Navigate's People First Podcast

This week, Troy and Jay sit down with Alan Diehl, Manager of Learning and Development at Fike Corporation, to uncover how a decades-old manufacturing company became a trailblazer in employee wellbeing. Together, they discuss the critical role of personalization in driving engagement, the strategic business case for robust wellness initiatives, and how Fike has evolved its program over an incredible 40-year journey. This episode is a masterclass in transforming a traditional wellness program into a powerful tool for building culture and retaining top talent in a competitive industry.

Alan shares the inside story of how Fike tailored its mental health and wellness messaging to resonate with its unique, male-dominated workforce, proving that the language we use is just as important as the resources we offer. The conversation highlights how viewing wellbeing as a competitive advantage, rather than a cost, directly impacts recruitment and employee retention. They also delve into the importance of a collective approach, from extending program access to employee spouses to strategically involving wellness champions and even skeptics to foster organizational buy-in. Ultimately, this discussion reveals how a holistic and adaptable strategy can create a high-performing culture where every employee feels supported.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Personalization as the Key to Employee Wellness Engagement

02:04 Fike’s 80-Year Legacy and Early Wellness Innovation

04:36 Alan Diehl’s Unconventional Path to Leading wellbeing Programs

08:52 Embedding Culture and Learning into Employee Retention Strategy

12:35 Evolving Wellness from One-Time Events to Continuous Support

16:03 Overcoming Engagement Barriers in a Male-Dominated Workforce

18:05 Rebranding Mental Health Programs to Resonate with Employees

25:40 Extending Wellness Resources to Families for Greater Impact

32:22 Leveraging Flexible Incentives to Drive Participation

36:18 Turning Skeptics into Advocates for Wellness Culture

39:28 Best Day Ever

Key Takeaways:

"Wellbeing programs, when thoughtfully designed, are more than just a perk. They're strategic initiatives that shape culture, boost engagement, and support employees’ health journey."

"We also have to focus on the culture being something that sets us apart... For our competitive advantage, we know we need to retain as the key piece of our strategy."

"Without the support at home, without a collective effort between the employee and their spouse and their family, we're going to fail in this mission."

"If we want active participation, you have to have personalization. To me, that boosts morale, that builds trust through consistent communication and support."

"Fundamentally, we firmly believe that it is the responsibility of the leader to create a healthy and wellness culture for that team."

"Forward-thinking companies now are looking at wellbeing not just as a cost but as a competitive advantage, one that drives performance, retention, and long-term success."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Alan Diehl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-diehl-6586a4100/

Fike Corporation: https://fike.com/

Giving Troy a bit of a break today, Jeremy welcomes special co-host, Jenn Lowry, Navigate's VP of Product and Strategy to the podcast today. Together, they sit down with Navigate's Mental Health Coach and licensed counselor, Katie Tarbill, for a fascinating chat about embracing mental health at work - such a big deal for everyone these days. 

First up? They clear up "mental health" versus "mental well-being." Then it's all about workplace trends, leadership's role, what resources actually help people feel safe and good at work, and company policies.

This episode really breaks down mental health. It’s not just clinical stuff - it’s also about building resilience and finding satisfaction. Our experts talk about the stigma, how tough it is to open up at work, and how important it is to create open, nonjudgmental spaces. Education, like Mental Health First Aid, gets a shout-out as do resources like EAPs, telehealth, findhelp.org and wearables. They also touch on holistic well-being, mindfulness, exercise, volunteering, and how company policies, like time off and mental well-being hours, show that employers care. It all helps build a workplace where mental health matters.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Why Managers Are Critical to Workplace Mental Health01:10 - Defining Mental Health vs Mental Wellbeing02:56 - Katie’s Journey From Teacher to Mental Health Coach04:33 - Rising Mental Health Trends05:59 - How COVID Transformed Mental Health Access Through Telehealth07:11 - Empowering Leaders to Spot and Support Mental Health Needs08:26 - Practical Resources to Build a Mental Health-Friendly Workplace10:15 - Inside Mental Health First Aid12:16 - Using Data and Tools to Improve Employee Mental Health15:13 - Reducing Stigma Across Generations and Creating Safe Workspaces17:31 - Holistic Mental Wellbeing20:47 - Building Mental Health Culture Through Policies, Education, and Leadership23:54 - Best Day Ever

Key Takeaways:

"Managers and leaders are the first line of defense in recognizing mental health needs. They work daily with employees, noticing signs and symptoms."

