shares "The Five Crisis Ready Hindrances" and explains why you can't beat emotion with logic in a crisis.Listen in to learn:How to get your organization "Crisis Ready"How to lean into vulnerability in crisis communicationsHow to lead with empathy and emotional intelligence during a crisisThe 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/.

Physical security teams will always be a critical component of organizational risk management, no matter how many technological advances come along.  According to today’s guest, the key to developing a successful and scalable physical security program is having the right balance of staff, technology, and external relationships. Chad Bosques is Head of Physical Security at Chime, the online banking and money management platform. In today’s episode, Chad shares his advice on managing physical security from his fifteen years of experience, from public law enforcement to major organizations like Bank of America, Twitter, and DocuSign.Listen in to learn: Best practices for gaining employee and executive buy-in on your program’s initiativesHow to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and improve on itHow to scale programs to meet the growing needs of an organizationThe 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/.

Healthcare organizations don't have the option to temporarily pause operations when a crisis occurs. They must maintain, and often increase, their capacity to handle emergencies at a moment’s notice.In this episode, Jarrid Pike, Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness at UMass Memorial Medical Center, discusses how he and his staff rely on constant communication and inclusive training exercises to stay prepared for any situation.Listen in to learn: How to adapt crisis response efforts on the fly and document those adaptations for future emergenciesHow to foster a culture of collective responsibility in crisis situations, from hospital executives to frontline staffHow to ensure continuity of patient care in any emergencyThe 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 a time of “permacrisis,” the complexity of navigating modern threats, from climate change to misinformation campaigns, highlights the necessity of building strong partnerships cross-functionally.In this episode, Mary Hackman, Senior Director of Global Intelligence at Visa, shares best practices in global security and intelligence from her two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors.Listen in to learn: How to maintain a high level of engagement with executives while setting sustainable expectationsHow to use “listening tours” to better understand company needsHow to offer real-time support to employees during a crisisThe 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/.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris begin July 26, and ensuring safety for athletes and visitors at the world’s largest multi-sport event is no small feat.Today’s guest, Scott Kim, is the Director of the Office of Protection at the Diplomatic Security Service, the agency that helps protect Team U.S.A. during the Olympic Games.Listen in to learn: The unique challenges of securing the OlympicsThe importance of rapid communication across languagesAdvice for companies on how to keep their employees safe at the OlympicsThe 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/.

Artificial Intelligence is here—and it’s here to stay. But when it comes to safeguarding employees, do the benefits of AI outweigh the risks? Guest host Sara Pratley sits down with Dean Baratta, Group Regional Security Manager at Microsoft, to discuss how AI and large language models can impact the intelligence and security functions at organizations today.Listen as Dean shares his advice on:How organizations can leverage the benefits of AI while staying vigilant against its risksThree major weaknesses of AI and how to work around themAdvice for those considering implementing AI to support corporate securityYou 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/.

Bob Smith has more than twenty years of experience in emergency management and communication roles in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as Director of Service Assurance and Compliance at GCI Communication Corporation, the largest telecommunications carrier for the state of Alaska Working on large-scale events, including the Olympics, the World Cup, and the Super Bowl, Bob developed safety exercises for global teams coordinating across cultural barriers, led engaging large-scale tabletop exercises in different time zones remotely, and taught a crisis workshop during an actual earthquake. In this episode, Bob shares his proven tactics for improving tabletop exercises and other safety training at scale.    Listen in to learn how to:  Effectively engage both remote and live audiences during training Get the most out of large-scale exercises Recognize and overcome common safety training challenges Adapt your training procedures for changing environments 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/. 

On January 2, 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a road game in Cincinnati.  The Bills’ Associate Head Athletic Trainer Denny Kellington quickly determined that Hamlin was experiencing cardiac arrest and worked with an expert team of medical professionals to perform CPR and restore Hamlin’s heartbeat. Hamlin has since made a full recovery.    In this episode, Denny shares the details of his team’s emergency action plan and how proper preparation and rapid response resulted in a positive outcome that fateful evening.   Listen in to learn:  How the Bills coordinate their emergency response before, during, and after an incident  Denny’s approach to building trust with players and staff The contingency communication plans that ensure player health and safety How the NFL’s robust mental health response supported the team What every organization can do to prepare for cardiac emergencies 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/. 

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and Colorado State University has predicted a historically active season for 2024.  Patrick Forand is a certified incident commander and FEMA instructor and was a contract manager at the Florida Department of Health for more than 16 years. He currently leads emergency management, disaster planning, and response for CAN Community Health.  In this episode, Patrick shares valuable lessons learned from two recent Florida hurricanes—Ian and Nicole. Listen in to learn how:  Streamlined communication alleviates stress for staff and patients Unified threat intelligence and emergency communications improves disaster response Two-way communication and multichannel notifications empower emergency managers CAN Community Health scales and improves their communication and response plans 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/.