Building Leadership Community

By Coach Dora Mendez

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” ca... more

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FAQs about Building Leadership Community:

How many episodes does Building Leadership Community have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.

Building Leadership Community episodes:

February 06, 2026 The Real Problem With Inclusion Programs in Organizations
In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez is joined by educator and national equity leader Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox for a deep conversation on leadership, mentorship, and community. Dr. Cox reflects on her journey, the power of integrity, and how relationships shape lasting impact.
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome
03:20 Leadership origins
09:12 The TED Talk story
15:18 Integrity in leadership
18:10 Community and philanthropy
24:24 Advice for emerging leaders
32:07 Purpose over position
Key Themes
Leadership without titles Mentorship and community Career growth through integrity
Guest Bio
Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox is an educator, advocate, and national leader in educational equity with over 20 years of experience.

Connect with Dr. Danielle Cox
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdaniellermosscox/
https://oliverscholars.org
Get Coach Dora Merch!
https://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch
This video description contains affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇 https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB https://amzn.to/4qONHqh
...more
38min
January 30, 2026Tired of Corporate? Here's What Happened When He Left
What does it take to go from corporate stability to building something entirely new? In this Season 3 episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with entrepreneur and inventor Todd Hanson, founder of Compass Carts, to explore innovation, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership.
Todd shares how a hunting trip sparked the idea that became a patented product, why honest feedback matters, and how community helps you stay grounded while you grow. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or navigating a career pivot, this episode will encourage you to take the next step.
Subscribe, share this episode, and remember: leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.
Timestamps / Chapters
00:01:55 Welcome + episode theme
00:02:36 Corporate-to-entrepreneur journey
00:05:09 Meet Todd Hanson + Compass Carts
00:05:41 The moment that sparked the invention
00:06:32 19 prototypes + product launch
00:11:41 Why community + feedback matters
00:14:22 Start before you know everything
00:15:10 Move with imperfect action
00:16:13 SWOT analysis + adapting to uncertainty
00:17:48 Improvise, adapt, overcome
00:18:50 Trade shows + evolving customer needs
00:22:20 Closing + where to follow
Key Themes + Takeaways
Innovation begins when you refuse to accept the status quo
You don’t have to know everything to start
Community creates space for honest feedback and growth
Persistence beats perfection: 19 prototypes
Adaptability matters when external changes show up
Guest Credentials
Todd Hanson is an entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Compass Carts (Rochester, Minnesota). He spent over 21 years in business development at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage before launching his product in November 2023.
Connect with Todd Hanson and Compass Carts.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhanson1
Compass Carts Official Site :https://compasscarts.com/
Start your own podcast: The Entrepreneur’s Podcast Blueprint: https://bit.ly/46gso9B
If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their next chapter.
Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇
https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB
https://amzn.to/4qONHqh
...more
24min
January 23, 2026Lead With Excellence AND Humanity | Falguni Shah
In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez speaks with Dr. Falguni Shah—physician, organizational psychologist, and author—about Truth Lighting, a leadership framework designed to counter gaslighting and foster dignity, clarity, and trust at work.
Key Themes
Leadership and cultural humility
Career advancement for women of color
Community, wellness, and mentorship
Systemic change in organizations
Guest Dr. Falguni Shah, PhD Physician, Organizational Psychologist, Author of Truth Lighting
Resources
Get Falguni Shah, PhD's book: https://amzn.to/3LLMkti
Falguni Shah, PhD's website: https://www.fortruthlighting.com/
Check out the Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint: https://bit.ly/46gso9B
👉 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation
...more
25min
January 16, 2026 The Teams That Win All Have This One Thing
Show Notes
What do winning teams consistently get right? In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez and HR expert Kyle Patrick Smith explore leadership as responsibility and service.
They unpack authenticity, accountability, and why people-first leadership creates teams that thrive, especially during times of change.
Check out Kyle Patrick Smith’s books:
Recruiting Is Easy!: If You Approach It Like Sales And Marketing
https://amzn.to/45c8qMj
Get the Job You Love
https://amzn.to/3LjZA8x
Key Takeaways
• Winning teams are built through service, not control
• Authentic leadership requires accountability
• Leaders succeed when they lift others up
• People-first culture drives long-term results
Guest Credentials
Kyle Patrick Smith is an HR expert, bestselling author, and founder of HR Kyle with over 25 years of corporate HR experience.
Connect with Kyle Patrick Smith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehrkyle/
https://hrkyle.com
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26min
January 09, 2026 The Culture Challenge Every Leader Faces Today
What does it take to build organizations where people truly thrive?
In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Stephan Spilkowitz, Director of Engagement and Culture at Westchester Jewish Community Services, nonprofit trailblazer, and organizational culture consultant. Together, they explore inclusive leadership, wellness in the workplace, community building, and how leaders can support people at scale without losing humanity or purpose.
In this Episode:
00:00 Introduction & episode overview
02:42 Leadership, wellness, and responsibility
04:52 Stephan’s leadership journey
09:20 Service, fun, and organizational culture
13:27 Wellness, burnout, and leadership sustainability
19:40 What community really means
21:45 Advice for the next generation of leaders
26:50 How to connect with Stephan
29:49 Final reflections & closing
Pre-register for Coach Dora's Wellness Club: https://forms.gle/CFyihe1StCJF16ix5

