Building Leadership Community

Coach Dora Mendez
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • 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. 3d ago

    Build a Career That Doesn't Cost Your Well Being

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the career you worked so hard to build no longer fits the life you want? In this encore conversation, Coach Dora Mendez welcomes Priscilla Guasso, founder of Latinas Rising Up in HR, to explore career ambition, personal well-being, and the difficult decision to leave an employer you love. Priscilla shares how moving into executive HR led her to reconsider what success meant, why honest feedback from friends mattered, and how her values helped her think about the leader she wanted to become. Whether you’re feeling overlooked, weighing a career move, or questioning what you want from the next title, this conversation offers a grounded place to begin reflecting. Dora opens the episode with a new reflection on her recent Miami retreat with Latinas Rising Up in HR. In this episode: Weighing loyalty to a company against your readiness to grow. Setting a personal deadline for making a career decision. Asking what you really want from the next title. Listening when trusted people notice a change in you. Building a foundation of values and support through change. Content note: This conversation includes personal experiences of pregnancy loss and mental and physical well-being. CONNECT WITH PRISCILLA LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/priscillaguasso/ Latinas Rising Up in HR: https://latinasrisingupinhr.com/ Community on Instagram: https://instagram.com/latinasinhr/ BOOK DISCUSSED Latinas Rising Up in HR, Vol. III Executive Edition, featuring a contribution from Coach Dora Mendez: https://bit.ly/4yLGUkw Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM: https://youtu.be/W0DKK-RSGdM Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Watching the full conversation helps Building Leadership Community Podcast work toward 4,000 qualifying public watch hours. Subscribe and share it with someone considering their next career step. Continue watching: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwrOQjfBXUbyu4weJeHNWf-0oGj7IhWcH Course mentioned: Explore Transform Your Leadership th 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

    Build a Career That Doesn't Cost Your Well Being

  2. Oct 23

    How Mentorship Helps You Find Your Voice

    Send us Fan Mail What does meaningful mentorship look like when you do not yet see yourself as a leader? Charley Burton joins Coach Dora Mendez on Building Leadership Community Podcast to share how recovery, mentors, and community shaped his leadership. A Black trans elder and author of The Boy Beneath My Skin, Charley recalls an invitation from Zakia McKensey that helped him feel seen—and describes how he tries to offer support to others. The conversation explores creating spaces where people can speak openly, participating as an ally without taking over, and making time for your own well-being while serving a community. Charley also discusses Transforming Futures, the story behind his memoir, and Black Transmen Can Cook. Topics include: Mentorship and recognizing leadership potential.Recovery, service, and the relationships that sustain us.Allyship and respect for community boundaries.Writing, family recipes, and helping others tell their stories.The importance of getting support yourself.Content note: Discussion of childhood sexual abuse, addiction, and trauma recovery. Charley Burton and his books: https://www.charleyspeaks.com/ Transforming Futures: https://www.transforming-futures.org/ Nationz Foundation: https://nationzfoundationrva.org/ Black Transmen, Inc.: https://blacktransmen.org/ Perceptions Press: https://perceptionspress.ca/ Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM: https://youtu.be/jkC0neJta-g Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Watching the full video conversation supports our goal of 4,000 qualifying public watch hours. If it speaks to you, subscribe and share it with someone who would value it. Continue with more BLC conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwrOQjfBXUbyu4weJeHNWf-0oGj7IhWcH Hosted by Coach Dora Mendez. Edited and co-produced by Dylan K. Rogers. 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