"Mental health is a clinical term involving diagnosis and treatment. Mental well-being is broader, focusing on prevention and building resilience."

"Holistic approaches to mental health, like mindfulness and journaling, are popular. People seek less invasive ways to cope and manage stress."

"Covid shifted healthcare towards virtual spaces. Telehealth became more utilized, making mental health support more accessible."

"Education and knowledge about mental health are paramount. Courses like Mental Health First Aid can equip individuals to help those facing challenges."

"Removing barriers to mental health care, like through telehealth, is crucial. It makes support more accessible and reduces stigma."

"Generational stigma around mental health is real. Younger generations are more open, but we must continue breaking stigma for all."

"Connecting community purpose to work purpose through volunteer hours builds a greater sense of community and enhances mental well-being."

"Leaders set the tone for mental health in the workplace. They must lead by example, practicing what they preach and taking time off."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Joining Troy and Jay this week are some truly inspiring folks from Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky - System Director of Prevention and Wellness, Allison Ledford, and Data Analyst, Cameron Stelzig. They’re here to talk all about "N Good Health," Norton’s fantastic employee wellbeing program, providing a deep dive into how they're thoughtfully mixing company culture with clinical care, and using data for good.

Our guests really dig into how their program is built on solid evidence and smart data, noting that they started by figuring out what their employees truly needed, especially encouraging those crucial primary care physician relationships. Tasked with tailoring that for over 30,000 people, Cameron and Allison share how they make it personal and meet diverse needs across their growing regional presence. Plus, they’re not shy about using health data responsibly to improve care quality and manage program costs. A lot of ground covered. 

You’re going to want to hear how these two leaders are making a real difference.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Reducing ER Visits Through Data-Driven Care

01:08 - Making Primary Care the Center of Wellness

03:48 - Launching an Evidence-Based Wellness Program

05:30 - Customizing Wellness for a Regional Workforce

06:58 - Using Claims Data to Optimize Costs and Compliance

09:33 - Closing Care Gaps With Preventive Outreach

11:38 - Building a Secure, Scalable Wellness Data System

13:58 - Scaling Culture Change with 400+ Wellness Champions

17:03 - Designing Incentives That Feel Positive, Not Punitive

20:09 - Managing GLP-1 Costs with In-House Pharmacy Strategy

24:26 - Demonstrating ROI With Biometrics and Claims Analysis

26:43 - Achieving High Engagement Through Personalization

30:11 - Partnering on Custom Wellness Tech and Reporting

34:22 - Linking Wellness Participation to Clinical Quality

Key Takeaways:

"Wellness isn't a one-size-fits-all. We need a flexible platform to do the fine work of analyzing data and strategically tiering participation."

"Our participants have higher utilization of preventive care services. They have more office visits and higher screening compliance than non-participants."

"N Good Health is about wellness and a strategic imperative driven by data and a deep commitment to employee well-being."

"We frame wellness incentives positively, not punitively."

"Align wellness value with organizational values. The more aligned, the more stakeholders will be at the table."

"Our participants have fewer inpatient admissions, lower ED visits, and fill fewer scripts than non-participants."

"Data is the first step. Obtain data from internal departments and partners to incentivize engagement."

"We use claims data to drive monthly well-being topics, ensuring programs are available for conditions on the rise."

