Building Leadership Community

Coach Dora Mendez
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Bimonthly

Are You Feeling Lonely at the Top? As leaders, we often find ourselves isolated, carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. The pressure to perform, make tough decisions, and always be “on” can be overwhelming. It can feel like there’s no one to turn to, no one who truly understands the challenges we face. But what if we told you it doesn't have to be this way? Introducing the Building Leadership Community podcast, hosted by Coach Dora Mendez. Coach Dora understands the unique struggles leaders face. She knows that, while it might feel like you're alone, you’re not. That's why she's created a space for leaders to connect, learn, and grow together. Authenticity is your superpower. On this podcast, you’ll discover the power of vulnerability and authenticity. You’ll learn how to embrace your true self and build genuine connections with others. You’ll be inspired to step into your leadership potential and create a positive impact on your team and your community. Get ready to be inspired. The Building Leadership Community podcast is your go-to resource for practical insights, inspiring stories from our guests, and actionable steps to advance your inclusive leadership journey.

  1. Jul 3

    History in the Making! 🚀 Our first-ever LIVE Podcast Episode

    As we reach the midpoint of the year, Coach Dora Mendez and producer Dylan K. Rogers pause to reflect on the conversations, leadership lessons, and shared experiences that shaped Season 3 of the Building Leadership Community Podcast. This special live episode celebrates a season of meaningful dialogue with nonprofit executives, educators, entrepreneurs, HR professionals, community advocates, authors, and corporate changemakers. While every guest brought a unique story, common themes consistently emerged: relationships, trust, resilience, purpose, and the importance of leading with humanity. Using the FIFA World Cup as a backdrop, Dora and Dylan explore what organizations can learn from teams that communicate well, adapt under pressure, and stay committed to a shared vision. More than a season recap, this conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership journey, recognize how they've grown, and consider how they want to lead during the second half of the year. This episode is for: • Organizational leaders • HR professionals • Educators • Entrepreneurs • Community leaders • Emerging leaders • Professionals of color and allies • Anyone seeking to lead with greater clarity, purpose, and connection Themes discussed • Mid-year reflection • Human-centered leadership • Inclusive leadership • Organizational culture • Teamwork • Trust • Resilience • Strategic growth • Leadership through transition • Community If this conversation encourages your own leadership journey, subscribe on YouTube, follow wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with someone who is building stronger teams and healthier organizations. Keep learning. Keep leading. Keep building community. @thehrkyle @FalguniShah @toddhanson1 @erika-dox-martinez @stephan-spilkowitz @jonathanmeagherzayas @jeanwestrick @drdaniellermosscox @yulkendyvaldez @nikkigroom @ariasweb @lamineyamal @LamineYamal @emi_martinez26 @cristiano @vinijr @k.mbappe @KylianMbappe @fcbarcelona @FCBarcelona @avfcofficial @alnassr @AlNassrFC @realmadrid @sefutbol @afaseleccion @portugal @cbf_futebol @equipedefrance @equipedumaroc @fsfofficielle @latriec @dfb_team @fepafut @england @fifa @fifaworldcup @metlifestadium Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

  2. Jun 26

    Don’t Wait for Permission: How Top Performers Stay Human and Keep Climbing

    Championships are rarely won by talent alone—they require communication, trust, and shared vision. In this encore archive episode from Season 2, Coach Dora Mendez revisits an essential conversation with Angela R. Lewis, former pro basketball player, coach, author, and Head of Operations at Speaker Hub. This episode unpacks what it truly means to navigate professional transitions, manage cross-border teams, and combat the isolation that often accompanies senior leadership roles. This episode is specifically curated for professionals of color, community leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs who are looking to strengthen their executive presence without sacrificing their well-being, losing their authenticity, or waiting for systemic permission to take up space. Key Themes Sports as a Leadership Sandbox: Moving from the basketball court to international business ops by trusting your ability to practice and learn.Imperfect Action: Embracing professional challenges when you only have a portion of the skill set fully figured out.Redefining Community: Overcoming isolation in fully remote or highly specialized corporate roles by leaning into local and organizational service.Everyday Influence: Recognizing that the most crucial person you lead every single day is yourself.Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome & The DNA of Winning Teams03:09 - Behind the Mission of Coach Dora LLC07:01 - Angela’s Journey: From Basketball Court to Global Operations10:21 - Career Advice: Rocket Ships, Risks, and Sheryl Sandberg11:54 - Moving with Imperfect Action13:24 - Redefining Community as an Act of Service17:28 - How Service Looks Different for Everyone19:14 - Leadership is Self-Influence, Not a Title20:35 - Where to Connect with Angela R. Lewis21:45 - Coach Dora’s Final Reflections & Closing ResourcesReady to dive into a community built on growth and psychological safety? Follow the show on your preferred streaming platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with a peer who needs these insights today. Explore our accessible coaching frameworks at CoachDoraMendez.com. @NBA @WNBA Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