    How Mentorship Helps You Find Your Voice

  3. Oct 16

    How Leaders Can Prevent Burnout by Modeling Rest

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when leaders tell their teams to rest but never truly disconnect themselves? Coach Dora Mendez welcomes Tiffany Gibbs Jackson, HR strategist, consultant, speaker, and founder of The Place to Be Consulting, for a conversation about workplace culture, community, and the responsibility to model healthy boundaries. Tiffany explains how delegating responsibilities while on vacation helped team members grow and allowed her to disconnect. She also reflects on building community across eight states, learning from unexpected career assignments, and developing her travel and lifestyle platform, Vacation Missy. The conversation closes with advice on passion and financial literacy. Guest: Tiffany Gibbs Jackson The Place to Be Consulting: https://theplacetobeconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanygjackson Vacation Missy: https://www.instagram.com/vacationmissy/ DisruptHR DC:  https://disrupthr.co/vimeo-video/hr-needs-a-real-vacation-and-why-we-never-take-one-tiffany-gibbs-jackson-disrupthr-talks/ https://disrupthr.co/vimeo-video/stop-stop-calling-it-a-skills-gap-dora-mendez-disrupthr-talks/ Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM: https://youtu.be/1ik9ZXWgSLM Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Watching the full video conversation supports our goal of 4,000 public watch hours. 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

    How Leaders Can Prevent Burnout by Modeling Rest

  4. Oct 9

    Why Burnout Is a Systemic Issue, Not a Personal Failure

    Send us Fan Mail Burnout is often framed as an individual problem. But what happens when the conditions around people keep producing stress without enough opportunity to recover? Coach Dora Mendez talks with Sue McKinley, systems health strategist and founder of Wellness System Roadmap, about workplace expectations, trusted communities, sustainable performance, and the systems that influence well-being. Sue shares the personal experience that redirected her career from corporate consulting to systems health. The conversation explores loneliness, the health importance of trust, workplace “shadow rules,” and practical ideas for calming the nervous system, including time in nature, food choices, and supportive relationships. Sue also offers advice to emerging leaders: look for root causes and focus on what's important, not only what's urgent. Connect with Sue: https://wellnesssystemroadmap.com | Sue@WellnessSystemRoadmap.com Coach Dora: https://coachdoramendez.com Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM: https://youtu.be/oGGsxhagnH4 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Watching the full video helps Building Leadership Community Podcast build toward its 4,000 qualifying public watch-hour goal. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Rethinking burnout and systems health 00:01:51 - Podcast introduction 00:03:37 - Leadership resource 00:05:57 - Meet Sue McKinley 00:07:58 - Sue's leadership journey 00:08:55 - Her son's illness and a change in direction 00:10:01 - A family update 00:11:36 - Community and trust 00:14:04 - Loneliness in entrepreneurship 00:15:44 - Hidden expectations at work 00:17:14 - Stress and recovery 00:18:54 - Healthy ways to discharge stress 00:22:34 - Root-cause leadership advice 00:24:36 - Gossip and workplace culture 00:26:24 - Where to find Sue 00:27:08 - Final reflections 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

    Why Burnout Is a Systemic Issue, Not a Personal Failure

  5. Oct 3

    Why Your Leadership Network Isn’t Growing (And How to Change It)

    Send us Fan Mail Leadership can be deeply rewarding and deeply isolating. In this episode of Building Leadership Community Podcast, Coach Dora Mendez talks with strategist, advocate, coalition builder, and leadership expert Na'ilah Amaru about how her understanding of impact, leadership, and community has evolved throughout her career. Na'ilah shares why she learned to look for leverage, why leadership exists beyond formal job titles, and why community can provide the support and space people need when meaningful work becomes emotionally demanding. She also offers a practical reframing for anyone who dislikes networking: stop approaching the room as a transaction and start approaching it as community building. A central lesson from the conversation is simple: don't chase titles, chase alignment. Relationships built around shared values can outlast jobs, campaigns, and professional status. Guest: Na'ilah Amaru Website: https://nailahamaru.com/ Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM: https://youtu.be/NG5Yawc98c8 If this conversation is useful, watching the full video on YouTube helps Building Leadership Community Podcast build toward 4,000 qualifying public watch hours. 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

    Why Your Leadership Network Isn’t Growing (And How to Change It)

