We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leena Mendoza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leena below.
Leena, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
If I could go back in time, I would still choose to start my business at the same time—but with a stronger foundation of established relationships, a robust book of business, and a deeper understanding of business development, sales, and marketing.
I launched Intentional Leadership just one week before the pandemic—a time of immense uncertainty. I had just moved to Silicon Valley six months prior, left my job, and took the leap with full faith in myself and my ability to make it happen. Entrepreneurship requires a deep belief in your vision, and I knew that waiting for the “perfect time” would mean delaying my potential.
Starting my business at that moment forced me to adapt quickly, embrace uncertainty, and lead with resilience. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had a willingness to learn, pivot, and keep going. And that’s what entrepreneurship is—an ongoing commitment to growth, both professionally and personally.
When you commit to the journey of entrepreneurship, you are consistently learning about yourself and evolving. What helps me grow is that I am addicted to self-improvement and transformation. I thrive on learning, refining my craft, and pushing myself to new levels. Every challenge I’ve faced has made me a stronger leader and a better business owner.
A little over a year ago, I co-founded Coble Tree, a Marketing Solutions Software Company, which has challenged me to accelerate my growth in technology and AI. Venturing into this space has expanded my perspective, sharpened my problem-solving skills, and reinforced the importance of adaptability in business. Learning the intricacies of AI-driven marketing automation and workflow strategies has been both exciting and transformative—proving that entrepreneurship is a continuous evolution.
Had I started sooner, I might have entered the journey with a more established network and business acumen. If I had started later, I may have had more financial stability but might have missed the invaluable lessons that came from building during a time of crisis. Looking back, I trust that I started at the right time.
Because entrepreneurship isn’t just about when you start—it’s about how committed you are to evolving, learning, and growing along the way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Meet Leena Mendoza: Entrepreneur, Executive Coach, and Business Strategist
I’m Leena Mendoza, a Silicon Valley-based Executive Leadership Coach, Business Strategist, and Entrepreneur. I am the CEO and Founder of Intentional Leadership, where I help business owners, executives, and leadership teams scale, optimize, and align their vision with intentional action. My expertise lies in executive coaching, leadership development, business strategy, and organizational effectiveness.
A little over a year ago, I co-founded Coble Tree, a Marketing Solutions Software Company that helps businesses automate their marketing, streamline workflows, and leverage AI-driven solutions to enhance their reach and impact. Venturing into the tech space has pushed me to accelerate my growth in technology, AI, and marketing automation, allowing me to integrate these cutting-edge strategies into my consulting work.
How I Got Started
My journey into coaching and business strategy started long before I launched my company. I spent years working in leadership development, education, and business consulting, helping professionals unlock their potential. In 2020, just one week before the pandemic, I made the bold decision to leave my job and launch Intentional Leadership. I had just moved to Silicon Valley six months prior, and I took a leap of faith—believing in my ability to build something impactful.
Starting a business during an uncertain time forced me to pivot quickly, adapt to challenges, and develop a level of resilience that has become a cornerstone of my coaching practice. I saw firsthand how leaders needed clarity, strategy, and confidence to navigate change, and I made it my mission to provide them with the tools to overcome barriers, blind spots, and breakthrough moments.
What I Do & Who I Serve
I specialize in helping high-performing business owners, executives, and leadership teams scale their businesses while maintaining clarity, efficiency, and profitability. My services include:
Executive Coaching & Leadership Development: Helping leaders strengthen decision-making, confidence, executive presence, and strategic planning.
Business Consulting & Growth Strategy: Aligning businesses with operational efficiencies, process improvements, and revenue growth strategies.
Marketing & Automation Solutions (Coble Tree): Helping SMBs implement AI-driven marketing automation, sales funnels, and workflow strategies.
Workplace Culture & Organizational Effectiveness: Supporting teams in cultivating a positive workplace environment while building high-performance cultures.
The problems I solve for my clients often come down to clarity, strategy, and execution. Many business owners know they need to scale but feel overwhelmed by the complexity of managing growth, marketing, and operations. My job is to help them streamline their processes, enhance leadership skills, and implement automation strategies that free up their time to focus on high-impact activities.
What Sets Me Apart
What differentiates me from others in this space is my ability to combine executive coaching with strategic consulting. Many coaches focus solely on mindset, while consultants focus on business mechanics—I do both. I help leaders remove internal barriers while simultaneously building systems that drive sustainable business growth.
Additionally, I am deeply committed to economic empowerment, amplifying women and BIPOC-owned businesses, and fostering inclusive leadership. As the President-Elect of NAWBO Silicon Valley and the Vice President of the Latino Business Referral Network, I actively create spaces where business owners can connect, collaborate, and scale with intention.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I am proud of the bold leaps of faith I’ve taken in my career—from launching my business during a global crisis to co-founding a marketing technology company that’s changing how small businesses approach automation. I am also incredibly proud of the leaders I’ve helped transform—seeing my clients gain clarity, take strategic action, and achieve breakthrough moments is the most rewarding part of my work.
What I Want People to Know About My Work
At the heart of everything I do is intentionality. I believe that leadership is about preparation, positioning, and posturing yourself for success. My coaching and consulting approach is rooted in faith and fortitude, helping leaders rise above challenges, make powerful decisions, and create lasting impact.
For those looking to elevate their leadership, scale their business, or implement smart marketing automation, I invite you to connect with me. I am here to help you clarify your vision, execute your strategy, and build a business that thrives with purpose.
