00;00;02;01 - 00;00;30;08
Host
Hello and welcome to Building Leadership Community Podcast. I'm your host, Dora Mendez. I am the founder and CEO of Coach Dora LLC. Our guests will be entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders that drive social impact. It can be lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be.
00;00;30;10 - 00;01;00;18
Host
Hello and welcome to Building Leadership Community Podcast. I'm your host, Dora Mendez, and I'm so thrilled that you're here. Thank you for being here. Thank you to all our listeners and viewers for, being here. And please don't forget. If you're new to our show, don't forget to like, share, subscribe and hit that little bell button at the bottom of your screen so that you can get notified when new episodes are posted.
00;01;00;20 - 00;01;33;09
Host
I wanted to share that since launching Building Leadership Community Podcast, the journey has been nothing short of transformative. As a champion of inclusive leadership, growth and connection, season two is all about deepening the conversations and expanding our impact. At its core, Building Leadership Community Podcast is about fostering authentic leadership and empowering professionals to build stronger, more engaged communities.
00;01;33;11 - 00;02;02;24
Host
Every episode dives into strategies, insights, and personal stories that help leaders navigate their leadership journeys with confidence and purpose. Let me tell you more about today's guests. She is someone I feel I felt an immediate kinship with, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have her join us, even though we haven't had the pleasure of meeting in person just yet.
00;02;02;25 - 00;02;32;18
Host
Our connection was instant. Perhaps it's a name sake thing. Or maybe it's our passion for the world of HR. I the way I knew I had to invite her to share her insights with you all. Please give a huge virtual round of applause for the incredibly accomplished Doralis Dora Jones. Hi Dora. How are you? Welcome. Hello. Hello. So I thank you for having me.
00;02;32;20 - 00;02;37;09
Host
Oh, you're very welcome. Thank you for being here. I'm so.
00;02;37;09 - 00;02;41;22
Guest
Its Doralis, but you can call me Dora. Doralis / Dora. Whichever is easiest.
00;02;41;22 - 00;02;44;26
Host
Doralis. Doralis.
00;02;44;29 - 00;02;45;29
Guest
You got it.
00;02;46;02 - 00;02;52;03
Host
I love it. And, And so they call you Dora for short?
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Guest
Yes.
00;02;52;28 - 00;03;12;07
Host
And so I'm. I'm just Dora. My. My namesake was my paternal grandmother. She was Theodora. And everyone called her Dora. And then, she passed away before I was born. And then. So I was named Dora.
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Guest
Love it.. It's a good one.
00;03;13;04 - 00;03;34;13
Host
Yes. Way before the cartoon character who's a hero to the world. So you know, right? Isn't our name is. It was a great. It's a beautiful name that not that many of us. And. Yeah it is. So before we get it. Thank you. Dora, before we get into our conversation, I realize I should read your bio so that the viewers...
00;03;34;16 - 00;04;14;20
Host
So get ready to blush because I'm seeing all these really nice things about you. Doralis Dora Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With a decade deeply rooted in talent acquisition and management, she currently serves as the director of talent acquisition at Horizon Health Services in Western New York. In this role, Dora leads a dynamic team focused on innovative strategies for recruitment, retention and development, making a significant impact on the organization's ability to thrive.
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Host
Dora's impact extends far beyond her role at Horizon Health Services. She also is the driving force behind the consulting services, where she coaches individual individuals and small businesses in navigating career searches, building a powerful personal brand, and fostering professional professional development. Furthermore, Dora is deeply committed to the HR community, serving as a co marketing director for the National Human Resources Association, Western New York Chapter, where she champions the HR profession across the region.
00;04;53;28 - 00;05;20;16
Host
And if that wasn't enough, she also leading strategic initiatives to support the professional and leadership development of women of color. As the board president of You Can't Fail, Inc., I love that. Originally hailing from the Bronx, with a degree in public communication and Public Administration. Another thing we have in common. I have a master's in public administration.
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Host
Dora is a true force of nature for creating sustainable workforce solutions, championing diverse and inclusive environments wherever she lends her expertise. Get ready for an engaging conversation with a fellow Dora, who is making a difference in the world of HR and leadership development.
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Guest
Thank you.
00;05;46;10 - 00;05;47;26
Host
Blushing yet?
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Guest
Yeah, I know, I'm probably all pink now, right?
00;05;51;24 - 00;06;04;24
Host
So I'm going to thank you. I'm going to hand the proverbial virtual mic to you and ask you to share a bit about your personal leadership journey and career trajectory.
00;06;04;26 - 00;06;26;20
Guest
Sure. Thank you, Dora, and thank you for having me. I'm so honored to be here and and share. I love your tagline when you say it can get lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be because it is so, so true for many leaders, especially leaders, of color and women of color that are in leadership roles.
00;06;26;23 - 00;06;56;16
Guest
And so, my leadership journey started at home. I'm the oldest of four to Dominican parents. I grew up in the South Bronx, and as the oldest leadership, the leadership baton is just instilled. It's just given to you. Tag your it. And you kind of just develop those skills, you know, for better or for worse. And, and from there on and just kind of became part of my identity.
