Lead, Learn, Connect.

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 aids, and mental health resources. Dennis also talks about leveraging AI in job searches, and developing a Wiki knowledge base to host and reference job searching efforts through a Wiki interface.
He discusses developing courses on...

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 adaptability, continuous learning, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities in the field of training and curriculum design.
Joe Karlson has 18 years of experience shaping how organizations train and grow their people. He currently leads training for the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR...

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 across different leadership types, especially when working with fast-paced “Tell” leaders.
The conversation also covers preventing burnout through energy management—helping people lean into their strengths to stay motivated and productive. Jo-Aynne emphasizes leadership as a way of b...

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 leadership teams. He equips clients with practical tools to lead with clarity, improve team performance, and scale confidently bridging personal growth with business strategy to build sustainable success from the inside out.

On the podcast, David shares his journey from technical...

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 trainer effectiveness. He also reflects on the importance of humility, consistency, and adaptability when training in technical fields like construction.

With over 20 years of training experience, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge from frontline roles to managing national programs. His journey began in...

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 skills like email marketing and selling confidently.
 Lisa shares her journey from delivering workshops to scaling a business powered by inbound leads, podcasting, and strong content strategy. She offers practical advice for trainers looking to transition to independence, market their...

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 authenticity, purpose, and confidence.
Jyllian partners with organizations and leaders to strengthen emotional intelligence, foster courageous conversations, and cultivate environments where people feel safe to show up as themselves. Jyllian shares her personal and professional journey—from being la...

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 emotions like frustration and irritation can actually fuel creativity and action. Dennis also talks about how grief and missed expectations accumulate like emotional “rocks in a backpack”—and how leaders can help their teams let go and move forward.
Dennis shares practical...

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 Centers, Sarah brings a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to the evolving world of corporate learning. From designing accessible programs and facilitating global training initiatives to managing the learning needs of highly technical teams, Sarah shares the tools and insights that help...

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, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career. He emphasizes the role of an internal training director and offers advice for new trainers entering the field.  Jay is the Director of Learning and Development, Research Enterprise Training at N...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with leadership trainer Larisa Traga about the principles of Motivational Interviewing and its application in leadership. They discuss the importance of empathy, accountability, and effective communication in fostering a positive work environment. Larisa shares insights on addressing team burnout, navigating resistance, and the journey that led her to focus on improving leadership practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence in leadership and the transformative power of motivational interviewing in overcoming challenges.

Larisa is a dynamic and multi-faceted trainer from Santa Barbara, California with a...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with master coach Alexis Tuccio about her journey into coaching, the philosophy behind her coaching academy, and the importance of emotional integration in coaching. They discuss the differences between systemic and holistic coaching, strategies for engaging task-oriented clients, and the challenges faced by new coaches, including imposter syndrome. Alexis shares insights on the transformative learning process in coaching and the pathways to certification, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in coaching skills.

Allexis Tuccio, MCC | ACTC | EMCC is Director of Corporate Affairs at G...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Dean Griess about Dean's experiences at the ATD National Conference, his journey to becoming an author, the importance of building confidence and presence in presentations, and what a duck butt has to do with public speaking?? Dean shares tips for speakers and facilitators and insights on engaging different audiences, particularly challenging ones like salespeople and engineers. He also reflects on transformative moments he has witnessed in his training career. Dean has a passion for creating remarkable experiences and helping others achieve their highest potential.  Known for his a...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Phil Brown, an expert in experiential education. They discuss the importance of intentionality in facilitation, the balance between content and experience, and the role of comfort in learning. Phil shares insights on problem-solving models, the significance of reflection, and the concept of 'tinkering' with activities to enhance learning outcomes. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of facilitation and the need for adaptability in educational settings.
Phil, originally from England, joined the High 5 Adventure team as a Senior Trainer in May 2015. Phil brings high energy and devotion...

On today’s episode, Lindsey Schiel, a dynamic coach, talks about her strategies for helping women embrace and grow their leadership skills. Lindsey uses a people-centric approach, to help clients drives positive change.  In her discussion with Alan Krieger she explores work-life balance, strategies for promoting change and tips for coaches starting out. She also emphasizes the importance of adapting to treat people the way they want to be treated. T.E.A.M. Communication Styles calls this the Golden Rule 2.0®. Lindsey has over 18 years of leadership experience and a commitment to empowering women leaders. 

You can reach...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, and Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Trish Perry, a dynamic coach and author, about her journey from corporate life to coaching. They discuss the importance of authenticity in coaching, the challenges of building a coaching business, and the role of neuroscience in understanding client behavior. Trish shares valuable insights on learning from failure, finding a niche, and staying grounded in the coaching profession. The conversation emphasizes the significance of curiosity, connection, and personal transformation in the coaching process.
Trish is a certified master results coach, trainer and speaker.  She is the f...

In this episode of Lead, Learn and Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Rusty Tugman, a leadership trainer and coach, about the intricacies of training and coaching. Rusty is the founder and CEO of Rusty Tugman Coaching and Consulting, and also a trainer and coach for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.  Alan and Rusty explore the worlds of internal and independent trainers. Topics they discuss include, the challenges of transitioning from a speaker to a facilitator, and the importance of building trust in mandatory training, and the differences between internal and independent training roles..  Rusty shares insights on th...

Marianna Lead is an internationally-recognized Master Certified Coach (MCC), ICF Mentor, and Credentialing Portfolio Assessor with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) since 2008. In 2024, she also became an ICF Advanced Certified Team Coach (ACTC). She is also the Founder/Executive Director of Goal Imagery® Coaching Academy - a leading global provider of ICF-accredited coach training and mentoring programs. Her Holistic Life, Career & Executive Coach Training™ is currently taught in 6 different languages around the world. On the episode today, Marianna talks about the secrets to coaching success

Twice-elected President of ICF’s flagship NYC chapter, Marianna brings over 20 years of ex...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, and Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Abram DiMarco, a seasoned trainer and founder of DiMarco Consulting Group. They discuss the challenges of building a training business, the importance of networking, and one of the benefits of working independently – the opportunity to work with diverse clients. Abram’s specialty is leadership training and he shares insights on effective training methods, the transition from team member to leader, and the significance of collaboration in the industry. They also touch on project management, another one of Abrahm’s area of expertise, and lessons learned from experi...

In this episode of Lead, Learn, and Connect, host Alan Krieger speaks with Rosanne Essiambre, a coach who focuses on change and addressing root causes in personal development. Rosanne is the founder of Sustainable Solutions Coaching and Consulting. Rosanne talks about some of the special niches she works in, including helping individuals navigate life-changing medical journeys. Rosanne highlights some essential steps to having impact as a coach and for building a successful coaching business. Rosanne also shares insights on the importance of community and continuous learning for aspiring coaches and trainers, as well as her exciting future projects aimed...

Welcome to the first episode of Lead, Learn, Connect. 

In this conversation, Blaine Little shares his insights on the challenges faced by trainers, the importance of delivery over content, and the evolution of his training methods over the years.  

Blaine is the founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training & Coaching, and the author of three books. He discusses the significance of prospecting and networking in building a successful training business, as well as the impact of writing books on his career. Blaine emphasizes the need for trainers to connect with their audience and the continuous ef...