David Christopher Suarez is the ingenious mind behind Interactive Training Solutions. Born and raised in the vibrant melting pot of Miami, David’s early years were colored by a restless curiosity and an insatiable thirst for unconventional avenues of expression.
It was amidst the eclectic tapestry of his upbringing that the seeds of his entrepreneurial spirit were sown, nourished by the vibrant pulse of the city and the rich tapestry of its diverse inhabitants. However, it was a fortuitous encounter during his high school years that would serve as the catalyst for his extraordinary odyssey. In the corridors of education, where conformity reigned supreme, David stumbled upon a revelation that would alter the course of his destiny forever: a television production class. What began as a pragmatic choice soon blossomed into an all-encompassing passion, igniting a fervent desire to explore the uncharted realms of creativity and innovation. And thus, against the backdrop of Miami’s azure skies and swaying palms, David embarked on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by a relentless pursuit of his dreams.
We would like to get to know your story. Who is David and what is his story?
My personal journey began in Miami, a product of public schooling where I struggled to find motivation within the traditional curriculum. However, a turning point arose in my 11th grade when I stumbled upon a television production class. Initially, it seemed like a convenient way to manage my time around my passion for racing bikes, but soon I found myself enamored with the craft. This newfound love propelled me to pursue film and television at Miami Dade College, though my academic performance necessitated a detour through community college before I could reach my dream institution: New York University. The decision to choose between NYU and the University of Colorado was a defining moment, leading me to NYU’s film program and setting the stage for my career in the industry.
Can you share the inspiration behind founding Interactive Training Solutions?
As for Interactive Training Solutions, its inception stemmed from a blend of my experiences in film and television, coupled with a realization during my corporate video tenure that fluency in the language of business was essential. Armed with an MBA and inspired by my background in improv comedy, I conceived the idea for a business focusing on executive coaching, training, and team building centered around communication and leadership skills. The genesis of Interactive Training Solutions during a business plan competition, coupled with encouragement from judges, marked the start of a transformative journey. Despite launching amidst the 2007 monetary crisis, perseverance, hard work, and a roster of supportive clients enabled the business to not only weather the storm but flourish. Today, Interactive Training Solutions stands as a testament to a passion realized and a commitment to empowering others in their professional endeavors.
How did your unique methodology combine improvisation, experiential, and applied learning come about?
It is fascinating when crafting a business plan; you are tasked with dissecting an idea, breaking it down, and then reconstructing it to enhance its efficacy and resilience. In this process, differentiating our approach from competitors became paramount. I view our role as a blend of training, coaching, and team building, akin to navigating a cereal aisle in a supermarket. Just as cereal options range from sugary delights to healthier choices, the landscape of corporate training and coaching firms varies, with methodology emerging as the crucial differentiator. Our methodology is our secret sauce, enticing clients back due to its effectiveness and dynamic delivery. The cornerstone of our approach lies in applied and experiential learning. Applied learning ensures active participation from the outset, eschewing passive listening for active engagement in every exercise. Experiential learning thrives on sharing—ideas, wisdom, and perspectives—fostering engagement and drawing out contributions even from the most reticent individuals. Integrating elements of improv comedy injects levity and adaptability into our sessions, making learning enjoyable and responsive to real-world dynamics. By prioritizing active involvement, sharing, and fun, our programs ensure lasting retention and personalized enrichment, transcending mere instructional delivery. Our philosophy revolves around the trio of doing, sharing, and enjoying. When participants are actively involved, engaged in sharing, and having fun, the learning process becomes not just memorable but transformative. Our bespoke programs, guided by dynamic methodology and infused with elements of improv comedy, adapt seamlessly to individual or group needs, ensuring a rich and enduring learning experience that transcends conventional instruction.
What does it mean to you to be a game changer?
As a former reality TV producer, much of my role involved manipulating and sometimes exploiting individuals to create entertainment for the screen—an experience that left me feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from my values. However, embracing my role as a “game changer” in coaching and facilitation has been profoundly rewarding. Through my work, I have the power to positively influence people’s lives by enhancing their professional skills, making them better professionals and better individuals.
Who is David?
Age: 51.
Position: CEO and founder.
Nationality: Born and raised in Miami, Florida.
Where do you live? Miami.
Do you have kids? I have two. My oldest is 23 years old, both girls. So, I have two daughters. My oldest is 23 years old and lives in Portland, Oregon. And she is an artist. And my youngest is eleven years old and goes to school here in Miami.
Pets? Jacques, a French bulldog
Favorite Food: Carne con papas.
Hobbies: Cycling and comedy.
Favorite place in the world: Col du Galibier and Isle of Skye
Let’s Rock!
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Curious
Favorite movie or TV Show: Favorite movie is cinema Paradiso. It is a film from, 90’s, the best foreign language film.
Favorite Book: Blind Man’s bluff
If you could turn into an animal, what would it be?
Hippo.
Favorite music band or gender: Led Zeppelin.
What activity makes you feel calm?
Cooking.