00;06;56;18 - 00;07;27;20
Guest
And, and being first generation graduate first, you know, college attendant, first generation, pretty much all things breaking barriers. Leadership just kind of became second nature to me. And it almost became a task like it was, you know, you it was a, it was a must. I come from very hard working parents. My dad delivered pizza for Domino's Pizza for years until he retired.
00;07;27;23 - 00;07;54;09
Guest
I used to help him deliver and make phone calls to the clients. My mom took care of senior citizens and, their homes throughout the day. And worked two jobs just to make sure that, you know, we were set and, and so I grew up watching their work ethic and realizing that, you know, working, you know, working and serving others is is definitely a form of leadership.
00;07;54;09 - 00;08;18;20
Guest
But it's it's an honor. And in my house growing up, education was it was everything. So I you know, I made it my goal to, to use that collateral of education and participate in all types of, you know, community programs for at risk youth in the South Bronx. Programs like the Gear Up program, programs like Young Athletes, Inc..
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Guest
That really helped shape me as a leader today. To be able to help me get into, you know, the college world and what's born and go on from there.
00;08;28;06 - 00;08;29;22
Host
What sport to play.
00;08;29;24 - 00;08;53;27
Guest
So young athletes, I think, just despite the name, it was the necessarily I wasn't the one playing the sports. We did a lot of different, sports related activities. So journalism, sports journalism, we did a lot of that. We would go to games and write beats and notes and and be able to report we had a magazine that we contributed to.
00;08;53;29 - 00;08;59;07
Guest
And Harlem and in the Bronx. We just it's a it's one of those...
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Host
Thatâs so cool.
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Guest
Out-of-school programs. Yeah.
00;09;02;14 - 00;09;04;15
Host
That is awesome, sports journalism!
00;09;04;17 - 00;09;19;05
Guest
Yeah. A little bit of everything. Yeah. Mentorship. They they really made sure that you were able to capitalize on all of the skills and development, and, and they really set you up for success there, for sure. Yeah.
00;09;19;08 - 00;09;19;21
Host
Evidence., evidence...
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Guest
So that was growing up. And a little bit. Yeah. And then going into college I came to Buffalo, I went to Buffalo State University and got my bachelor's in public communications. I, studied abroad in Italy. I pretty much did it all. You know, I checked all the boxes. I joined the, Christian sorority. I was an RA for years.
00;09;44;16 - 00;10;08;20
Guest
I studied National Student exchange in California for a semester, and, eventually led into becoming a resident director for the halls as a graduate assistant. During my grad school timing. So, you know, one thing led to another. And again, that leadership, you know, behavior, that leadership capabilities is just in you. It's in your in your system.
00;10;08;20 - 00;10;09;07
Host
When did you make the leap?.
00;10;09;10 - 00;10;11;09
Guest
It just comes natural?
00;10;11;11 - 00;10;23;12
Host
I didn't mean to cut you off, but when did you make the leap to HR? Because, you know, I, I spent 12 years in, in human resources. So how did you make the the leap?
00;10;23;14 - 00;10;53;18
Guest
Good question. I started out in higher ed, and then I dove into staffing. I I've done a little bit of social services here and there. Care management. I've done a little bit of, social services for, sexual assault and domestic violence victims and I realized that wasn't really the route I was heading for. And after, after exploring my options, I went into staffing.
00;10;53;18 - 00;11;05;10
Guest
I just kind of like there's an ongoing joke of if you are recruitment, most likely you tripped into it like you tripped and you fell into it. And that's pretty much my my story. That's the vibe. Wait a.
00;11;05;10 - 00;11;43;03
Host
Minute. You're, in talent acquisition. You're in talent acquisition, which is, which is the fancy, fancy way of saying, recruiter. And, so my journey is similar to yours. And then I spent ten years in public service, and I. What made me do the leap was I was getting burnt out, and I wanted to figure I wanted to figure out a way to how to continue to serve on an organizational level.
00;11;43;05 - 00;12;11;26
Host
And, I was an investigator. I was an investigator, and I investigated, discrimination cases. And it was rough, you know, and and I had employment discrimination. So I had all the legal knowledge, you know, and I love doing it. I love teaching, I was always I was always the trainer. And I would train victims of, of discrimination and victims of domestic violence.
00;12;11;26 - 00;12;34;17
Host
And so I loved the teaching element. So I went back to get my master's, and that's where I learned that I could combine all that legal knowledge and my love for engaging with people in HR. And so and I and I could still serve. So I went from government to nonprofit space. So, I could still serve people.
00;12;34;19 - 00;12;38;26
Host
Right? So, yeah. And I feel like, because.
00;12;38;26 - 00;12;40;11
Guest
You know, when you know.
00;12;40;14 - 00;12;55;08
Host
I, I feel like we have a shared journey in that you did social work and case work, and you were on the frontlines. But it's hard. It's hard. It's the vicarious trauma. But you can still serve in HR,
00;12;55;11 - 00;13;16;17
Guest
For sure. So it's more of like, it's a different route, but you're still making an impact. And at the same time, you're, you're also making sure that you're still up service, that you're still good for the for the community, for the greater good. You're no good if you're burnt out. And when you want to keep pouring out your cup, you gotta keep filling it back in.