    Don’t Wait for Permission: How Top Performers Stay Human and Keep Climbing

  3. Jun 19

    World Cup Teams Prove This About Resilience

    Leadership Lessons from the FIFA World Cup | Hope, Teamwork, Resilience & Human Connection Welcome back to the Building Leadership Community Podcast. I'm your host, Coach Dora Mendez. This is Part Two of our special World Cup-inspired series exploring how global events bring people together across cultures, generations, and communities. In this episode, we reconnect with two returning Building Leadership Community guests, Dr. Lori Marie Huertas and Anisha Jennings, to reflect on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and what it means to stay grounded through both success and adversity. Drawing inspiration from the FIFA World Cup, these conversations remind us that leadership extends far beyond titles and accomplishments. Whether you're leading a team, supporting your family, serving your community, or navigating your own growth journey, authentic leadership often begins with empathy, perseverance, and human connection. Dr. Lori Marie Huertas shares reflections on hope, diversity, and authentic leadership, including her recent experience attending the soft opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Her perspective reminds us that some of the most powerful leadership lessons emerge when people from different backgrounds come together with a shared sense of purpose and possibility. Anisha Jennings offers insights on resilience, leadership under pressure, and the role failure plays in growth. Drawing from the world of sports and her experience following the Indian Premier League (IPL), she reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the journey. Growth often comes from our willingness to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. If you missed Part One of this World Cup series, be sure to listen to that episode as well, featuring perspectives from members of our community including our children, Rocio Mendez, fight and intimacy director for theater, and Zenaida Mendez, author, activist, and public speaker. Whether you're developing your leadership skills, building community, or looking for inspiration rooted in real-life experience, this episode offers practical lessons that can be applied both personally and professionally. Key Takeaways ⚽ The Power of Connection Dr. Lori Marie Huertas reflects on hope, empathy, diversity, and authentic leadership while sharing her experience visiting the Obama Presidential Center. ⚽ Leadership Through Humanity Leadership is not only about influence. It is also about how we show up for others through empathy, kindness, and authentic connection. ⚽ Redefining Failure Anisha Jennings explores why setbacks are part of growth and why quitting can become a greater obstacle than failure itself. ⚽ Leading Under Pressure Both guests discuss the importance of staying grounded, leading by example, and supporting others during moments of challenge and uncertainty. ⚽ Resilience and Perseverance Whether in sports, business, or life, resilience is built through consistency, recovery, and the willingness to keep showing up. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & World Cup Inspiration 01:13 – Reconnecting with Past Building Leadership Community Guests 04:13 – Launching Your Voice: Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint 05:52 – Dr. Lori Marie Huertas on Hope, Leadership & Human Connection 07:44 – Diversity, Belonging & the Power of Coming Together 10:01 – Authentic Leadership, Empathy & Shared Humanity 11:09 – Reflections from the Obama Presidential Center 15:24 – Anisha Jennings on Leadership, Teamwork & Pressure 17:41 – What Failure Teaches Us About Growth 19:26 – Why Quitting Is the Real Failure 21:20 – Cricket, the Indian Premier League & Resilience 22:28 – Final Reflections & Closing Guests Featured Dr. Lori Marie Huertas Leadership educator and returning Building Leadership Community guest sharing insights on hope, empathy, authentic leadership, and human connection. Anisha Jennings Entrepreneur, podcast host, and returning Building Leadership Community guest sharing perspectives on resilience, teamwork, pressure, and personal growth. Resources & Organizations Mentioned Obama Presidential Center https://www.obamafoundation.org/the-center Obama Foundation https://www.obama.org FIFA World Cup https://www.fifa.com Indian Premier League (IPL) https://www.iplt20.com Accessible Podcasting Resources Interested in starting your own podcast? Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint Our step-by-step course designed to help entrepreneurs and leaders launch their podcast with clarity and confidence. https://bit.ly/4uGjX13 Podcast Consulting with Dylan K. Rogers Need hands-on support with editing, production, strategy, or podcast growth? Schedule a consultation with Building Leadership Community producer Dylan K. Rogers. https://bit.ly/4fOK6Gn About Building Leadership Community Building Leadership Community exists to enrich People, Culture, Wellness, and Joy. Season 3 serves as a leadership growth hub for professionals of color and allies seeking career advancement, executive presence, meaningful community, and sustainable human-centered leadership. We believe you don't have to become someone else to grow. You simply need the right conversations, the right perspective, and the right support. Connect with Coach Dora Website https://CoachDoraMendez.com Substack https://coachdoram.substack.com LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram Instagram https://instagram.com/coachdoram Facebook https://facebook.com/coachdoramendez Support the Community Shop Coach Dora merchandise: https://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch Subscribe & Share If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Building Leadership Community on YouTube @CoachDoraM and follow wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a colleague, friend, family member, or leader who is learning how to grow, lead, and persevere without losing their humanity along the way. Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

