The EAPA Podcast

John Pompe, the Global Manager of EAP and Employee Health Programs for Caterpillar, discusses the evolution of EAP during his nearly two decades with the iconic company, the benefits of internal vs. external EAP, how the pandemic affected their operations in 64 countries, and what needs to be done to change the way purchasers value EAP.

Rachel Kaufmann, a counselor with Beacon Health Options, has over 20 years of experience working in EAP in various settings and joins us to discuss her work supporting active military and their families: the particular challenges, the increase in EAP acceptance across all services, and the deep rewards of her work.

Dirk Antonissen, partner with the Pulso Group, one of Europe’s top EAPs, joins us from Leuven, Belgium to discuss the evolution of EAP across Europe, how Belgians look at stress as an organizational problem, and what organizations need to do to prepare for change…plus, which Belgian beer to wash down an order of moules-frites.

Christina Isenhower, Director of Risk Management Services at First Sun EAP, a full-service EAP based in S. Carolina, on EAP as risk management, mentorship, technology, the future of EAP…and a bonus conversation on Abe Lincoln!

We’re joined by Dan Boissonneault, Working Leader, Quality Assurance for Pratt & Whitney, the aerospace manufacturer, and Sr. EAP Coordinator with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Having worked on both sides, he discusses how he helps facilitate productive relationships between management and labor, supporting “essential workers” through the pandemic, integrating technology in EA practice, and, as the incoming Prez of EAPA, his vision for the field.

Dr. Amina Oezelsel, CEO of Hanza Resources, a boutique EAP provider based in Hamburg, Germany discusses the Beatles, hamburgers, “problem trances,” engaging remote/hybrid workforces, delivering culturally-attuned services, and the therapeutic value of humor.

Dr. Sandra Turner, the first woman EAPA President, and a three-term councilwoman from Ohio, discusses EAP (employee assistance programs) and the role it’s come to play in helping drive positive work outcomes, what fads are likely to last (from self-assessment apps to more empathetic company cultures), and how she helped steer companies through major crises.

Kristin Rantala, National VP, Sales and Client Management at United Healthcare Global, discusses the true meaning of “Minnesota nice,” leadership, her love of data, the future of EAP and her vision for growing the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (as of October 2020, she began a two-year term as President of the EAPA Board).

We kick off the EAPA podcast with Dan Hughes, Director of the Mount Sinai Health System’s Employee Assistance Program, who discusses the evolution of EAP in the 35 years he's been with Mt. Sinai, his experiences helping steer a workforce of some 42K employees through the pandemic, and the shape of EAP to come.