Connect with Stephan Spilkowitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-spilkowitz
Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇
https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB
https://amzn.to/4qONHqh
Let's Stay Connected!
Website: https://CoachDoraMendez.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdoram
Substack https://coachdoram.substack.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez
Sign Up for my FREE Newsletter! https://coachdoramendez.com
This video was recorded with StreamYard. Click this link to give it a try! 👇🏾 https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4806734327447552
About Coach Dora Mendez - https://coachdoramendez.com
The mission of Coach Dora LLC is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion through my writing and public speaking. I envision a world where everyone feels empowered to lead with courage and compassion, and my coaching and consulting services are the tools to make this vision a reality.
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32min
January 02, 2026 Love and Heartbreak of the Diaspora | Zenaida Mendez on Immigration, Activism & Leadership
Season 3 of Building Leadership Community Podcast opens with a powerful conversation between host Coach Dora Mendez and activist, advocate, and author Zenaida Mendez. In this episode, Zenaida shares her immigration journey, decades of leadership in New York City, and the inspiration behind her memoir Amor y desamor de la diáspora. Together, they explore leadership rooted in culture, bilingualism, community organizing, and resilience.

Get Zenaida’s book here👇
https://amzn.to/4shL3uF

In this Episode:
00:00 – Season 3 Welcome
02:56 – Guest Introduction: Zenaida Mendez
06:30 – Why She Wrote Her Memoir
08:26 – Immigration Story & Early Leadership
12:43 – Dominican Leadership in NYC
17:47 – Why This Book Matters Now
20:26 – Love & Heartbreak of the Diaspora
22:07 – Leadership, Language & Community
25:42 – Where to Get the Book

