Purpose: Grounding on the goal-setting theory and flow theory, this study explored the mechanism underlying the association between transfer design (TD); identical elements and training transfer (TT). Specifically, the authors explored a moderated mediation process of trainer performance and motivation to improve work through learning (MTIWL) that has received less consideration in the TT literature. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected using the retro-perspective survey method. The first survey was administered offline (t1: the day when leadership intervention was completed. Subsequently, trainees were requested to participate in an online survey (t2: 12-14 weeks later). In all, 355 executives participated. Findings: The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses suggested that trainees' MTIWL mediational impact between leadership intervention triggers (transfer design and identical elements), and TT was supported. In addition, the indirect impact of these variables on TT was found to be significant when the trainer had high performance than when it was low. This confirmed the trainer's performance as a potential moderator in the TT process. Practical implications: This study is limited to the exploration of leadership intervention variables on TT. The findings have implications for leadership professionals and scholars who use leadership intervention and motivation metrics to predict TT. Originality/value: This study offers a moderated mediation mechanism for enhancing TT through leadership intervention triggers. The proposed conceptual model included MTIWL as mediator and trainer performance during leadership intervention as moderator.