<![CDATA[Purpose: This study examines how transformational leadership influences intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction among millennial educators in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and explores how these relationships are shaped by educators’ work experiences and local educational contexts. Research Methodology: This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey involving 82 millennial educators from formal and nonformal educational institutions and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). To deepen the interpretation of the statistical results, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten selected informants. Results: Transformational leadership positively influenced intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction. However, intrinsic motivation did not significantly affect job satisfaction, indicating no mediating effect. Qualitative findings highlight trust, autonomy, personal attention, supportive communication, and inspirational leadership as key factors enhancing job satisfaction. Conclusions: Transformational leadership directly contributes to job satisfaction, whereas intrinsic motivation plays a limited role as a mediating mechanism in this context. Limitations: This study is limited by its relatively small sample size and focus on urban educational institutions in Yogyakarta, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Contributions: This study provides contextual evidence of transformational leadership in Indonesian education and offers practical insights for developing adaptive, empathetic, and participatory leadership practices for millennial educators.]]>