"A culture of well-being comes from grassroots efforts, creating a prestigious environment people want to be part of."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Norton Healthcare: https://nortonhealthcare.com/

Allison Ledford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-ledford-1375a62b/

Cameron Stelzig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-cameron-stelzig-l2-l9-l9bb/

In today’s episode, Troy and Jay welcome listeners to a discussion close to their hearts - the vital topic of supporting school employees, the educators and staff responsible for shaping young minds. 

Their special guest is Lindsay Waechter, the Staff Wellness Coordinator for Iowa's fast growing Waukee School District, who shares the innovative work being done for the district's nearly 2,500 employees. Lindsay vividly explains the challenges and successes of prioritizing staff wellbeing.

Troy and Jay learn how investing in school staff is not just beneficial, but essential. Lindsay explains how Waukee recognized this necessity, leading to the creation of her dedicated role to address the specific wellbeing challenges facing educators and support staff today. She details the district's shift from a standard, one size fits all wellness program to a more personalized, adaptable approach through Navigate. This strategy focuses on meeting employees where they are, addressing issues from teacher burnout and custodian back pain to mental health needs and connecting staff with local resources, all while supporting staff retention.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Why Teacher Wellbeing Is Key to Student Success

01:17 - Staff Wellness as a Retention and Recruitment Tool

03:15 - Building Wellness Programs for a Rapidly Growing District

05:17 - Getting Leadership Buy-In for Wellbeing Initiatives

06:37 - How Personalization Boosts Engagement and Outcomes

10:10 - Addressing Mental Health and Burnout in Education

13:09 - On-Demand Resources and Coaching for Staff

14:34 - Prioritizing Women’s Health in School Wellness

16:24 - Using Committees and Data to Shape Wellness Strategy

22:55 - Extending Wellness Support Year-Round

25:20 - Making Wellness Inclusive for All School Roles

29:31 - Collaborating with Nurses to Support Whole-School Health

30:45 - Best Day Ever

Key Takeaways:

"We need our teachers to be happy and well. They shape our future."

"Moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach prioritizes the health of educators."

"Innovation in education is crucial. It's not just about the environment, but being innovative across the board."

"We want educators to live healthy and well lives into retirement."

"The pressures of educators are immense. Work-life balance and burnout are key issues."

"Personalized programs lead to better engagement and health outcomes."

"Mental health resources must address stigma and provide support for high stress."

"Teaching is hard and getting harder. We prioritize health to support our educators."

"Data-driven decisions in wellbeing programs help allocate resources effectively."

"Reaching diverse audiences requires tailored solutions for different work roles."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Lindsay Waechter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-waechter-169b81b6/

Troy and Jeremy’s vital conversation here today features Ben Schultz, Navigate's own People and Culture Lead, whose experience in building a "Great Place to Work" makes him the perfect guest to discuss burnout, a challenge so many face. This episode isn't just for those feeling the burnout crunch themselves - if you're a leader, a teammate, anyone who supports others, expect takeaways, truly. Let's get real about burnout.

Ben, Troy, and Jeremy are not skimming the surface here, they’re getting into the nitty-gritty of burnout in today's workplaces. How is it different from plain old stress? This episode breaks it down. Creating safety? Encouraging honest chats? Essential. And it's not all on the company, either. What about those external pressures, the financial worries, the family stuff? Those count too. 

As you will hear, a holistic wellbeing program gets it. It acknowledges all sides of a person, not just their job title. Armed with these insights, our panel demonstrates how to create workplaces where wellbeing isn't a perk, but the very foundation in the battle against burnout.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - What Burnout Is and How It Differs From Workplace Stress  

