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 Training Manager. She has a Masters in Communication. 

We discuss the challenges trainers face in engaging diverse learners, the importance of addressing different communication styles, and the significance of soft skills in professional development. Mitzi shares her insights on creating a supportive learning environment, determining training needs, and fostering a positive company culture. The conversation also touches on the impact of micro learning and the journey into the learning and development field.

You can find out more about Mitzi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mitzi-van-cleave-0849a566

#LeadLearnConnect #AlanKrieger #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningCulture #AuthenticLeadership #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #ExecutiveMindset #LeadershipJourney #NetworkingForLeaders #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TeamDevelopment #OrganizationalSuccess #HumanConnection #LeadWithEmpathy #GrowthMindset

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 Psychology, Dupinder challenges the idea that people are “unmotivated to learn.” Instead, she emphasizes that learners need to clearly see the value of the training - both for their current role and future success.

The conversation explores how to make learning last by connecting training to a clear vision and building a learning culture. We also discuss how engagement looks different for experienced leaders than for early-career employees, and why implementation, not content, is where training succeeds or fails.

Dupinder shares how mentoring, open communication, and a strong learning culture help sustain learning long after the classroom. The episode concludes with a practical discussion on generational learning differences and how technology has reshaped how people learn.

You can learn more about Dupinder and Foundever here:

https://foundever.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dupinder-deep-2609198a

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, coaching, and ongoing feedback.

A recurring theme is the value of essential (people) skills—listening, adapting to different learning styles, and building connections—even in highly technical environments. Marc offers advice on overcoming common challenges: selling soft skills to ROI-focused management, using microlearning and spaced learning to minimize disruption, and designing training around core competencies before layering advanced skills.

Drawing on the TEAM communication model, Alan highlights Marc’s ability to “flex” his natural Tell (T) style—task-focused and fast-paced—toward more people-centered approaches. The conversation reinforces that adaptability, continuous learning, and showing genuine care for employees are not just “nice to haves” but essential for business performance, retention, and resilience.

To find out more about Marc or to get in touch:
linkedin.com/in/marc-korn-landd

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 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 to the challenges—and opportunities—of developing people at scale.

Ian shares how to secure leadership support for training in high-pressure environments, why compliance learning needs to be engaging, and how role-based and leadership development can be transformed through simulations, role play, and AI-driven microlearning. He also discusses the importance of cross-cultural collaboration, creating “permission to learn” in busy workplaces, and why leaders must learn to let go of being the “sage on the stage.”

Passionate about helping people to reach their potential, enabling teams to be successful, corporate social responsibility, and conscious leadership, Ian offers wisdom that speaks to both frontline trainers and senior executives.
Listen in for a conversation that blends strategy, global perspective, and practical tools for making learning stick.

You can learn more about Ian at:
linkedin.com/in/ian-walker-2a54a8

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 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 of silence in the classroom to using participants’ expertise as teaching moments, she highlights strategies that help training stick. Erica also reflects on nerves, growth, and how stepping outside our comfort zones strengthens both trainers and learners.

To find out more about Erica:

linkedin.com/in/erica-johnsrud

 
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 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.