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 L&D leaders stay relevant—and make a measurable difference.

Sarah discusses:
The challenge of balancing long-term strategy with fast-moving business needs
How to handle scope creep during large-scale rollouts like LMS implementations
Her philosophy on designing for all communication and learning styles
Practical strategies for making digital learning more accessible and inclusive
The power of admitting what you don’t know—and how it builds credibility
Sarah also shares personal stories of professional growth, her evolution as a trainer, and how the “lightbulb moments” of learners keep her passionate about the work.
Whether you’re building your first training strategy or leading a seasoned L&D team, this episode offers thoughtful advice, relatable challenges, and actionable takeaways to help you lead learning with intention.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-schaidt/

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

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 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 NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He worked in Higher Education, Health Care, and Technology Industries.

To contact Jay, connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jay-naik-52401831

And if you'd like to add a new communication tool to your toolkit and find out more about Alan Krieger and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles model, go to: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com or connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alankrieger

Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to never miss a new episode!

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 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 background in clinical mental health, education, and organizational development. She primarily trains therapists, peers, paraprofessionals, and first responders in Motivational Interviewing (MI), EMDR, and crisis intervention. Her work has recently expanded into leadership training, especially in nonprofit and public-sector settings. She brings a blend of clinical insight, emotional intelligence frameworks, and a servant leadership philosophy. She teaches at a local college and is on the board of Motivational Interviewing in Leadership and Organizations, where she helps promote MI as a leadership tool—not just a clinical one.

Website: https://www.empowertct.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empower_tct/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larisa-t-861a0914/

And if you'd like to add a new communication tool to your toolkit and find out more about Alan Krieger and the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles model, go to: https://teamcommunicationstyles.com or connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alankrieger

Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to never miss a new episode!

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.