00;13;16;19 - 00;13;46;24
Guest
And so I went from staffing, recruitment, to, leasing consultant work, where I did like some property management for a little bit. And then I went back into staffing again. I knew it was my passion. I'd love to help people, and I just, I have, niche, like. So my nine year old daughter asked me one day, so she's she's old enough that she understands, like, the different types of jobs.
00;13;46;24 - 00;14;04;25
Guest
And she. When I started I horizon a little over a year ago, she said, you know, what are you doing at horizon? I said, I'm doing kind of the same thing that I did before. Just in a different at a different level. I'm still helping people get jobs. And she said, why do you keep doing the same?
00;14;04;28 - 00;14;26;16
Guest
You know, the same jobs? Like, why do you keep doing the same thing as, you know, for her, I'm still helping people get work and get jobs. And I said, because I'm good at it and I really am, and I'm good at it because I love it, because I'm passionate about it. And it just, it's there's something about matching, you know, people with jobs.
00;14;26;16 - 00;14;30;11
Guest
I can't match people for dating. I can't I don't have that gift.
00;14;30;13 - 00;14;31;10
Host
Well, but to know.
00;14;31;10 - 00;14;34;00
Guest
What a job I have to me,
00;14;34;03 - 00;14;54;26
Host
I have to I don't mean to cut you off or, but I can, I can I want to share with people who, you know, because HR has such a bad reputation and we have, like, a PR problem. Right? But my favorite part I will share my favorite part because I was more of a general generalist, right? I did the whole talent cycle.
00;14;54;28 - 00;15;03;14
Host
And and then I eventually, zeroed in on diversity, equity and inclusion as a specialty.
00;15;03;17 - 00;15;04;02
Guest
Nice.
00;15;04;03 - 00;15;34;09
Host
But, and performance management, because of my years in investigation, as being an investigator, I a lot of my, bosses in my jobs and my roles, you know, required me to really do performance management work. But what my favorite part is recruiting, because I love seeing the potential in people. Yeah, and I just love it.
00;15;34;09 - 00;15;53;11
Host
I love finding the potential. I love it, the match. And it's the most positive part of the onboarding is the best part the and you're so you are part of the best part, the other part of 40. That's not so fun to to let people go or you know yeah.
00;15;53;14 - 00;15;54;28
Guest
You know or right.
00;15;55;00 - 00;15;55;26
Host
But you I.
00;15;55;29 - 00;15;57;28
Guest
There are some hard parts for sure. Yeah.
00;15;57;28 - 00;16;11;19
Host
I feel like the talent acquisition acquisition for those who don't know, I really do think that it's just like the best part because you get I love the way you described it. I love the way you describe.
00;16;11;19 - 00;16;58;25
Guest
You do you do enjoy it? It's, it's definitely it's an honor to be able to support people. And one of their, you know, in dire moments and dire needs, like a job is essentially going to support, you know, someone's livelihood. And so you instill trust, right? Like, regardless of how crazy the market may be and how much it ebbs and flows, I enjoy keeping a pulse on the market, but I enjoy even more seeing people succeed and thrive and and honestly seeing the growth like maintaining connections and relationships and seeing people whom I've worked with or coached or supervised or, you know, any, any type of thing or mentor to see the
00;16;59;02 - 00;17;06;25
Guest
the that continue journey. It's just it's amazing. It's it's definitely, rewarding for sure.
00;17;06;28 - 00;17;19;05
Host
So I want to so we're almost that time and my audience of yours know I like to keep the episode short, but I don't want. But I feel like I have to ask you a few more questions...
00;17;19;05 - 00;17;19;14
Guest
Yeah, Go for it!
00;17;19;14 - 00;17;46;27
Host
It. Because I love your perspective. And, I loved how you shared about your childhood and how how much it's clear you adored your your you adore your parents. If you could go back and tell your younger self, give your younger self some advice about, leadership. What would you tell your younger self?
00;17;47;00 - 00;18;27;22
Guest
I would say success is not linear and it's not absolute. With that being said, there are very various and many successful moments in life that we can and we should stop to celebrate while we're pursuing the greater purpose. And I think a lot of a little side of that, as we're in the what they so call the rat race, you know, when you're pursuing your goals and your dreams and and you're moving and grooving, you know, just stop.
00;18;27;22 - 00;18;48;10
Guest
Stop and celebrate the moment. Success is not linear. It's everybody has a different path. Everyone does it make it at the same time? And I love to see when it's promoted with, like, leaders and celebrities and well-known people, you know, that. Oh, they didn't get this until they were this age and that they, you know, because it's very true.
00;18;48;15 - 00;18;56;19
Guest
We all have our journeys. And I would not change mine for the world. It's not linear and it's not absolute.
00;18;56;21 - 00;19;07;08
Host
I love that. So success is not linear and it's not absolute. There are peaks and valleys. And don't forget to celebrate those wins.
00;19;07;11 - 00;19;07;27
Guest
Always.
00;19;08;00 - 00;19;10;27
Host
I love that. Thank you for elevating that.
00;19;10;27 - 00;19;11;17
Guest
So can you.
00;19;11;17 - 00;19;39;06
Host
Share. So I know on your, for those who are watching, you see it says Dora Jones, owner of Casa Consulting Services. So can you, share with, our listeners and our viewers, how people can get in touch with you, what Casa is and how, they can learn more about you and, and, the work that you're doing for for casa consulting.
