Untangling Communication So Teams Can Get Things Done
Hi, I’m Maria Garaitonandia
Speaker | Author of Untangling Communication |
Leadership Communication Strategist
International speaker and author of Untangling Communication, helping leaders navigate conflict, align teams, and get results across cultures and functions.
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Author of Untangling Communication
Untangling Communication
The foundation of Maria’s most requested leadership programs and keynotes
Based on decades of global leadership experience, Untangling Communication addresses the challenges leaders face every day—difficult feedback conversations, cross-functional friction, cultural misunderstandings, and breakdowns in trust—and offers practical strategies for moving forward.
Available as a keynote, leadership program, or executive workshop.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Maria has worked with top companies and organizations to improve communication at all levels.
Here are just a few of the brands she’s had the privilege to collaborate with:
The Story Behind Untangling Communication
Growing up across multiple countries as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and attending 10 schools taught me something that still shapes my work today: people often believe they are communicating clearly when they are actually operating from different assumptions, experiences, and cultural lenses.
Learning to navigate those differences sparked a lifelong fascination with communication and became the foundation for helping leaders and teams build trust, bridge communication gaps, and work together more effectively.
For more than two decades, I've helped leaders untangle communication challenges that slow progress, create friction, and weaken trust. Along the way, I've partnered with organizations across North America and Latin America in industries including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and mining.
Today, I help leaders navigate conflict, strengthen collaboration, and build stronger relationships across cultures, functions, and teams.
“Maria delivered an exceptional keynote that captivated and inspired our audience while empowering attendees to lead with confidence and presence”
Andrea Del Arenal
Head of Business Excellence, Ericsson
“Maria did an amazing job connecting with our virtual audience and opening important conversations on cultural and generational differences. Our team members gave her a 5-star rating.”
Jeremy Doggette
Area Manager HR, AM/NS Calvert
“Maria delivered a leadership presentation for our company that was engaging, insightful, and easy to understand.”
Sergio Enrique Rivera Carballido
Solution Architect, Nokia
So, how do I help leaders and teams untangle communication challenges?
I use my CLEAR approach—a proven method designed to break down barriers, build trust, and create teams that work together seamlessly.
Convey
Context
Set the stage by providing background before making a request or discussing a challenge.
Listen
Actively
Understand your team’s needs and perspectives.
Empathize
Build trust through emotional intelligence.
Adapt
Navigate diverse cultural and organizational contexts with simple adjustments.
Reframe
Positively
Turn challenges into opportunities for collaborative problem solving.
Struggling with communication challenges in your team?
Find out where the breakdowns happen and how to fix them with the CLEAR Communication Assessment & Cheat Sheet.
Find out if your team struggles with:
Unclear expectations and mixed messages
Avoiding difficult conversations or feedback
Collaboration challenges due to misalignment
Cross-cultural communication gaps
With this FREE guide, you'll:
Identify your biggest communication blind spots
Get actionable strategies to improve clarity, trust, and collaboration
Apply the CLEAR framework to create a stronger team dynamic
What Maria Offers
Speaking Programs:
Interactive, impactful sessions that address the real communication challenges leaders and teams face.
Through actionable strategies, I help build trust, resolve conflict, and create cohesive, high-performing teams.
Signature Keynotes
Untangling Team Dynamics
Build trust, reduce friction, and strengthen collaboration.
Outcomes:
Apply the CLEAR approach to resolve tension and foster trust.
Break down silos and bridge personality clashes.
Balance vulnerability and assertiveness to build psychological safety and open dialogue.
Leading Across Cultures
Practical tools for navigating cultural differences and leading diverse teams.
Outcomes:
Develop adaptive leadership skills to navigate cultural differences with confidence.
Sharpen your observation skills to decode unspoken expectations.
Adjust your communication style to connect across cultures while maintaining authenticity.
Mastering Feedback
Transform recognition and correction into growth and accountability.
Outcomes:
Create a culture of recognition where feedback fuels motivation and high performance.
Gain confidence in delivering both praise and constructive feedback using the CARE and FRAME models.
Empower your team with continuous feedback that drives accountability and results.
Download Maria’s Headshots
Featured Interviews
Looking for a breakout session or workshop?
Maria offers a broad portfolio of interactive workshops that complement her keynote presentations. Whether you're planning a conference, leadership retreat, or team event, these sessions can be customized to reinforce your event's theme and provide participants with practical tools they can apply immediately.
Communication
Mastering the Art of Listening
Speak with Confidence
Navigating Tough Talks
Present Like a Pro
Leadership
Coaching Skills for Leaders
Cultivating Leaders
Building Strong Teams
Trusting with Transparency
Collaboration
Harmony in Conflict
Feedback that Fosters Growth
Global Cultural Navigator
Bridging Generational Gaps
Professional Effectiveness
The Power of Persuasion
Negotiation
Customer Engagement
Mastering Stress
"Understanding organizational culture is the key to leading teams. The proper management of communication is the fundamental pillar. To do this, studying, analyzing, and living in accordance with the company's culture is the path to building positive relationships with colleagues, ultimately creating a positive work environment. Thank you, Maria, for guiding us through this process. Today, I feel much more informed and prepared to do it correctly."
Natalia Soler
CEO Holcim Costa Rica
Interested in learning more?
Explore our group workshops and training programs here.
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