Lead, Learn, Connect.

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger interviews Mitzi Van Cleave, the Learning and Development Specialist at Tang+ Company, based in California. Tang+ focuses on occupational health and safety.  Mitzi focuses on the culture side of learning and development including a wide range of soft skills and professional development. Mitzi has almost 20 years of experience as a trainer and T...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect , we go halfway around the world to speak with Dupinder Deep, Senior Manager of Leadership Development at Foundever, based in New Delhi, India. While the settings differ, the learning and development challenges she describes are strikingly similar across India and the U.S. Drawing on more than 14 years in L&D and her work toward a PhD in Organizational P...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger talks with Marc Korn, a seasoned learning and development leader with two decades of experience in the fast-paced broadcast industry. Marc shares practical strategies for engaging subject matter experts (SMEs) as trainers—starting with identifying those who are eager to grow, then equipping them through “train-the-trainer” programs, coachi...

What does it take to build learning programs that truly make an impact inside a global organization? In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger sits down with Ian Walker, Senior Director of Employee Learning & Development and Onboarding Operations at Salesforce. With more than 30 years of international experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the U.S., Ian brings a global perspective t...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger talks with Erica Johnsrud, Senior Learning and Development Specialist at RDO Equipment Company. Drawing on her experience with Dale Carnegie and nonprofit leadership, Erica shares practical insights for trainers on keeping content fresh, engaging mixed-experience groups, and balancing different learning and communication styles. From the power...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger talks with Adrian Taylor, a leadership and organizational development expert with over 20 years of experience across military, government, and corporate sectors. As founder of his own coaching business, GC, Adrian shares how he discovered learning and development during his Air Force career and evolved from trial-and-error trainer to strategic...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger talks with Tyler Valerio—former Marine Captain, endurance athlete, and leadership development expert—about what it takes to design training that truly sticks. Tyler shares how breaking complex programs into focused, practical sessions helps leaders apply skills like giving feedback, building psychological safety, and developing emotional i...

Want to know how top customer training programs keep learners truly engaged? In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger speaks with April Terry, a global program manager and customer trainer at ActiveCampaign. April oversees Study Hall, a worldwide program with 12 trainers, and shares practical strategies like structured intros, targeted call-outs, polling tools such as AhaSlides, Slido...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger sits down with Kate Young, a former English teacher turned Learning & Development Specialist who now leads learning strategy at a manufacturing company. With a deep background in education and a passion for clear, engaging training, Kate shares how she blends creativity, structure, and empathy to meet the diverse needs of a fast-paced,...

Jenn Reid, a strategic leader in organizational effectiveness with over 25 years of experience, joins Alan Krieger on Lead, Learn, Connect to share her unconventional path from athlete and coach to healthcare and consulting leader. Known for her curiosity-driven approach and systems thinking, Jenn reflects on how early programming skills, a love of learning, and coaching experience shaped her phil...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger talks with Lew Rogers, Training Director for Leadership Development and Coaching at a South Carolina state agency. Lew shares insights on resilience, adaptive leadership, and why “training by itself is not effective. What changes behavior is coaching.” A certified coach and expert in organizational change, Lew reflects on his growth in shifting...

What does it take to become a confident communicator—especially if you start your career with a speech impediment? In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger talks with Fidel Guzman about his journey from selling newspapers door-to-door as a teenager with a stutter, to leading internal training and enablement at a global fintech company. Fidel shares how early mentors shaped his de...

In this episode of Lead Learn Connect, Alan Krieger sits down with Hector Nogueras, Training Manager at TEC Industrial Maintenance and Construction, to explore the nuances of engaging adult learners in challenging environments. With over 15 years of cross-industry experience, Hector shares how he navigates resistance by shifting from instructor to facilitator, tailoring learning to individual need...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger speaks with Mike Constantine, Manufacturing Training Manager at Metallus, whose 20+ year career in L&D spans finance, manufacturing, and global facilitation. Mike shares how he channels his inner Mick Jagger to bring energy to every training session and how his Engage (E) style helps build connection and buy-in across tough audiences. Mike...

In this episode of Lead Learn Connect, host Alan Krieger sits down with Kyle Fortune, Training Coordinator at Rite Hite, to unpack Kyle’s T.E.A.M. Communication assessment results and reflect on his EA style—a blend of Engage and Analyze. Kyle shares how his people-centered personality (E) is balanced by the detailed precision (A) he developed through professional growth.   Alan provides a quick o...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Dennis Shats, a technical training specialist, about his journey after being laid off from a government position. Dennis shares how he turned a challenging situation into an opportunity by creating a support network (see link below) for displaced federal employees, now over 1,300 members strong, where peers share job leads, job...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Joe Karlson, a seasoned training manager, about the complexities and challenges of training management. Joe shares his experiences balancing instructional design principles when working with subject matter experts, navigating client relationships, and the evolving role of a training manager. He emphasizes the importance of adap...

Leadership coach Jo-Aynne von Born joins host Alan Krieger to explore the power of clear communication, energy-based leadership, and authentic connection. Jo-Aynne shares why clarity is the cornerstone of effective leadership—and how most leaders think they're being clear when they’re often not. She explains how her unique blend of Engage and Analyze T.E.A.M. communication styles helps her connect...

In this insightful episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger welcomes leadership coach and consultant David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business. Together, they explore the evolving nature of leadership and how understanding personal and team communication styles is essential for long-term success. David offers coaching and consulting services to entrepreneurs, professionals, and lea...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, Alan Krieger talks with Tony Camacho, Training Manager at Kitchell, about his unique journey from military instructor to corporate learning leader. Tony shares insights into the stark differences between training in government and corporate environments, building credibility without being the subject-matter expert, and how communication style affects traine...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Lisa Cummings—trainer, coach, speaker, and founder of Lead Through Strengths—about what it really takes to build a thriving business in the training and coaching world. Lisa has delivered events to over 24,000 participants, in-person in 14 countries. She now helps independent coaches, trainers, and speakers build business skill...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Jyllian Clarke, CEO and Founder of ISO Coaching & Consulting, ICF certified executive coach, speaker, and author of Pure Excellence: The Joy in Finding You. Jyllian brings a sharp, human-centered perspective to leadership development and team communication. She is focused on helping individuals and teams live and lead with...

In this episode of "Lead, Learn, Connect," host Alan Krieger sits down with Dennis McIntee, a business consultant, gifted keynote speaker, executive coach and author. Dennis shares his unique "drama-free" approach to leadership, focusing on how leaders can transform frustration into productivity and navigate emotions effectively.  It’s not an emotionless approach. Dennis explains how embracing emo...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger sits down with Sarah Schaidt, a strategic learning and development leader with over a decade of experience in creating inclusive learning programs, launching and scaling LMS solutions, and leading impactful talent strategies in high-growth environments. Currently the Director of Learning and Development for North America at Vantage Data Ce...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Jay Naik, a trainer and filmmaker, about the intricacies of training and development. They discuss the importance of storytelling in both technical and leadership training, the challenges trainers face, and the shift towards e-learning. Jay shares insights on engaging learners in virtual settings, the use of avatars in training...