00;19;39;08 - 00;20;01;12
Guest
Sure. So with Casa, it was born, actually, during the pandemic, I began to help folks with their resumes when it just became, you know, very chaotic. And a lot of people were, you know, out of work and looking for work. I've always done it. But I decided then to make it more, of an organized.
00;20;01;14 - 00;20;04;15
Host
Right and to make money. And so it's okay to me.
00;20;04;15 - 00;20;06;08
Guest
And for you to get.
00;20;06;09 - 00;20;12;05
Host
To add to and to prosper from your expertise, you know, that's okay. It's okay to.
00;20;12;05 - 00;20;41;19
Guest
Totally for sure. I definitely wanted to to make it, successful enough to monetize from something that I enjoy doing. And so, you know, it came it came about like many others, you know, who covet was pretty much the bloomer of side hustles, right, so to speak. And so, you know, any type of side gigs that were born during that time, this was one of those, and so I'm proud of it.
00;20;41;19 - 00;21;04;08
Guest
I'm really excited about it. I do resume writing coaching. I do interview preparedness, support. So people are, you know, job hunting or preparing for interviews. I help with those. I do a lot of one on one consultations for salary negotiations. Really whatever you need during your search. Yeah. So, as far as.
00;21;04;13 - 00;21;26;05
Host
Who better to get help from than because you're on the other side. You are the one. I guess the resume is you're the one who does the interviews. So I am better to tap into than a talent acquisition specialist about it. So tell us how people would get in touch with you. How would people get in touch with you for, you know, your consulting services?
00;21;26;07 - 00;21;54;14
Guest
Sure. LinkedIn. LinkedIn is also one of my services that I offer LinkedIn branding for individuals and small businesses. So LinkedIn is going to be my go to platform. You can follow Casa Consulting on LinkedIn. You can follow, me on LinkedIn as well, Dora Jones, MPA and follow, my recruitment journey. I'm what you call a double agent, recruiting and hiring during the day for nonprofit healthcare.
00;21;54;16 - 00;22;17;05
Guest
And, you know, at night, I'm wearing my cape and I'm supporting, job seekers and small business, brand, you know, brand themselves as well. But LinkedIn is going to be the go to for all things Dora. With addition to TikTok. I do, tap into TikTok as well. On TikTok, my handle is, @theJobWhisperer.
00;22;17;08 - 00;22;29;00
Guest
And, on there, I'm able to share a lot of tidbits. Sometimes I just share my journey, my day, job searching tips, you name it. It's just a little a little bit of everything.
00;22;29;02 - 00;22;58;27
Host
Well, this Dora thanks that Dora, for, sharing with us. Spending time with us. And, if you haven't done so, Dora, make sure you send me an email with all those handles and we will make sure that we put it in the description of this episode. So if you're listening and you're looking for a job, don't you don't need to pull over.
00;22;58;29 - 00;23;23;00
Host
It'll be in the episode description. So wherever you get your podcast, we will have all of, Dora Jones's Casa Consulting contact information that she, just talked about in the in the description, and, and that being said, I can't thank you enough. I learned so much. I learned so much about you, how much we have in common.
00;23;23;04 - 00;23;29;19
Host
You're exactly the reason why my mother's from the Dominican Republic. My father's from Puerto Rico..
00;23;29;19 - 00;23;31;18
Guest
So, Okay, we're.
00;23;31;18 - 00;23;33;11
Host
Going to have to talk off line...
00;23;33;11 - 00;23;35;07
Guest
Yes!
00;23;35;09 - 00;23;59;07
Host
A lot more. I have a, ten year old and a eight year old. So, getting the kids together, we will talk more offline, so I want to leave. Yeah. So we're going to continue building an incredible community, one episode at a time. I want to thank our listeners and viewers, for watching our show.
00;23;59;09 - 00;24;11;20
Host
Again, we're building an incredible community, one meaningful episode at a time, with guests like Dora Jones. And so, Dora, hold on one second while we do our outro.
00;24;11;23 - 00;24;12;25
Guest
Okay. Thank you.
00;24;12;26 - 00;24;22;21
Host
Thank you, thank you for being here.
00;24;22;23 - 00;27;59;11
Host
00;27;59;13 - 00;28;02;01
Intro/Outro
Youâve been listening to Building Leadership Community. Watch on YouTube @CoachDoraM.
00;28;02;01 - 00;28;05;09
Host
00;28;05;10 - 00;28;17;12
Intro/Outro
Listen, wherever you get your podcast, follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube @CoachDoraM. Visit me on the web at CoachDoraMendez.com.
00;28;17;14 - 00;28;22;12
Host
Hosted by me
00;28;22;15 - 00;39;24;14
Intro/Outro
Dora Mendez. Produced by Dora Mendez and Dylan Rogers. Graphics, editing, and sound mixing by Dylan Rogers.
00;39;24;16 - 00;39;50;25
Guest
All things breaking barriers. Leadership just kind of became second nature to me. And it almost became a task like it was, you know, you it was a, It was a must. I come from very hard working parents. My dad delivered pizza for Domino's Pizza for years until he retired. I used to help him deliver and make phone calls to the clients.