    World Cup Teams Prove This About Resilience

  4. Jun 12

    Passing the Ball: What the World Cup Teaches Us About Teamwork

    When the biggest sporting event on Earth comes to our backyard, it cracks open new perspectives on how we connect and lead. In this special episode of the Building Leadership Community Podcast, Coach Dora Mendez gathers her family to explore the beautiful, complicated diversity of the World Cup. Featuring a heartfelt interview between her children , practical advice on collaboration and self-care from fight and intimacy director Rocio Mendez , and wisdom on team synergy from author Zenaida Mendez, this episode proves that true leadership is always a shared effort. Who This Is For For professionals, community builders, and small business owners who want to lead with inclusivity, celebrate diverse strengths, and remember that it doesn't have to be lonely at the top. Key Themes Embracing the magnificent diversity of global cultures as a framework for inclusive leadership.Understanding how different lived experiences and physical instincts heighten a collaborative team.Recognizing that personal self-care is a non-negotiable requirement for showing up for others.Fostering intergenerational respect and listening to the voices of children.TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - The World Cup Comes to New York & New Jersey03:55 - Naomi and Mateo's Soccer Interview06:39 - Transform Your Leadership Coaching Course09:56 - Rocio Mendez on Physicality, Collaboration, and Self-Care18:08 - Black Swan Musical and Oregon Shakespeare Festival Updates20:53 - Zenaida Mendez on Team Synergy and the Diaspora24:20 - National Dominican Women's Caucus & Diversity🎓 Ready to step out of burnout and evolve your leadership style? Forget expensive, weeks-long corporate programs. Gain the actionable strategies, on-demand modules, and practical workbooks needed to build a collaborative, high-performing team environment. Complete it at your own pace in as little as 5 days and earn your certificate of completion. 🏆 $97 total! Enroll Today! Transform Your Leadership with G.R.O.W. Coaching: https://bit.ly/4ufTsye Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