01:09 - Leadership’s Responsibility in Preventing Burnout  

03:34 - Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout in Employees  

06:09 - Building a Culture of Psychological Safety and Open Communication  

07:16 - Empowering Managers With Training and Tools to Support Teams  

10:00 - Growth, Development, and Career Pathways as Burnout Prevention  

11:21 - Addressing Personal Stressors With Holistic Wellbeing Support  

14:50 - Turning Employee Feedback Into Meaningful Action  

17:28 - Consolidating Resources for Better Employee Access  

18:37 - Implementing People-First Policies That Actually Work  

22:32 - Recognition, Incentives, and Transparent Compensation  

26:05 - Supporting Work-Life Balance Through Flexibility and Time Off  

33:29 - Three HR Strategies to Combat Burnout

36:11 - Best Day Ever 

Key Takeaways:

"Burnout is an overwhelming feeling. Even the smallest tasks feel burdensome. It's a struggle to think creatively."

"Burnout isn't just workplace stress. It's a debilitating state of exhaustion affecting every life aspect."

"A culture that combats burnout must be led from the top down. It can't just be an HR initiative."

"Differentiate workplace stress from burnout. Stress is seasonal; burnout is ongoing and hard to define."

"Know your people. Everyone shows up differently. Recognize signs of burnout by understanding individual behaviors."

"Active listening and responding to employee concerns are crucial. Ensure they're heard and addressed."

"Managers must prioritize people over metrics. Support them with training, tools, and mentorship."

"Encourage growth and development. Understand what motivates employees and work with them for a successful work-life balance."

"Pulse surveys and open dialogue help identify potential issues before they escalate. Prioritize employee wellbeing."

"Recognition is key. Appreciate employees sincerely and thoughtfully. It builds a cohesive, motivated team."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Ben Schultz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-a-schultz/

In this episode, Jeremy and Troy are joined by Christy Smith, Navigate's SVP of People and Growth Strategy, and Jim Barclay, SVP of Operations, to explore the crucial connection between organizational values and employee wellbeing. 

Together, they discuss the value of cultivating supportive company cultures that boost engagement and productivity, embedding values for purpose, connecting engagement strategy with wellness programs, and leveraging technology to personalize wellbeing initiatives. Our panel also goes on to emphasize that a strategic approach to wellbeing that utilizes data and personalization ultimately empowers employees' total health and career growth, leading to positive business outcomes. 

The message of today’s episode is crystal clear: prioritizing values-driven wellbeing enables companies to generate a virtuous cycle of employee flourishing and organizational success.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - How Organizational Values Drive Workplace Wellbeing

00:56 - Building a Culture of Belonging and Engagement

03:45 - Aligning Wellbeing and Employee Experience

07:44 - Using Technology for Personalized Wellbeing Programs

12:56 - Turning Employee Feedback into Actionable Change

16:40 - The Role of Incentives in Driving Engagement

18:24 - Customizing Wellbeing Programs for Business Goals

22:21 - Measuring Success: Data-Driven Wellbeing Strategies

25:40 - Supporting Employees’ Readiness for Change

28:12 - Removing Barriers to Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

30:02 - The Power of Recognition, Competition, and Connection

32:38 - Best Day Ever

Key Takeaways:

"Creating a culture around core values fosters belonging. This drives engagement and impacts business outcomes."

"Wellbeing and engagement strategies shouldn't be separate. Both impact the person showing up to work."

"Aligning company values with employees' personal values is an X factor. It enhances satisfaction and purpose."

"Personalization in wellbeing programs boosts engagement. It connects employees to the organization's culture."

"Listening is key. Collect data, make it actionable, and build programs around it for real impact."

"Our platform helps highlight hidden resources. Employees find support they didn't know existed."

"The ‘Great Place to Work’ survey guides us. Feedback becomes strategic priorities for people and culture."

"Comprehensive wellbeing programs reduce absenteeism by 25%. They enhance engagement and business outcomes."

"Change in wellbeing vendors can be daunting. Trust is built by showing up and doing what you say."