00;39;50;27 - 00;40;15;21
Guest
My mom took care of senior citizen and, their homes throughout the day. And worked two jobs just to make sure that, you know, we were set and, and so I grew up watching their work ethic and realizing that, you know, working, you know, working and serving others is is definitely a form of leadership. But it's an honor.
00;40;15;23 - 00;54;18;05
Guest
And in my house growing up, education was it was everything. So I, you know, I made it my goal to, to use that collateral of education and participate in all types of, you know, community programs for at risk youth in the South Bronx. Programs like.
00;54;18;07 - 00;54;48;15
Host
Hello and welcome to Building Leadership Community podcast. I'm your host, Dora Mendez. And I'm so thrilled that you're here. Thank you for being here. Thank you to all our listeners and viewers for, being here. And please don't forget, if you're new to our show, don't forget to like, share, subscribe and hit that little bell button at the bottom of your screen so that you can get notified when new episodes are posted.
00;54;48;18 - 00;55;21;09
Host
I wanted to share that since launching Building Leadership Community Podcast, the journey has been nothing short of transformative. As a champion of inclusive leadership, growth and connection, season two is all about deepening the conversations and and expanding our impact. At its core, Building Leadership Community Podcast is about fostering authentic leadership and empowering professionals to build stronger, more engaged communities.
00;55;21;12 - 00;55;53;00
Host
Every episode dives into strategies, insights, and personal stories that help leaders navigate their leadership journeys with confidence and purpose. Let me tell you more about today's guests. She is someone I feel I felt an immediate kinship with, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have her join us, even though we haven't had the pleasure of meeting in person just yet, our connection was instant.
00;55;53;02 - 00;56;20;11
Host
Perhaps it's a namesake thing. Or maybe it's our passion for the world of HR. Either way, I knew I had to invite her to share her insights with you all. Please give a huge virtual round of applause for the incredibly accomplished Durrells, Dora Jones. Oh. Before I bring it to the stage, let me share you, let me bring it to the stage.
00;56;20;11 - 00;56;23;14
Host
Hold on. Okay. Hi, Dora.
00;56;23;14 - 00;56;27;16
Guest
How are you? Well, hello. Hello.
00;56;27;18 - 00;56;32;28
Host
So I want to. Oh, you're very welcome. Thank you for being here.
00;56;33;01 - 00;56;38;10
Guest
I realize you can call me Dora. Dora leads. Dora. Whichever. Easiest.
00;56;38;13 - 00;56;40;19
Host
Dora. Alice. Door. Alice.
00;56;40;19 - 00;56;41;03
Guest
Yes.
00;56;41;06 - 00;56;48;10
Host
You got it, I love it. And, And so they call you Dora for short?
00;56;48;13 - 00;56;49;16
Guest
Yes.
00;56;49;19 - 00;57;06;03
Host
And so I'm. I'm just Dora, my. My namesake was my paternal grandmother. She was Theodora. And everyone calls her Dora. And then, she passed away before I was born. And then. So I was named Dora.
00;57;06;05 - 00;57;07;14
Guest
Love it.
00;57;07;17 - 00;57;38;07
Host
Yes. But like before, the the cartoon character who's a hero to the old, so, you know. Right? Isn't our name is it was a great it's a beautiful name that not that many of us. And and so before we get into. Thank you, Dora, before we get into our conversation, I realize I should read your bio so that the viewers and, so get ready to blush because I'm seeing all these really nice things about you, no less.
00;57;38;07 - 00;58;11;11
Host
Dora Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With a decade deeply rooted in talent acquisition and management, she currently serves as the director of Talent Acquisition at Horizon Health Services in Western New York. In this role, Dora leads a dynamic team focused on innovative strategies for recruitment, retention and development, making a significant impact on the organization's ability to thrive.
00;58;11;14 - 00;58;50;16
Host
Dora's impact extends far beyond her role at Horizon Health Services. She also is the driving force behind Casa Consulting Services, where she coaches individual individuals and small businesses in navigating career searches, building powerful personal brands, and fostering professional professional development. Furthermore, Dora is deeply committed to the HR community, serving as a co marketing director for the National Human Resources Association, Western New York Jet, where she champions the HR profession across the region.
00;58;50;18 - 00;59;17;07
Host
And if that wasn't enough, she also leading strategic initiatives to support the professional and leadership development of women of color. As the board president of You Can't Fail Inc, I love that. Originally hailing from the Bronx, with a degree in public Communication and Public Administration, another thing we have in common I have a master's in public administration.
00;59;17;09 - 00;59;44;03
Host
Dora is a true force of nature for creating sustainable workforce solutions, championing diverse and inclusive environments. Wherever she lends her expertise. Get ready for an engaging conversation with a fellow Dora who is making a difference in the world of HR and leadership development in barrel flushing. Yeah.
00;59;44;06 - 00;59;48;13
Guest
Yeah, I know I'm probably all pink now, right?
00;59;48;15 - 01;00;01;01
Host
So I'm gonna I'm going to hand the proverbial virtual mic to you and ask you to share a bit about your personal leadership journey and career trajectory.