    Passing the Ball: What the World Cup Teaches Us About Teamwork

  5. Jun 5

    Your Growth Doesn't Require You to Become Someone Else

    When we discuss leadership, corporate environments tend to direct our attention entirely toward bottom-line outcomes, execution, and performance matrices. But what happens when the standards for how a professional is "supposed" to look and communicate end up fracturing their identity? In this encore presentation, Coach Dora Mendez welcomes public speaking coach Sammie Walker Herrera to look closely at the personal transformations underpinning real leadership. Sammie courageously tracks her personal path from managing a punishing state of adult burnout to receiving late-stage diagnoses of ADHD and autism. Together, they share practical frameworks for how managers can create psychologically safe environments for neurodivergent disclosures, how improvisation builds sustainable communication confidence, and why authentic connection can break down the profound isolation of running a business. This conversation is curated for corporate executives, managers, higher education professionals, entrepreneurs, and any individual trying to confidently claim their voice while prioritizing their emotional well-being and psychological safety. Key Themes Moving away from rigid, "perfect" corporate vocal coaching to confidence rooted in improvisation.Recognizing the somatic impacts of autistic burnout and severe decision paralysis.Building intentional networks of support with other entrepreneurs and professionals of color.Providing clear, objective feedback to team members while welcoming their identity disclosures. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to Season 3 & Honoring Your Voice 03:18 - Making Leadership & Growth Coaching Accessible 05:48 - Connecting in Community: The Speaking for Profit Cohort 07:59 - Sammie’s Leadership Journey & Unpacking Adult Burnout 09:18 - Stripping Away the Mask of "Perfect Professionalism" 11:14 - Navigating Late Diagnoses of ADHD and Autism 12:39 - Finding Connection as Business Owners of Color 15:28 - Setting Boundaries & Role Modeling without Oversharing 17:47 - Supporting Neurodivergent Team Members: An Essential Guide for HR 21:14 - How Organizations Can Safely Welcome Workplace Disclosures 24:34 - Building Community & Where to Find Sammie's Programs 🚀 Go Beyond Aspiration—Build Your Coaching Culture: If you want to transition away from pure management and create a positive, collaborative workplace where everyone thrives, skip the long, high-priced executive courses. Take our multi-part, on-demand video course at your own pace in as little as 5 days.  Earn a certificate of completion and unlock your team's self-directed goal achievement. Get 90% savings ($97 total fee) and register for Transform Your Leadership with G.R.O.W. Coaching: https://bit.ly/4ufTsye Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

    Your Growth Doesn't Require You to Become Someone Else

  6. May 29

    Having a Voice is Not Enough: What Are You Willing to Lose?

    Why Stephen Colbert's Final Episode Matters to Leaders Everywhere On Thursday, May 21st, 2026, Stephen Colbert hosted his final episode of The Late Show, marking the end of an 11-year tenure characterized by unmistakable moral clarity, sharp humor, and public resilience. In this special, reflective episode of Building Leadership Community, host Coach Dora Mendez brings her husband and co-producer, Dylan Rogers, out from behind the scenes to process what this loss means for our culture, our communities, and our understanding of principled leadership. Together, they share their personal story of attending a live taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater in March 2019, examining how Colbert rejected the "safe" late-night lane to build a space where intelligence, social justice, and deep human connection could coexist . Who This Is For This conversation is for entrepreneurs, executives, community leaders, and content creators of color and allies who recognize that platforms are a profound responsibility, not an entitlement. If you are navigating leadership during challenging times and looking for blueprint models on how to stay authentic without losing your core values, this episode is a sanctuary for you. Key Themes Platforms as Responsibilities: Moving past the danger of sleepwalking through public-facing work.The Dynamics of Trust: How Colbert connected with foreign tourists and local crew members with equal dignity and deep cultural humility .Systemic Pressures on Free Speech: Unpacking contemporary media adjustments, from Jimmy Kimmel's brief removal to economic boycotts .Intentional Space Creation: Practical advice on how to build organizational cultures where anger and hope can safely coexist.🔴 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - The Responsibility of Having a Platform01:01 - Introduction to Building Leadership Community02:11 - A Personal Love Letter and Eulogy for Late Night03:34 - Walking Into the Ed Sullivan Theater: Our Late Show Story05:51 - Interview with Co-Producer Dylan Rogers: Production and Pacing08:35 - Organic Audiences vs. Coached Television Tapings09:56 - Double Tapings, Jon Batiste, and the March 2019 Experience12:00 - Human Connection and Encyclopedic Cultural Knowledge13:54 - Late Night Going Dark: Free Speech and the 200 Crew Members17:00 - Podcasting Education: The Entrepreneurs Podcast Blueprint Course18:20 - Authenticity vs. Branding: Resisting Authoritarianism through Joy21:10 - Building a Room with Intention in Your Own Organization22:53 - Community Reflections and Final Sign-OffSubscribe to our audio feed, follow us on your favorite platform, and share this episode with another leader who needs to remember that their voice matters today. Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

    Having a Voice is Not Enough: What Are You Willing to Lose?