"Innovation and inspiration drive our wellbeing strategy. We connect dots across holistic health and organizational values."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Christy Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-smith0777/

Jim Barclay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-barclay-14856a7/

Anne Wright, Benefits Manager at JE Dunn, offers her unique perspective on building a thriving workplace culture here today as she joins Troy and Jeremy for a deep dive into this inspiring company and how it truly embodies the "people first" ethos. Together, they explore how JE Dunn has leveraged its guiding principles to create a nationally recognized wellbeing program, demonstrating that prioritizing employees is not just ethically sound – it's a powerful business strategy.

Our dynamic trio explores the ways in which JE Dunn seamlessly integrates its core values into every aspect of its employee experience, from incentivizing community service to fostering a culture of mental wellbeing. They also go on to examine the model JE Dunn has created - providing valuable lessons for any organization - and highlight the strategic partnerships and data-driven decisions that have propelled JE Dunn's program to the forefront of the industry. 

Join Anne, Troy and Jeremy for this remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to putting people first.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - The Legacy of JE Dunn’s Culture

01:30 - Growth and Expansion of JE Dunn

03:23 - Leadership’s Role in Employee Wellbeing

04:03 - Aligning Benefits with Company Values

06:07 - Personalizing Wellbeing Programs for Employees

07:59 - Challenges of Changing Wellbeing Vendors

08:43 - Finding the Right Partnership for Employee Wellness

10:29 - Transitioning 5,000+ Employees to a New Platform

11:09 - Importance of Strong Vendor Relationships

14:52 - Enhancing Employee Experience with Technology

17:27 - Building a Culture-Driven Wellbeing Program

21:14 - Using Employee Data for Better Health Programs

23:16 - Real-Time Data Analytics for Wellbeing Insights

25:21 - Adapting Wellness Programs with Data

26:39 - Understanding Employee Engagement Preferences

29:06 - Connecting Healthcare Partnerships with Employee Wellbeing

32:42 - Mental Health Advocacy in the Construction Industry

36:07 - The Role of Technology in Personalized Wellbeing

39:07 - Serving Employees Through Holistic Wellbeing

40:40 - Destigmatizing Mental Health in Construction

44:29 - The Story of JE Dunn’s Wartime Sacrifice

45:17 - Key Takeaways for Designing Effective Wellbeing Programs

48:13 - Employee Engagement Strategies for Wellbeing

50:14 - The Impact of Corporate Volunteerism

51:10 - Future of Employee Wellbeing and Company Growth

Key Takeaways:

"Leadership engagement is crucial. It drives program growth, evaluates year-over-year, and supports employee culture through wellbeing."

"Ask your people. Listen to their feedback. Use it to design a program that aligns with their needs."

"Data is paramount. It helps us understand employees, find opportunities, and push strategic initiatives."

"We believe in health and wellbeing. It's on every wall, in every office. It's a guiding principle."

"Engage leadership, communicate effectively, align with culture, and utilize champions. These are keys to driving engagement."

"The construction industry ranks high in suicide risk. We focus on mental health, supporting employees and their families."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

JE Dunn: https://jedunn.com/

Anne Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-wright-cbp-4a52ba119/

Troy and Jeremy are back this week along with special guests Jim Barclay, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Brooke Ossenkop, Vice President of Marketing, for a year-end review as well as a look ahead to 2025. Together, they explore Navigate's key initiatives, including personalized well-being programs, data-driven insights, and a holistic approach to employee health, along with exciting new features coming soon to the Navigate platform. 

Delving into the importance of personalization in employee well-being, they emphasize that it goes beyond generic solutions, and discuss how data plays a crucial role in tailoring these experiences and driving positive change. Throughout the episode, our panel focuses on how a holistic approach, incorporating all eight pillars of well-being, fosters a truly supportive and effective program. 

