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 Month00:00:27 Dora reflects on meeting Bora Lee00:03:42 Bora shares her immigrant family journey00:06:52 Discovering leadership through community organizing00:09:19 Supporting immigrant seniors and families00:11:42 Building systems that support people00:18:25 The mission behind the Fifth Avenue Committee00:20:20 Bora’s path from AmeriCorps to executive leadership00:24:12 Why nonprofit operations matter00:25:16 Burnout, growth, and investing in education00:29:54 Becoming Chief of Staff00:31:09 Communication and stakeholder management00:32:46 Leading across generations00:35:19 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 showFollow us on your favorite audio podcast platform, and share this episode to pass the ball to someone who needs a little inspiration today.