  7. May 22

    Communication as Strategy: Navigating Change as a Leader

    What does leadership look like when it’s rooted in service, community, and lived experience? In this special encore episode honoring AAPI Heritage Month, Coach Dora Mendez welcomes Bora Lee, Chief of Staff at the Fifth Avenue Committee in Brooklyn, New York. Bora reflects on growing up as the child of Korean immigrants, discovering community organizing through public service, and building a leadership journey grounded in communication, care, and operational excellence. Together, Dora and Bora explore the realities of nonprofit leadership, the importance of supporting the people doing frontline work, and why communication remains one of the most important leadership skills in any organization. This conversation is for leaders who are navigating growth while trying to stay connected to purpose, humanity, and community. Who This Episode Is For Professionals of color navigating leadership growth Nonprofit and mission-driven leaders Emerging managers and executives Community-centered professionals Leaders learning to balance impact with sustainability Anyone questioning whether they’re “ready” for leadership Key Themes Servant leadership Immigrant identity and leadership Community-centered change management Communication across generations Nonprofit operations and systems leadership Mentorship and executive growth Sustainable leadership practices TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome + honoring AAPI Heritage Month 00:00:27 Dora reflects on meeting Bora Lee 00:03:42 Bora shares her immigrant family journey 00:06:52 Discovering leadership through community organizing 00:09:19 Supporting immigrant seniors and families 00:11:42 Building systems that support people 00:18:25 The mission behind the Fifth Avenue Committee 00:20:20 Bora’s path from AmeriCorps to executive leadership 00:24:12 Why nonprofit operations matter 00:25:16 Burnout, growth, and investing in education 00:29:54 Becoming Chief of Staff 00:31:09 Communication and stakeholder management 00:32:46 Leading across generations 00:35:19 Leadership beyond titles CTA Subscribe to Building Leadership Community for conversations that support leadership growth, executive presence, wellness, and sustainable impact. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts 📺 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM 💬 Share this episode with someone navigating leadership growth Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

    Communication as Strategy: Navigating Change as a Leader

  8. May 15

    The Truth About Accountability That Makes Leaders Uncomfortable

    Some conversations cannot fit neatly inside a traditional interview format. In this special episode of Building Leadership Community Podcast, Coach Dora Mendez speaks directly to the community about leadership, accountability, and the workplace conversations too many organizations still avoid. As she prepares for her upcoming DisruptHR DC presentation, Dora reflects on her experience investigating workplace discrimination complaints and why that work ultimately led her into leadership development and coaching. This episode explores what happens when organizations focus on “fixing workers” instead of examining leadership culture, accountability, and psychological safety. This conversation is for: HR professionals Educators Emerging leaders Professionals navigating workplace culture Anyone committed to building healthier, more human-centered systems Key Themes Leadership accountability Psychological safety Workplace systems Courage in leadership Human-centered leadership development Organizational culture Timestamps 00:00 – This episode is different 00:28 – Why Coach Dora is speaking at DisruptHR DC 00:46 – “No fluff, no hiding” 01:47 – A message to the leadership community 02:26 – Leadership development resources 04:50 – Why Dora stepped into the arena 05:09 – From discrimination investigations to leadership coaching 06:19 – What makes DisruptHR different 07:32 – Why workplace systems go unchallenged 07:48 – “The truth on the stage” 08:05 – The leadership courage gap 08:53 – Why this conversation matters 🎧 Follow Building Leadership Community Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Support the show 🎥 Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit: https://CoachDoraMendez.com/podcast Join Coach Dora on Substack https://CoachDoraM.substack.com

    The Truth About Accountability That Makes Leaders Uncomfortable
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About

Are You Feeling Lonely at the Top? As leaders, we often find ourselves isolated, carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. The pressure to perform, make tough decisions, and always be “on” can be overwhelming. It can feel like there’s no one to turn to, no one who truly understands the challenges we face. But what if we told you it doesn't have to be this way? Introducing the Building Leadership Community podcast, hosted by Coach Dora Mendez. Coach Dora understands the unique struggles leaders face. She knows that, while it might feel like you're alone, you’re not. That's why she's created a space for leaders to connect, learn, and grow together. Authenticity is your superpower. On this podcast, you’ll discover the power of vulnerability and authenticity. You’ll learn how to embrace your true self and build genuine connections with others. You’ll be inspired to step into your leadership potential and create a positive impact on your team and your community. Get ready to be inspired. The Building Leadership Community podcast is your go-to resource for practical insights, inspiring stories from our guests, and actionable steps to advance your inclusive leadership journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach Dora Mendez
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Building Leadership Community
  • Show Website
    Building Leadership Community