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 facilitator. He offers practical advice for new trainers, discusses adapting to different communication styles, and navigating real-world training challenges. Adrian is also the author of It’s Already Written and A Gentleman’s Thoughts, two reflective books on growth and resilience.
For more information about Adrian and to order his books:
https://www.gentlemanscounsel.com/category/all-products

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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 intelligence. He also explains his book Get Off the Ladder, where he challenges linear career thinking and advocates for a cyclical, continuous approach to growth. With stories from military and corporate settings, this conversation offers concrete strategies for trainers, coaches, and leaders alike.

Find out more about Tyler and connect:
linkedin.com/in/tyler-vallario-edd-ms-905b0a44
Find his book here: Get Off the Ladder: How to Rethink Success and Find Satisfaction in Everyday Life: Vallario, Dr Tyler: 9798334662445: Amazon.com: Books

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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, WhatsApp
backchanneling in regional classes, and guided, hands-on activities with Wobo digital workbooks. 
She explains how pre-work and audience research inform tailored examples, and how feedback analytics and AI drive continuous improvement, contributing to a 4.9 average trainer rating. Drawing on her background in revenue enablement and her high Analyze T.E.A.M. style, April discusses balancing precision with quick decisions and empathy. A former Division I athlete, coach, and professor, she blends strategy, energy, and storytelling to spark growth and memorable aha moments.

Learn more about April at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilterry1/ 
 Instagram: @aprilhasabucketlist
 

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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, technical workforce.
Kate discusses her journey from public school classrooms to industrial training rooms, her strategies for gaining credibility in a technical environment, and how she uses humor, storytelling, and collaboration with subject matter experts to create buy-in—especially for compliance training. You'll also hear how she tailors her approach to different communication styles and leverages data to advocate for impactful learning.
Whether you're a seasoned trainer or new to the field, Kate’s insights on instructional design, stakeholder engagement, and learner motivation will leave you inspired and better equipped to make your own training programs more effective.

To learn more about Kate:
www.linkedin.com/in/kate-m-young

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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 philosophy on organizational development.
We discuss creating cultures of continuous learning, the importance of leaders reinforcing training, and how agile, human-centered approaches keep learning relevant. Jenn brings both sharp insight and a human touch to today’s conversation.

To find out more about Jenn and her work:
www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferalicereid
Oral Text (LinkedIn page)

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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 from a Tell style leader to one who focuses on Engage and Mediate communication styles (see T.E.A.M. Communication Styles® model). He emphasizes that “you cannot tell people to do your vision.” This episode offers actionable strategies for leading with empathy, fostering psychological safety, and supporting change in the public sector.

To find out more about Lew and get in touch:
linkedin.com/in/lewrogers 

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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 development, the role of Toastmasters in building confidence, and what it means to lead sales enablement beyond onboarding. Fidel also explains how he uses his strengths in the Engage and Analyze styles (T.E.A.M. Communication Styles® model) to tailor training to diverse learning styles and business needs.

Fidel has worked in banking, fitness, telecommunications and financial technology, and now is the Manager of Internal Training for ION, a financial technology company, and VP of education for their corporate Toastmasters club.

The episode explores the importance of authenticity and passion in training and development.

To find out more about Fidel:

linkedin.com/in/fidel-guzman-mba-519973115

You can also catch Fidel on his local Chicagoland podcast, The Hero in the Mirror, where he shares stories of resilience and adversity!

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Hero_In_The_Mirror1101/videos

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1f9yUvzQSt11cv2ghmtDFT?si=bCRZZ03fTfmV4jt2ng-Nvg

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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 needs, and building trust through relevance and empathy. From healthcare to construction, Hector emphasizes responsiveness over rigidity and connection over control, offering practical wisdom for anyone leading learning initiatives in complex workplaces.
He starts on the front lines with a people-centered approach, sharing his experiences in the military, tech, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Hector specializes in workforce development strategy to build organizational transformation. He currently leads initiatives to build skilled, safety-conscious teams from the ground up.

To find out more about Hector, or to get in touch:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hectornoguerasjr/

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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 has designed and delivered a wide range of programs in settings across the world. He talks about adapting to different cultural contexts and learning environments.
Mike also discusses building a learning culture, supporting SME’s (subject matter experts) as trainers, and the importance of follow-up for lasting impact.
Whether you're new to training or a veteran facilitator, you'll find practical insights and real-world perspective here.
When he's not helping others develop their skills, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and expanding his ever-growing collection of vinyl records.

Learn more about Mike or connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeconstantinemba

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.

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 overview of the T.E.A.M. model, and together, they explore how understanding communication styles can elevate training effectiveness, improve engagement, and navigate challenging workplace dynamics
Kyle also shares inspiring stories from his own leadership journey—from building a training program from scratch in a logistics startup to empowering future leaders through mentorship and train-the-trainer programs. With a military background and a heart for people, Kyle reveals what it really takes to create trust, lead under pressure, and make training meaningful in any environment.

Learn more about Kyle at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-fortune-851b68219/

I hope you enjoy this episode!
 Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
 – Alan and the Lead. Learn. Connect. podcast team

For more about Alan’s work and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles:
Website: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/teamcommunicationstyles

Listen to Lead. Learn. Connect. on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08bMp67WPTaTfztxnePoK1 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-learn-connect/id1818307028 
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/18ad74c0-6448-426a-909a-8b0519361d89

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset Lead. Learn. Connect. with Alan Krieger is a podcast built for leaders who are passionate about growth—not just in business, but in how they connect with others. Through thoughtful interviews and solo insights, Alan explores leadership development, learning mindsets, and the power of authentic relationships. This podcast is for professionals ready to reflect, evolve, and lead with intention in a world that’s constantly changing.