How did you build your audience on social media?
How I Built My Audience on Social Media & Advice for Those Just Starting
Building my audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and strategic engagement. When I started my business, I knew that visibility was key, but I also understood that social media isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building relationships and delivering value.
I focused on educating, inspiring, and engaging my audience with content that speaks directly to the challenges and aspirations of business owners, executives, and leadership teams. Rather than just promoting my services, I used my platforms to share insights, leadership strategies, business growth tips, and personal experiences that others could relate to.
One of the most impactful steps I took was leaning into storytelling. I didn’t just talk about leadership and business strategy in theory—I shared real experiences, wins, lessons learned, and challenges I’ve navigated. People connect with people, not just services. My audience grew because I focused on building trust and credibility through transparency and expertise.
Another key element in my social media growth has been engagement. I don’t just post—I actively connect with my audience, comment on their content, support their wins, and engage in meaningful conversations. This has helped me foster genuine connections and expand my reach organically.
When I co-founded Coble Tree, I deepened my understanding of AI-driven marketing and automation, which helped me streamline content creation while keeping my engagement personal. Leveraging tools for content scheduling, analytics, and audience insights allowed me to be intentional with my social media strategy.
Advice for Those Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence
Clarity is Key:
Define who you are, who you serve, and what value you provide. Your content should reflect your expertise while addressing the needs of your ideal audience.
Show Up Consistently:
Social media growth is a long game. Post regularly, engage with others, and stay visible. Even if you don’t see immediate results, your consistency will build credibility over time.
Focus on Value, Not Just Promotion:
Instead of just selling, educate, inspire, and offer insights. Share lessons learned, industry trends, and leadership wisdom that resonate with your audience.
Leverage Storytelling:
People remember stories, not sales pitches. Share your journey, struggles, and wins in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
Engagement is Everything:
Social media is a two-way conversation. Respond to comments, ask questions, engage with your audience’s content, and build relationships.
Use AI & Automation Wisely:
Tools like Coble Tree allow you to streamline your marketing while keeping your voice personal. Balance automation with authenticity.
Experiment & Adapt:
Test different formats—videos, carousels, live sessions, long-form posts, and short insights. See what resonates with your audience and refine your approach.
Network & Collaborate:
Partner with others in your industry, do guest posts, join conversations, and leverage communities like NAWBO and business networks to cross-promote and expand your reach.
Final Thought
Social media is an ongoing process of building trust and providing value. Stay patient, stay authentic, and keep showing up. The right audience will find you when you consistently show up with purpose and intention.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What Helped Me Build My Reputation Within My Market
Building my reputation within my market has been a combination of expertise, consistency, strategic relationships, and delivering real results. I didn’t just want to be another voice in leadership coaching and business strategy—I wanted to be a trusted resource that leaders, executives, and business owners turn to for transformational growth.
1. Delivering Results & Building Trust
Reputation is built on what people say about you when you’re not in the room. I have always focused on overdelivering value to my clients, whether through executive coaching, business strategy, or marketing automation. The leaders I work with experience real breakthroughs—clarity in decision-making, business growth, and leadership transformation. That impact leads to word-of-mouth referrals, testimonials, and credibility.
2. Strategic Relationships, Mentorship & Community Involvement
I have been intentional about building relationships with influential leaders, business owners, and organizations. My leadership roles—as President-Elect of NAWBO Silicon Valley, Vice President of the Latino Business Referral Network, and Co-Founder of Coble Tree—have positioned me as a leader within my community.
Additionally, I serve as a business mentor for the Latino Entrepreneurship Program at Stanford University (LBAN), where I help Latino business owners scale and refine their business models. One of my mentees was able to increase their business valuation by over $1 million through our strategic work together. Being in a position to uplift and empower Latino entrepreneurs has been an incredible opportunity to expand my impact. By showing up, serving, and contributing to the success of others, I’ve built strong credibility and trust within my network.
3. Consistent Thought Leadership & Visibility
I have invested heavily in thought leadership—sharing insights, industry expertise, and business strategies across multiple platforms. Whether it’s through social media, speaking engagements, webinars, or leadership panels, I consistently position myself as a go-to expert in executive coaching, business growth, and leadership strategy. Staying visible with consistent, high-value content has been a game-changer in reinforcing my reputation.
4. Adaptability & Innovation
Markets evolve, and so do great leaders. I continuously invest in learning and innovation—which is why I co-founded Coble Tree, a Marketing Solutions Software Company. Expanding my expertise into AI-driven marketing, automation, and business scaling solutions has allowed me to stay ahead of trends and provide cutting-edge solutions to my clients. Being at the forefront of change builds authority and trust.
5. Authenticity & Integrity
I have built my brand on faith and fortitude—and that energy translates into everything I do. I lead with honesty, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. I don’t just offer strategies—I guide my clients with real-world experience, unwavering support, and an unshakable belief in their potential. People recognize when you are genuine, invested, and truly care about their success.
Final Thought
Reputation isn’t built overnight—it’s built through consistent action, meaningful connections, and delivering real impact. What sets me apart isn’t just what I do—it’s how I do it. I am committed to helping leaders rise, businesses scale, and professionals step into their highest potential.
That commitment has shaped my reputation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making an impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leenamendoza.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenamendoza/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leenamendoza/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leenamendoza/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CobleTree
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/intentional-leadership-san-joseintention
Image Credits
Image Credit: Alex Ontiveros, Silicon Valley Latino and Anthony Olvera, Apex Operations