In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, founder of Equity Warrior Strategies, LLC, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose in today’s complex systems.

Jonathan shares his journey from nonprofit fundraising to systems-level leadership, including raising over $14 million, coaching nonprofit leaders, and building capacity across organizations. Together, they unpack the difference between burnout and what Jonathan calls “moral injury”—a systemic failure that impacts high-performing professionals.

This conversation centers on inclusive leadership, community, and the role of self-awareness in sustainable career growth. It offers practical insights for leaders who want to move beyond intention and create meaningful change within their organizations.

Key Themes:

• Inclusive leadership in practice
• Moral injury vs. burnout
• Community-centered leadership
• Systems thinking in nonprofit leadership
• Self-awareness as a leadership skill

🔹 Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + Guest Introduction
01:10 – Meet Jonathan Meagher-Zayas
07:38 – Leadership Story & Early Influences
10:03 – Nonprofit Leadership & Systems Thinking
13:44 – Transition to Community Foundation Work
16:27 – Leadership During 2020 & Equity Work
18:42 – Origin of “Equity Warrior”
22:54 – Why Community Matters in Leadership
23:54 – Burnout vs. Moral Injury
27:24 – Advice for Emerging Leaders
30:16 – How to Connect with Jonathan

Guest Links:
🔗 Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmeagherzayas
🌐 Guest Website: https://EquityWarriorStrategies.com

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