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28min
December 19, 2025 Leadership Doesn't Have to Be Lonely | Holiday Special with Coach Dora Mendez
Welcome to Building Leadership Community, the podcast spotlighting leaders who drive positive social impact through bold, values-aligned leadership. In this special preview episode, Coach Dora reflects on growth, wellness, and community as we close out 2025 and look ahead to an inspiring Season 3. You’ll hear candid insights on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and the power of choosing support and joy while building what matters most.
In This Episode:
• The 10 Moments of 2025 A raw reflection on scaling a business, becoming AI-fluent, and leading with intention.
• The Wellness Club Launch Learn how to claim one of 26 founding spots and step into a more supported 2026.
• Season 3 Preview A first look at upcoming guests, from equity warriors to neuroscientists.
Resources & Links:
• Join the Founding Circle of Coach Dora’s Wellness Club https://forms.gle/iXw2i8ZQRsPmTQVM7
• The Entrepreneur’s Podcast Blueprint https://www.coachdoramendez.com/offers/nbFVW58k/checkout
Episode Chapters:
00:00 – A Moment to Breathe (Intro)
02:59 – Top 10 Moments from 2025
14:15 – Season 3 Preview & Guest Reveal
16:20 – Holiday Closing Subscribe now so you don’t miss the Season 3 premiere in mid-January.
Books by Coach Dora (Affiliate Links)
• Latinas Rising Up in HR, Volume III: Executive Edition https://amzn.to/3MEerLn
• Extraordinary Latinas, Volume IV https://amzn.to/4p88Mud Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, Coach Dora earns from qualifying purchases.
Stay Connected with Coach Dora
Website: https://CoachDoraMendez.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdoram
Substack: https://coachdoram.substack.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez
Sign up for the FREE newsletter to stay inspired and informed. About Coach Dora Mendez Coach Dora Mendez is the founder of Coach Dora LLC. Her mission is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion through writing, public speaking, coaching, and consulting. She envisions a world where everyone is empowered to lead with courage and compassion.
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19min
October 17, 2025The Surprising Power of Family Leadership
It's the Season Two Finale! In this incredibly special episode, host Dora Mendez is joined by her husband and podcast producer, Dylan K. Rogers, and their two incredible children, Naomi and Mateo, to discuss leadership right where it matters—at home.
In this episode:
The Future of Leadership: Hear from Naomi and Mateo as they share their perspectives on what makes a good leader, what they like about the podcast, and how they lead in their own lives (like playing fair on the soccer team).
Season 2 Insights: Producer Dylan Rogers shares the 3 major themes that emerged this season: empathy and vulnerability as a way to build trust, the power of the pivot, and community-first leadership.
Behind the Mic: Coach Dora gives a shout-out to her family members featured this season, including Dora's mother, Zenaida Mende, aunt Carmen Mejia, and sister, Rocio Méndez.
Start Your Podcast: Learn about the Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint mini-course, created to help leaders and entrepreneurs start their own show with a slim budget.
Season 3 Preview: Get a sneak peek at next season, which will be bigger and more diverse, featuring incredible men who are allies in the leadership space, leaders in tech, philanthropy, and more!
Connect with Dora Mendez: Listen and watch every episode of Season 1 and 2 on all audio platforms or on YouTube @CoachDoraM.
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31min
October 10, 2025 Leadership Starts at Home: Meet My Family!
Get a sneak peek into the Season 2 Finale of the Building Leadership Community Podcast! Host Dora Mendez is joined by her family—producer Dylan Rogers and children Naomi and Mateo—for a candid conversation about leadership at home. Plus, listen for a special preview of the amazing guests and themes lined up for Season 3!
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2min
October 03, 2025 How Finding Your Niche Can Open New Opportunities
It can be lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be. In this powerful episode of the Building Leadership Community Podcast, host Dora Mendez sits down with her sister, the multi-talented Rocío Mendez. Rocío is an award-winning actor, fight and intimacy director, and currently the resident Intimacy Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
In this episode, Rocío shares:
How her background in martial arts and stage combat led her to pursue fight choreography as a career.
The crucial role that mentorship played in her career trajectory.
The vital importance of her role: to choreograph scenes of intimacy while also ensuring performers have autonomy with their bodies, are fully consenting, and have a voice in the room.
Her philosophy on leading: showing people the value and collaboration of the work to build a fun and sustainable creative environment.
Her top leadership advice: to commit to continuous learning and education—on topics like mental health, gender politics, and anti-racism—to stay relevant and build a stronger community of professionals.
Guest Links:
Website: RocíoMendez.com
Instagram: @itsRocíoMendez
Organization: Oregon Shakespeare Festival (osfashland.org)
IMDb
...more
21min

FAQs about Building Leadership Community:

How many episodes does Building Leadership Community have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.