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