Conversations with Rich Bennett Irina Alexander on The C.A.R.E.S.™ Approach to Real Resilience
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.
Sponsored by Maryland Pickers
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:
https://harfordcountyhealth.com
Maryland PickersFamily Owned & Operated - Maryland Pickers Junk Removal & Hauling - Serving Harford & Baltimore Cou
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts
Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:
Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook
Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett
TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok
Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:
Hosted on Buzzsprout
SquadCast