Lead, Learn, Connect.

S01 E36 Driving Engagement In Diverse Learning Environments | Mitzi Van Cleave | 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 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 [https://www.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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzi-van-cleave-0849a566

S01 E35 From Training to Behavior Change | Dupinder Deep | Lead. Learn. Connect.

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

S01 E34 The Art of Listening in Training | Marc Korn | Lead. Learn. Connect.

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.

S01 E33 The Future of Learning and Development with AI | Ian Walker | Lead. Learn. Connect.

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.

S01 E32 Engagement Strategies for Effective Learning | Erica Johnsrud | Lead. Learn. Connect.

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.