About Dr. Cara
I'm Dr. Cara Alexander.
I build psychology-based leadership systems for senior leaders and the organizations they run.
Dr. Cara Alexander, PhD, LCSW, BCDLeadership Coach · International Psychologist · Speaker
Who I am
In five sentences.
- I have a PhD in International Psychology.
- I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
- I am a Leadership Coach certified by Georgetown University.
- I have led teams ranging from 10 to 100.
- I am a former CEO and senior executive.
Why this work exists
High performing leaders do not struggle with the work. They struggle with the weight that accumulated in the process of becoming who they are.
And capability alone was not designed to resolve it.
I help you understand exactly what that is, so you can lead from clarity instead of pressure, navigate without carrying what the moment does not actually require of you, and build a life that is as strong at the foundation as everything you have constructed above it.
The pattern that built your career is still working. Some of what it asks of you now has a cost. Naming it is where the work begins.
What I bring to the work
A clinician and a CEO in one conversation.
Clinical depth
As a licensed clinician, I understand the human pattern underneath how you lead, and I speak to it with precision and care.
Executive experience
I have led teams of 10 to 100 and grew a private practice from 1 to 50 employees, so I understand the business result you are responsible for.
A method for the moment
Receive • Perceive • Respond™ is a method you practice in the moment a pattern activates. Repeated, it becomes how you lead.
International perspective
Identity science and international psychology, shaped by 25+ years with leaders across five continents: layered understanding, elevated strategy, powerful perspective.
Credentials and experience
The training behind the work.
- PhD in International Psychology
- MSWUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Licensed Clinical Social WorkerLCSW, Board Certified Diplomate
- Leadership CoachCertified by Georgetown University
- Faculty, 10+ yearsUniversity of Michigan and University of Southern California
- Former CEO and senior executiveLed teams ranging from 10 to 100
- 25+ yearsClinical and executive practice across five continents
- Creator of Receive • Perceive • Respond™And the Connected Leadership framework
How I work
Connect to yourself so you can elevate and expand for those you lead.
The work rests on three pillars, built in this order.
Know your worth.
Recognize Value
Your value is intrinsic and comes from within. Together we partner to instill the confidence needed to authentically connect with those you lead.
Know your truth.
Embody Grace
Leading from steadiness you can feel, so accountability and humanity can sit in the same room.
Know when to pivot.
Conquer Control
Knowing what is yours to carry, what to hand over, and when the moment asks you to change direction.
Speaking and teaching
For teams and organizations.
I bring Connected Leadership to healthcare systems and corporate teams through keynotes and training, and I teach at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.
"Dr. Cara's keynote, Beyond Control: Leading Your Business Growth from Within, was transformational. Through engaging storytelling and an evidence-based framework, she helped our contractors confront the real challenges of perfectionism, control, and isolation that hold small business leaders back."
Dr. Parker, Consulting Firm CEO
Your next step
Know your Worth, Know your Truth, and Know When to Pivot.
Connect to yourself so you can elevate and expand for yourself and those you lead.
Take the free assessment