01;00;01;04 - 01;00;22;26
Guest
Sure. Thank you, Dora, and thank you for having me. I'm so honored to be here and and share. I love your tagline when you say it can get lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be because it is so, so true for many leaders, especially leaders. Of color and women of color that are in leadership roles.
01;00;22;28 - 01;00;52;22
Guest
And so my leadership journey started at home. I'm the oldest of four to Dominican parents. I grew up in the South Bronx, and as the oldest leadership, the leadership baton is just instilled, is just given to you. Tag your it and you kind of just develop those skills, you know, for better or for worse. And and from there on, it just kind of became part of my identity.
01;00;52;25 - 01;01;23;28
Guest
And, and being first generation graduate first, you know, college attendant, first generation, pretty much all things breaking barriers, leadership just kind of became second nature to me. And it almost became, a task like it was, you know, you it was a, it was a must. I come from very hard working parents. My dad delivered pizza for Domino's Pizza for years until he retired.
01;01;24;01 - 01;01;50;16
Guest
I used to help him deliver and make phone calls to the clients. My mom took care of senior citizen and, their homes throughout the day. And worked two jobs just to make sure that, you know, we were set and, and so I grew up watching their work ethic and realizing that, you know, working, you know, working and serving others is is definitely a form of leadership.
01;01;50;16 - 01;02;14;24
Guest
But it's an honor. And in my house growing up, education was it was everything. So I you know, I made it my goal to, to use that collateral of education and participate in all types of, you know, community programs for at risk youth in the South Bronx. Programs like the Gear Up program, programs like Young Athletes Inc.
01;02;14;24 - 01;02;24;25
Guest
That really helped shape me as a leader today. To be able to help me get into, you know, the college world and and what's born from there.
01;02;24;27 - 01;02;26;01
Host
What's sport to play.
01;02;26;01 - 01;02;53;04
Guest
So young athletes, I think, just despite the name, it was a necessarily I wasn't the one playing the sports. We did a lot of different, sports related activities. So journalism, sports journalism, we did a lot of that. We would go to games and write beats and notes and and be able to report we had a magazine that we contributed to, and Harlem and in the Bronx.
01;02;53;06 - 01;02;58;18
Guest
We just it's a it's one of those, I still. Yeah, that's most.
01;02;58;21 - 01;03;01;10
Host
Of sports journalism. Yeah.
01;03;01;10 - 01;03;28;10
Guest
A little bit of everything. Yeah. Mentorship. They, they really made sure that you were able to capitalize on all of the skills and development and, and they really set you up for success there for sure. Yeah. So that was, that was growing up and a little bit. Yeah. And then going into college I came to Buffalo, I went to Buffalo State University and got my bachelor's in public communications.
01;03;28;13 - 01;03;54;03
Guest
I studied abroad in Italy. I pretty much did it all. You know, I checked all the boxes. I joined the, Christian sorority. I was an RA for years. I studied National student exchange in California for a semester, and, eventually led into becoming a resident director for the halls as a graduate assistant. During my grad school timing.
01;03;54;03 - 01;04;07;29
Guest
So, you know, one thing led to another. And again, that leadership, you know, behavior, that leadership, capabilities is just in you. It's in your in your system. And when you just make that leap.
01;04;08;01 - 01;04;19;21
Host
I didn't mean to cut you off, but when did you make the leap to HR? Because, you know, I, I spent 12 years in, in human resources, so how did you make the the leap?
01;04;19;23 - 01;04;49;29
Guest
Good question. I started out in higher ed, and then I dove into staffing. I I've done a little bit of social services here and there. Care management. I've done a little bit of social services for, sexual and domestic violence victims and I realized that wasn't really the route I was heading for. And after, after exploring my options, I went into staffing.
01;04;49;29 - 01;05;01;18
Guest
I just kind of like there's an ongoing joke of if you are recruitment, most likely you tripped into it like you tripped and you fell into it. And that's pretty much my my story. That's the vibe.
01;05;01;20 - 01;05;07;04
Host
Wait a minute. Yeah. You're in talent acquisition. You're an acquisition.
01;05;07;06 - 01;05;08;12
Guest
Talent, which is,
01;05;08;14 - 01;05;20;21
Host
Gorgeous. The fancy, fancy way of saying, recruiter. And, so my journey is similar to yours, and that I spent ten years in public service.
01;05;20;24 - 01;05;21;06
Guest
Okay.
01;05;21;06 - 01;05;53;12
Host
And I what made me do the leap was I was getting burnt out. And I wanted to. I wanted to figure out a way to how to continue to serve on an organizational level. And, I was an investigator. I was an investigator, and I investigated, discrimination cases, and it was rough, you know, and, and I had employment discrimination.
01;05;53;12 - 01;06;19;21
Host
So I had all the legal knowledge, you know, and I love teaching and I love teaching. I was always I was always the trainer. And I would train victims of, of discrimination and victims of domestic violence. And so I love the teaching element. So I went back to get my master's, and that's where I learned that I could combine all that legal knowledge and my love for engaging with people.
01;06;19;23 - 01;06;35;26
Host
Yeah. In HR love. And so yeah. And then I and I could still serve. So I went from government to nonprofit space. So, I can still serve people. Yeah. Right. And so and I feel like.
