Dr. Larry Friis

Founder, Conscienta Leadership Institute

Larry B. Friis, D.B.A.

Larry B. Friis is the Founder of the Conscienta Leadership Institute, where he leads research and practice focused on leadership formation, trust, and belonging in complex, pluralistic institutions. His work examines how leaders cultivate the inner capacities—moral grounding, reflective judgment, and relational responsibility—required to lead across difference with integrity and credibility.

Larry’s scholarship integrates organizational leadership research with empirical study of meaning, belonging, and trust. His doctoral research explored how inner life and inclusive leadership practices influence commitment, productivity, and retention, forming the foundation for the Conscienta Influence Model and related research instruments. Through the Institute, he advances applied research on interfaith leadership, religious literacy, and ethical leadership formation in healthcare, education, and mission-driven organizations.

With experience spanning higher education, executive leadership, and applied research, Larry works at the intersection of theory and practice—translating research into frameworks, tools, and learning resources that support leaders navigating moral complexity and cultural diversity. His work emphasizes leadership not as technique or performance alone, but as a formative discipline that sustains trust and enables human flourishing.