Tune in to discover how Navigate is revolutionizing workplace well-being and empowering organizations to create a culture of health, engagement, and lasting positive impact.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Driving Change in Organizational Wellbeing

00:26 - Reflecting on Navigate’s 2024 Success

01:34 - Personalization in UX

03:10 - Client Excitement and Personalization at Scale

04:47 - 2025 Vision: People-First Wellbeing Strategies

06:43 - Closing the Gap

07:02 - Hyper-Personalization in Health and Wellness Programs

09:11 - Aligning Teams to Support Personalized Wellbeing Journeys

10:53 - Streamlining Resources for a Tailored Employee Experience

11:32 - Removing Barriers to Wellbeing

13:30 - The Role of Coaching in Behavior Change

15:15 - Health Coaches as Personalized Accountability Partners

16:28 - Holistic Wellbeing Through Organizational Values

18:26 - Strategies for Incentivizing Long-Term Wellbeing

20:26 - Simplifying Employee Access to Wellbeing Resources

21:17 - Challenges Focused on Building Long-Term Habits

22:08 - Addressing Loneliness in a Hybrid Workforce

23:59 - Why Traditional Wellbeing Platforms Fail Employees

24:56 - Leveraging Real-Time Data for Fast Decision-Making

27:55 - Case Study: Reducing Financial Barriers to Wellbeing

29:10 - Using Data to Address Root Causes of Employee Health Issues

31:55 - Simplifying Communication for Wellbeing Success

33:41 - Future UI/UX Enhancements Focused on Personalization

35:36 - Integrating Wellbeing into the Employee Lifecycle

36:52 - Choice-Based Recognition and Employee Appreciation

38:20 - Career Development as a Form of Wellbeing Recognition

40:13 - Enhancing Innovation in Wellbeing Programs

41:46 - Leveraging Technology to Connect Remote Workforces

44:05 - Fostering a Culture of Empathy and Communication

45:35 - Best Days Ever

Key Takeaways:

"Changing the culture of wellbeing doesn't happen overnight. It requires resources and investment."

"Navigate's mission is to personalize the wellness experience for each participant. It's about understanding needs and motivations."

"The data doesn't lie. Our clients see consistent improvements. It's working."

"Our mission is to ensure participants get a tailored experience. It's not one size fits all."

"Coaching is an extension of personalization. It's a one-on-one targeted program about you."

"People first wellbeing means giving actionable steps to move from struggling to succeeding."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Today’s special episode is hosted by Navigate Brand Experience Specialist, Kinzy Gillespie, and features Alysa Goethe, Miss Iowa 2023, as she shares her inspiring story of advocacy, resilience, and community impact. Opening up about her journey with Type 1 diabetes and how it fueled her passion for making a difference, Alysa discusses navigating the challenges of being a public figure, including dealing with societal expectations and protecting her mental well-being in the face of online scrutiny. 

Alysa's story is one of empowerment that demonstrates how to transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change - a timely reminder of the importance of gratitude, kindness, and using our platforms for good on this day of Thanksgiving.

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [47:34]: "Always choose kindness and always choose to invest in yourself... Whatever it is that will ultimately better yourself is always worth it." Learn how to make a difference and prioritize personal growth as Alysa shares her insights on kindness, self-care, and pursuing your passions.

⚠️ WAKE-UP CALL [5:10]: "I was so afraid that all of the goals I had set for myself, all of the dreams I wanted to accomplish, were suddenly vanishing before my eyes." Hear Alysa's vulnerable account of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11 and how she overcame the fear and bullying to become an advocate.

✨ GROWTH OPPORTUNITY [09:20]: "I now had that outlet of service... that I could use to help others, help myself, and still get to do all the fun things." Discover how Alysa transformed her personal challenge into a platform for good, using the Miss America program to advocate for diabetes research.