01;06;35;28 - 01;06;36;11
Guest
You know, we're.
01;06;36;11 - 01;06;51;16
Host
Doing I mean, I feel like we have, a shared journey in that you did social work and case work, and you were on the frontlines. But it's hard. It's hard. It's the vicarious trauma. But you can still serve in HR.
01;06;51;18 - 01;07;12;26
Guest
For sure. For sure. So it's more of like, it's a different route, but you're still making an impact. And at the same time, you're, you're also making sure that you're still up service, that you're still good for the for the community, for the greater good. You're no good if you're burnt out. And when you want to keep pouring out your cup, you gotta keep filling it back in.
01;07;12;29 - 01;07;43;01
Guest
And so I went from staffing, recruiting, to, leasing consultant work, where I did like some property management for a little bit. And then I went back into staffing again. I knew it was my passion. I love to help people, and I just, I have, a niche like. So my nine year old daughter asked me one day, so she's she's old enough that she understands, like, the different types of jobs.
01;07;43;01 - 01;08;01;23
Guest
And she when I started at horizon a little over a year ago, she said, you know, what are you doing at horizon? I said, I'm doing kind of the same thing that I did before. Just in a different at a different level. I'm still helping people get jobs. And she said, why do you keep doing the same?
01;08;01;25 - 01;08;23;02
Guest
You know, the same jobs? Like, why do you keep doing the same thing as, you know, for her, I'm still helping people get work and get jobs. And I said, because I'm good at it and I really am, and I'm good at it because I love it, because I'm passionate about it. And it just, it's there's something about matching, you know, people with jobs.
01;08;23;02 - 01;08;27;01
Guest
I can't match people for dating. I can't I don't have that gift.
01;08;27;03 - 01;08;27;29
Host
Well, I know.
01;08;27;29 - 01;08;29;02
Guest
What job.
01;08;29;04 - 01;08;48;21
Host
I have to tell, I have to I don't mean to cut you off or. But I can, I can I want to share with people who, you know, because HR has such a bad reputation and we have like a PR problem. Right? But my favorite part I will share my favorite part because I was more of a general generalist, right?
01;08;48;21 - 01;08;59;24
Host
I did the whole talent cycle and and then I eventually, zeroed in on diversity, equity and inclusion as a specialty.
01;08;59;27 - 01;09;00;14
Guest
Nice.
01;09;00;21 - 01;09;34;22
Host
But, and performance management, because of my years in investigation, as being an investigator, I a lot of my, bosses in my jobs and my roles, you know, required me to really do performance management work. But what my favorite part is recruiting, because I love seeing the potential in people. And I just love it. I love finding the potential and love it, the match.
01;09;34;24 - 01;09;50;00
Host
And it's the most positive part of the onboarding is the best part the and you're so you are part of the best part. You the other part when you're 40. That's that's so fun. And, to let people go or you know.
01;09;50;02 - 01;09;51;18
Guest
You know or. Right.
01;09;51;21 - 01;09;53;04
Host
But you I there are some.
01;09;53;04 - 01;09;54;14
Guest
Hard parts for sure. Yeah.
01;09;54;18 - 01;10;08;00
Host
I feel like the talent acquisition. Acquisition. For those who don't know, I really do think that it's just like the best part because you get, I love the way you described it. I love the way you just.
01;10;08;01 - 01;10;55;08
Guest
You do you do enjoy it. It's, It's definitely. It's an honor to be able to support people. And one of their, you know, in dire moments and dire needs, like, a job is essentially going to support, you know, someone's livelihood. And so you instill trust, right? Like, regardless of how crazy the market may be and how much it ebbs and flows, I enjoy keeping a pulse on the market, but I enjoy even more seeing people succeed and thrive and and honestly seeing the growth, like maintaining connections and relationships and seeing people whom I worked with or coached or supervised or, you know, any, any type of thing or mentor to see the
01;10;55;15 - 01;11;03;14
Guest
the that continue journey. It's just it's amazing. It's it's definitely, rewarding for sure.
01;11;03;16 - 01;11;28;03
Host
So I want to so we're almost that time and my audience of yours know I like to keep the episode short, but I don't want but I feel like I have to ask you a few more questions. Yeah. Go for it. Because I love your perspective. And, I loved how you shared about your childhood and how how much it's clear you adored your your you adore your parents.
01;11;28;06 - 01;11;43;12
Host
If you could go back and tell your younger self, give your younger self some advice about, leadership. What would you tell your younger self?
01;11;43;14 - 01;12;25;11
Guest
I would say success is not linear and it's not absolute. With that being said, there are very various and many successful moments in life that we can and we should stop to celebrate while we're pursuing the greater purpose. And I think a lot of a little side of that, as we're in the what they so call the rat race, you know, when you're pursuing your goals and your dreams and and you're moving and grooving, you know, just stop, stop and celebrate the moment.
01;12;25;11 - 01;12;46;07
Guest
Success is not linear. It's everybody has a different path. Everyone does it make it at the same time? And I love to see when it's promoted with, like, leaders and celebrities and well-known people, you know, that. Oh, they didn't get this until they were this age. And that they, you know, because it's very true. We all have our journeys.
