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.

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 YouTube, the importance of prioritizing tasks, and the impact of writing a book to share his expertise. Looking ahead, Dennis is excited about upcoming courses focused on enhancing LinkedIn profiles and integrating AI into various industries.
Dennis is a trainer with more than 20 years of experience in designing, expanding, and optimizing business and technical training programs that drive organizational growth. Dennis has also created a free YouTube course through his DS Academy channel (see link below) and has a number of other projects underway.
To find out more about Dennis:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dennisshats
Federal Job Support Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13189034
YouTube Course: How to Create a Resume that Gets you the Job of Your Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWRrw1HMvfg

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 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) division at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency within the Department of Defense, on behalf of Noblis. Previously, he oversaw global training for Costpoint at Deltek, modernizing how teams and customers engage with complex systems. Joe specializes in building modern learning ecosystems by combining blended learning, eLearning design, and leadership development to drive meaningful performance at scale.

You can find out more about Joe on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joseph-karlson

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.

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 being, not just a job title, and shares practical tips for making training interactive, human, and unforgettable.
Jo-Aynne is a professionally certified executive coach and former senior corporate leader with over two decades' experience and 1,000 coaching hours. Blending neuroscience with her A.W.A.K.E.N. Framework, she guides individuals and organizations to clarify priorities, forge values-driven cultures of trust, and achieve measurable performance gains without burnout.

As an added bonus: Jo-Aynne offers a free 7-Day Gratitude Experiment to shift your mindset and energy. See Gratitude Challenge: https://awaken-your-potential.kit.com/gratitude.
For more about Jo-Aynne and her work go to:
Website: www.readysetmore.com Awaken Your Potential newsletter (free, weekly): https://awaken-your-potential.kit.com

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 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 expert in environmental consulting to leadership coach, highlighting how many professionals are placed in leadership roles without the tools or insight to lead effectively. True leadership, as David explains, must be developed—not assumed by title, and self-awareness is foundational.
David and Alan explore the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles® model (Tell, Engage, Analyze, Mediate), discussing how different styles interact, how misunderstandings arise, and why appreciating diverse approaches is crucial for collaboration. David reflects on his natural Mediate style—empathetic and deliberative—and how learning to work with quick, direct “Tell” types improved both his coaching and client relationships.
A major takeaway: Great leaders build trust by adapting—not changing—how they communicate, aiming for authenticity and connection, not uniformity. David emphasizes that adapting to others' styles isn’t manipulation—it’s about being intentional in how you show up.

You can find out more about David at:
Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

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.