Business leader and mentor Irina Alexander joins Rich to unpack a neuroscience-rooted framework for staying regulated under pressure—especially in high-stress fields like first response and frontline leadership. She explains her C.A.R.E.S.™ approach (Communication, Awareness, Resilience, Emotional literacy, Self-mastery), why “knowing isn’t enough,” and how resilience is the byproduct of daily practices. Irina also shares candid stories of burnout, recovery, and the practical tools that help people shift from reactivity to regulation. 

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Guest Bio:  

Irina Alexander is a businesswoman, investor, and international speaker who founded The Academy of MotivAction, a neuroscience-based training company serving first responders, corporate teams, and entrepreneurs. An MBA by 21 and certified NLP trainer, she’s built and sold companies (including in HVAC), mentors’ founders, and now focuses on scalable training that equips people to communicate better, regulate emotion under stress, and lead with integrity. 

Main Topics: 

·         Irina’s path from the former USSR to global entrepreneurship and mentorship

·         Language learning and early international experiences (incl. China, Mandarin)

·         Building in male-dominated industries and using “what makes you different” as an advantage

·         Burnout: causes, warning signs, and honest self-assessment

·         The C.A.R.E.S.™ Approach: Communication, Awareness, Resilience (as byproduct), Emotional literacy, Self-mastery

·         Practical tools for emotional regulation vs. emotional reactivity

·         Mentorship vs. “cookie-cutter” coaching; word-of-mouth model

·         First responders & frontline pros: culture, stigma, proactive skill-building

·         Meditation, BrainTap, and making quiet achievable for busy minds

·         Fear of rejection → “Everything is possible” reframing

·         Mirror work, self-forgiveness, and daily grace 

Resources mentioned: 

·         The Academy of MotivActio (https://motivaction.academy/)

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