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

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– 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

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#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.