  6. Sep 25

    What 30+ Years in Education Taught Dr. Angela Arias About Leadership

    Send us Fan Mail Coach Dora Mendez sits down with author, mentor, and retired educator Dr. Angela Arias for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, family, education, resilience, and community. Their connection began long before either of them became educators. Their families lived next door to one another in the Dominican Republic and remained so close after coming to New York that Dora grew up believing Dr. Arias was part of her extended family. Years later, they reconnect as colleagues to explore the lessons that shaped Dr. Arias’ life and more than three decades in education. In This Episode Dr. Arias shares why she tells the people she mentors: “You need to set your own personal goals. Otherwise somebody else will set them for you.” She also reflects on becoming the first college graduate in her family, navigating discouragement from educators, mentoring the next generation, embracing aging, and carrying forward the lessons her father taught her about work, education, and opportunity. The conversation also explores a broader definition of community, one that includes not only those who support us, but the people and experiences that challenge us to grow. Connect With Dr. Angela Arias Learn more about Dr. Arias and her memoirs: Half a Century Ago Stories of My Dad as He Lay Dying AngelaAriasAuthor.com Watch the Full Conversation https://youtu.be/u8i2JoLaMZo We’re working toward an important YouTube watch-hours goal. If you have the opportunity to watch the full episode on YouTube, your viewin 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

    What 30+ Years in Education Taught Dr. Angela Arias About Leadership

  7. Sep 18

    What Changes When Leaders Learn to Truly Listen

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to make people feel genuinely heard at work? Leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author Nancy Marmolejo joins host Coach Dora Mendez on Building Leadership Community Podcast to explore how intentional listening, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and effective communication can transform the way leaders build trust and strengthen their teams. Nancy introduces her practical HEARD listening framework: Presence, Patience, and Phrasing. Rather than treating listening as a soft skill or good intention, she explains how leaders can turn it into an everyday leadership practice. One deceptively simple question can change a conversation: “Do you need to be helped, or do you need to be heard?” That distinction can help managers resist the instinct to immediately fix a problem and instead understand what the person in front of them actually needs. Coach Dora and Nancy also discuss sustainable leadership, setting boundaries, delegating effectively, leading from your strengths, overcoming the fear of appearing “cringe,” and creating environments where people feel safe enough to contribute authentically. In This Episode, You'll Learn The HEARD Framework: How Presence, Patience, and Phrasing can improve listening, trust, and communication.Helped vs. Heard: The question leaders can ask before automatically jumping into problem-solving mode.How to Be More Present: Why putting down the phone, closing the laptop, and eliminating distractions can immediately improve a conversation.Sustainable Leadership: Why leadership doesn't require saying yes to everything, and how boundaries and delegation protect your energy.Leading From Strengths: Nancy uses the teamwork in Ocean’s Eleven as a memorable example of what can happen when people contribute their individual expertise.Authenticity and the Fear of “Cringe”: How fear of judgment can prevent people from speaking, connecting, and participating fully.Listening and Inclusion: How bias, microaggressions, racism, sexism, and neurodiversity can affect who feels heard and valued in the workplace. Connect With Nancy Marmolejo Heard Leadership + Free Listening Essentials Quiz https://HeardLeadership.com Take Nancy’s free Listening Essentials Quiz to explore your strengths across Presence, Patience, and Phrasing and receive results with practical action steps. Heard: Transforming Leadership Through the Power of Listening Nancy’s forthcoming book explores how intentional listening can strengthen leadership, communication, workplace relationships, and organizational culture. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarmolejo/ Substack https://thenancymarmolejo.substack.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heardleadership/ Communities & References Mentioned Lean In Latinas Coach Dora and Nancy originally connected through the Lean In Latinas community, which comes up as they discuss the different kinds of communities that can support us personally and professionally. Public Libraries and Community Nancy discusses public libraries as sources of community, connection, learning, and shared resources, including experiences with Oakland Public Library and Mill Valley Public Library in California. Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s 8 Nancy uses the ensemble-team concept from Ocean’s Eleven as an analogy for strengths-based leadership: strong teams bring together people with different areas of expertise rather than expecting everyone to be good at everything. Resources From Coach Dora Transform Your Leadership Coaching Course https://CoachDoraMendez.com/courses Coach Dora Resources & Courses https://CoachDoraMendez.com Coach Dora Merch https://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch Watch the Full Conversation Prefer video? Watch Nancy Marmolejo’s full conversation with Coach Dora Mendez on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CwRzXmccSJY Subscribe to Coach Dora on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachDoraMendez Share This Episode If this conversation brought someone to mind, share the episode with a colleague, friend, or fellow leader who could benefit from Nancy’s perspective on listening, communication, and sustainable leadership. About Building Leadership Community Podcast Building Leadership Community Podcast explores leadership, career growth, workplace culture, wellness, and the human side of professional development. Hosted by Coach Dora Mendez, conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, educators, coaches, and changemakers examine what it takes to lead effectively without losing sight of the people behind the work. Our mission is to enrich People, Culture, Wellness, and Joy while creating a trusted space for professionals of color and allies seeking career advancement, executive presence, stronger communication, and sustainable, human-centered leadership. It can be lonely at the top. But it doesn’t have to be. Connect With Coach Dora Website https://CoachDoraMendez.com Substack https://coachdoram.substack.com LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coachdoram Facebook https://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CoachDoraMendez 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