01;12;46;07 - 01;12;53;07
Guest
And I would not change mine for the world. It's not linear and it's not absolute.
01;12;53;10 - 01;13;35;12
Host
I love that. So success is not linear and it's not absolute. There are peaks and valleys. And don't forget to celebrate those wins. Always love that. Thank you for elevating that. So can you share. So I know on your, for those who are watching, you see it says Dora Jones, owner of Garza Consulting Services. So can you, share with, our listeners and our viewers, how people can get in touch with you, what Casa is and how, they can learn more about you and, and, the work that you're doing for for casa consulting.
01;13;35;15 - 01;13;58;07
Guest
Sure. So with Casa, it was born, actually, during the pandemic, I began to help folks with their resumes when it just became, you know, very chaotic. And a lot of people were, you know, out of work and looking for work. I've always done it. But I decided then to make it more, of an organized practice.
01;13;58;07 - 01;14;00;20
Host
And to make money. And so it's okay.
01;14;00;20 - 01;14;01;08
Guest
So it's up.
01;14;01;08 - 01;14;11;06
Host
To you to get to educate and to prosper from your expertise. You know, that's okay. It's okay to to for sure.
01;14;11;06 - 01;14;37;28
Guest
I definitely wanted to, to make it, successful enough to monetize from something that I enjoy doing. And so, you know, it came it came about like many others, you know, who covet was pretty much the boomer of side hustles, right? So to speak. And so, you know, any type of side gigs that were born during that time, this was one of those, and so I'm proud of it.
01;14;37;28 - 01;15;01;01
Guest
I'm really excited about it. I do resume writing coaching. I do interview preparedness, support. So people are, you know, job hunting or preparing for interviews. I help with those. I do a lot of one on one consultations for salary negotiations. Really whatever you need during your search. And, as far as.
01;15;01;03 - 01;15;05;23
Host
Who better to get help from then? Because you're on the other side. You are the.
01;15;05;27 - 01;15;06;10
Guest
One who.
01;15;06;11 - 01;15;08;23
Host
Gets the resume. You're the one who does.
01;15;08;26 - 01;15;09;05
Guest
Yeah.
01;15;09;09 - 01;15;22;15
Host
Who better to tap into than a talent acquisition specialist? Passionate about it. So tell us how people would get in touch with you. How would people get in touch with you for, you know, your consulting services?
01;15;22;18 - 01;15;50;25
Guest
Sure. LinkedIn. LinkedIn is also one of my services that I offer LinkedIn branding for individual and small businesses. So LinkedIn is going to be my go to platform. You can follow Costa Consulting on LinkedIn. You can follow, me on LinkedIn as well, Dora Jones, comma and MPX and follow, my recruitment journey. I'm what you call a double agent, recruiting and hiring during the day for nonprofit healthcare.
01;15;50;27 - 01;16;13;18
Guest
And, you know, at night, I'm wearing my cape and I'm supporting, job seekers and small business. Brand, you know, brand themselves as well. But LinkedIn is going to be the go to for all things Dora. With addition to TikTok, I do, tap into TikTok as well. On TikTok, my handle is, The Job whisperer.
01;16;13;20 - 01;16;25;19
Guest
And, on there I'm able to share a lot of tidbits. Sometimes I just share my journey, my day, job searching tips, you name it. It's just a little a little bit of everything.
01;16;25;21 - 01;16;55;17
Host
Well, this Dora thanks that Dora, for, sharing with us, spending time with us, and, if you haven't done so, Dora, make sure you send me an email with all those handles, and we will make sure that we put it in the description of this episode. So if you're listening and you're looking for a job, don't you don't need to pull over.
01;16;55;20 - 01;17;19;27
Host
It'll be in the episode description. So wherever you get your podcast, we will have all of, Dora Jones's counselor consulting contact information that she, just talked about in the in the description, and, and that being said, I can't thank you enough. I learned so much. I learned so much about you, how much we have in common.
01;17;20;00 - 01;17;27;10
Host
Yeah, exactly the reason why, you know, my mother's from the Dominican Republic. And, father, what are we go. So,
01;17;27;13 - 01;17;27;28
Guest
It's.
01;17;28;01 - 01;17;55;26
Host
We're going to have to talk off line, a lot more. I have a, ten year old and a eight year old. So, getting the kids together. We will talk more online, so I want to. Yeah. So we're going to continue building an incredible community, one episode at a time. I want to thank our listeners and viewers, for watching our show.
01;17;55;29 - 01;18;08;10
Host
Again, we're building an incredible community, one meaningful episode at a time. Would guests like Dora Jones? And so, Dora, hold on one second while we do our outro.
01;18;08;12 - 01;18;09;14
Guest
Okay. Thank you.
01;18;09;16 - 01;18;19;10
Host
Thank you, thank you for being here. Thank.
01;18;19;12 - 01;18;30;17
Host
Okay. And recording.
01;18;30;19 - 01;18;59;26
Host
You've been listening to Building Leadership Community Watch on YouTube search store and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube Apple store and visit me on the web at Coach Store. Mendez.com, hosted by Mr. Mendez, produced by Dr. Mendez and Dylan Rogers. Graphics, editing and sound mixing I did in Rogers.