⚡ QUICK WIN [43:12]: "Just do it... and do it scared…If you wait until you're ready, that may never happen." Get inspired to take action and pursue your dreams, even when faced with fear and uncertainty.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Insights from Alysa’s journey

02:28 - Exploring hidden talents and unexpected facts

04:50 - Empowering future generations

06:17 - Creating thriving communities

07:24 - Breaking stereotypes about the world of pageantry

08:19 - Navigating life with diabetes

10:42 - Turning grief into purpose

14:45 - Overcoming bullying

16:59 - Strengthening yourself during adversity

19:23 - The path from local stages to the Miss Iowa crown

23:00 - Rediscovering Iowa’s hidden beauty and vibrant landscapes

24:17 - Debunking myths about pageantry

28:58 - Transitioning from beauty-focused competitions to leadership roles

29:16 - Prioritizing mental health in demanding roles

31:50 - Protecting mental peace while navigating social media challenges

34:22 - Using music as a medium for solace and self-expression

38:15 - Starting small and creating big impact in diabetes advocacy

40:44 - Inspiring youth through representation and shared stories

43:11 - Stepping out of comfort zones and taking action

46:00 - Balancing full-time advocacy with professional aspirations

47:16 - Building connections through kindness and self-investment

CONNECT WITH ALYSA GOETHE:

#MissIowa #DoGoodThings #MakeADifference 

Troy Vincent is honored to welcome Senator Tom Harkin, a pivotal force behind the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Dr. Matthew Reed, Executive Director of the Harkin Institute, for a conversation here today that is equal parts informative and moving.

Beginning with Troy’s story of his father's inspiring journey of overcoming disability, our panel goes on to explore Senator Harkin’s personal experiences with disability, the evolution of the ADA, and the significance of preventive healthcare. Emphasizing the value of supporting employees beyond work and showcasing how this approach benefits businesses, they also highlight the Harkin Institute’s efforts to create a more inclusive world, focusing on mental health, community engagement, and the importance of hiring individuals with disabilities.

This very special episode is a compelling reminder that investing in inclusivity and well-being is not just beneficial—it’s essential for a thriving future.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Importance of Supporting Employees Beyond Work Hours

01:05 Introduction to Senator Harkin and Dr. Reed

02:19 Inspiring Story of Overcoming Adversity

03:53 Recognizing Senator Harkin's Impact on Disability Rights

04:55 Influences Behind Senator Harkin’s Focus on Disability Inclusion

08:54 Evolution of Closed Captioning for Accessibility

10:00 A Game Changer for Accessibility

11:16 Shifting Focus to Preventive Healthcare

13:22 Role of Prevention in the American Healthcare System

15:05 The Harkin Institute’s Role in Promoting Inclusivity and Wellness

17:30 Addressing Youth Anxiety and Isolation Through Community Engagement

18:58 Removing Sugary Drinks and Promoting Nutrition in Schools

23:29 Expanding Access to Fresh Produce in Schools Nationwide

24:33 Tackling Food Deserts with Fresh Options in Rural Areas

26:17 Mental Health Support for Kids in Schools

28:04 Project Uplift Supporting Low Income Families in Iowa

29:54 Research on Health Impacts of Industrial Animal Farming

32:03 Addressing Environmental and Health Impacts of Factory Farming

34:11 The Role of Businesses in Supporting Whole Person Wellness

37:45 The Business Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities

40:04 Workplace Flexibility and Self Care Practices Boosting Retention

45:39 Employment as a Key to Independence for People with Disabilities

46:08 Finding Positivity Through Nature and Community

47:42 Celebrating Personal Achievements and Impactful Moments

Key Takeaways:

"Senator Harkin's ADA work is one of the most important civil rights laws in U.S. history."

"In America, we don't have a healthcare system. We have a sick care system."

"Businesses that focus on employee health and well-being are the most successful."

"A healthy workforce is the foundation of thriving organizations and communities."

"Prevention and wellness save lives and money, but we focus on patching and curing."

"The value of hiring people with disabilities is not just goodwill. It's about better business outcomes."

"Businesses that care for the whole person have the highest productivity and best profit margins."

"The whole person approach is now a priority for 55% of HR professionals, a shift from 15 years ago."

Resources:

Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com 

Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Senator Tom Harkin: https://www.tomharkin.com/

The Harkin Institute: https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/