    What Changes When Leaders Learn to Truly Listen

  8. Sep 10 ·  Bonus

    Why Your Family Needs You to Lead by Example (Right Now)

    Send us Fan Mail Building Leadership Community Podcast Episode Show Notes How do you lead by example when your family is watching? As the new school year begins, classrooms open, and routines shift, we are presented with a unique moment to model human-centered values for those closest to us. This conversation explores the intersection of personal growth and guidance, offering practical perspectives for anyone navigating the dual demands of family life and professional responsibility. Whether you are focused on community building or simply trying to stay grounded during busy transitions, your daily actions set the tone. Coach Dora sits down with guest co-hosts Naomi and Mateo for a true family affair to discuss how to maintain integrity, structure inclusive conversations, and build a lasting legacy during seasons of change. 🎯 Who This Is For Parents & Caregivers: Looking to model authentic leadership and civic duty for the next generation.Professionals & Educators: Balancing multi-faceted responsibilities, teaching, and operational systems.Emerging & Seasoned Leaders: Seeking human-centered, grounded frameworks for career and personal growth.###💡 Key Themes & Takeaways Inclusive Legacy: Leadership isn't an abstract corporate concept—it is a daily practice observed and learned by our children and community.Psychological Safety & Dialogue: Discover how Coach Dora structures consistent conversation prompts—exploring leadership stories, community definitions, and advice to younger selves.Operational Execution: Strategies for balancing complex roles, from online university instruction to production schedules, using clean organizational systems.Intergenerational Civic Duty: How early exposure to public service and community engagement shapes lifelong leadership mindsets.Financial & Personal Preparedness: Raw advice on early 401(k) retirement planning, self-trust, and leading with integrity.⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & The Significance of New Beginnings02:00 – Welcome to Building Leadership Community02:45 – Meet the Guest Co-Hosts: Naomi & Mateo03:50 – A True Family Affair: Behind the Scenes04:35 – How to Structure Inclusive Podcast Prompts & Find Guests06:10 – Leading 36 Students: Systems & Organization Strategies08:35 – Advice to My Younger Self: Financial Wisdom & Raw Emotion09:38 – Why the Next Generation Wants a Seat at the Table10:30 – Looking Back: Civic Engagement and Intergenerational Role Models12:15 – Substack Feature & The Evolution of "Take Our Children to Work Day"12:44 – A Word From Producer Dylan Rogers13:37 – Podcasting Resources: Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint & White-Glove Support🤝 Connect & Grow With Us Website: CoachDoraMendez.comSubstack: coachdoram.substack.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coachdoramInstagram: @coachdoramFacebook: @coachdoramendez🛠️ Ready to Launch Your Own Platform? Entrepreneur’s Podcast Blueprint ($99): coachdoramendez.com/coursesBook a 1-on-1 Consultation with Producer Dylan Rogers: calendly.com/dylankrogers/30min🌱 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the audio feed, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who is building community in their own home and workplace. 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

    Why Your Family Needs You to Lead by Example (Right Now)
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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
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Building Leadership Community
  • Show Website
    Building Leadership Community