Dr. R. Harrison Baxter Interview
Dr. R. Harrison Baxter is a global keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and creator of Intraflexion™, a neuroscience-rooted leadership philosophy blending street smarts with science. From his beginnings in the Bronx to working with leaders across Africa, Europe, and the U.S., he helps individuals and organizations shift from reactive to intentional leadership using his R³™ Methodology – Reflect, Respond, and Rise. With proven results across sectors—from boosting productivity and retention to enhancing emotional intelligence—Dr. Baxter’s approach centers on self-awareness, inclusion, and the belief in being just 1% better every day.
Resilience into a Global Leadership Mission
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired your journey from the Bronx to becoming a global leadership expert?”
Dr. R. Harrison Baxter replied, “My journey started in the Bronx, where life taught me resilience, adaptability, and street-level wisdom. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be on global stages I was focused on surviving and helping others do the same. But over time, I realized that my experiences weren’t setbacks; they were training. As I studied leadership, neuroscience, and psychology, I began to see connections between what I lived and what I was learning. That’s when I created Intraflexion a reflective leadership philosophy rooted in real-world grit and scientific insight. Now I get to help people from all walks of life lead with purpose and power. Whether it’s a CEO in London or a young leader in Lagos, my message is the same: leadership is about self-awareness, service, and showing up every day just 1% better than yesterday.”
A Three-Step Framework
The Worlds Times: Can you explain the R³ Methodology and how it transforms leadership?
Dr. R. Harrison Baxter replied, “The R³ Methodology Reflect, Respond, Rise is at the heart of everything I teach. It’s built on the idea that strong leadership begins with inner awareness. Reflect means pausing to assess your emotions, thoughts, and environment. Respond is choosing how to act deliberately, not reactively. And Rise is where growth happens taking those insights and using them to lead with clarity and conviction. In today’s fast-paced world, leaders are expected to perform under pressure, but few are trained to manage their inner world. R³ gives them a repeatable, science-based process to lead with intention instead of impulse. I’ve seen teams become more cohesive, decision-making improve, and emotional intelligence rise all by applying this model. It’s not magic its muscle. And once leaders build that muscle, they stop just reacting to challenges they rise above them.”
Blending Brain Science with Leadership
The Worlds Times: How do you integrate neuroscience into your leadership development programs?
Dr. R. Harrison Baxter replied, “Neuroscience is the backbone of how I help leaders understand themselves and their teams. We now know so much about how the brain responds to stress, uncertainty, and relationships. I use that science to help leaders recognize patterns in their thinking and behavior, especially in high-pressure situations. For example, understanding how the amygdala hijack works can completely change how a leader handles conflict or gives feedback. I also introduce tools around neuroplasticity and habit formation so leaders don’t just learn new behaviors, they wire them in. When people understand the “why” behind their reactions, they gain control over how they show up. It’s not about turning leaders into neuroscientists. It’s about helping them lead smarter, with more empathy and awareness. That’s when transformation happens when leadership is no longer just tactical, but deeply human and grounded in science.
Leading from the Inside Out
The Worlds Times: What does ‘Intraflexion™’ mean, and why is it so important today?
Dr. R. Harrison Baxter replied, “Intraflexion™ is a term I coined to describe leadership from the inside out. It combines “introspection” with “flexibility”—the ability to reflect inward and adjust outward. In today’s world, leaders are bombarded with noise, expectations, and constant change. But real power comes when you can tune in to yourself your values, emotions, triggers and then lead with intention, not reaction. That’s what Intraflexion teaches. It’s about being emotionally agile, self-aware, and deeply aligned with your mission. I’ve worked with leaders who were overwhelmed and burned out. Once they learned this framework, they didn’t just become better leaders they became better humans. They listened more, judged less, and made clearer, more compassionate decisions. Intraflexion is more than a model it’s a mindset. And in a world that often rewards speed over depth, it’s what brings lasting, authentic influence.”
Transforming Leadership, Measurable Results Worldwide
The Worlds Times: You’ve trained across sectors and continents. What real-world impact have you seen?
Dr. R. Harrison Baxter replied, “I’ve had the honor of working with everyone from corporate executives to community leaders in the U.S., Africa, and Europe. What’s powerful is how consistent the results are when leaders are willing to reflect and grow. For example, I helped a retail chain improve customer service training, and we saw a 30% jump in satisfaction scores. At a nonprofit, strategic donor training led to a 27% boost in contributions. And in tech, customized onboarding I developed increased retention by over 20%. But beyond the metrics, the most fulfilling feedback I get is: “You helped me reconnect with why I lead.” That’s the impact I aim for. My work isn’t just about performance it’s about people. When you build trust, strengthen communication, and foster emotional intelligence, everything else productivity, retention, morale follows naturally. Leadership is personal, and the ripple effects are real.”
Listening First to Lead Inclusively
The Worlds Times: How do you ensure your leadership programs are inclusive and culturally relevant?
Dr. R. Harrison Baxter replied, “Inclusion starts with intentional listening. I don’t walk into a room assuming I know the audience. I ask questions, observe dynamics, and do the cultural homework. Whether I’m training in Nairobi or New York, my job is to meet people where they are, not where I think they should be. I design programs that reflect the lived realities of diverse teams across race, gender, background, and generation. My own journey, coming from a marginalized community and working globally, helps me understand and honor those differences. I also use reflective listening techniques that invite every voice to the table. Inclusion isn’t a checkbox it’s a practice. It’s in the stories we tell, the questions we ask, and the space we create for others to be seen and heard. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you create belonging. And that’s how leadership becomes truly transformational.”
The Power of Being 1% Better Every Day
Lastly we asked, “What’s the one leadership principle you live by and teach consistently?”
“If I had to narrow it down, it’s this: Be 1% better every day. We live in a world obsessed with overnight success and massive change. But real leadership the kind that lasts happens in small, intentional steps. It’s about showing up with integrity, learning from your mistakes, and doing just a little bit better than yesterday. That mindset builds momentum, and over time, it builds mastery. I don’t believe in perfect leaders. I believe in present ones leaders who reflect, respond, and rise. And I remind people that leadership isn’t a title it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re leading a team of two or an organization of 2,000, you have the power to influence with empathy, act with courage, and lead with purpose. Just start with 1% and keep going. That’s how movements begin.” Dr. R. Harrison Baxter concluded
Connect with Dr. R. Harrison Baxter on LinkedIn
For for information visit rharrisonbaxter
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