Description:

What does it take to build a championship-caliber team before the wins ever come? In this episode of Summit Up, we look beyond the scoreboard to explore the leadership, culture, and community foundations shaping Denver’s newest professional women’s soccer team.

Kali and Matt sit down with Amanda and Lizzie, co-founders of A Better Monday, a Denver-based leadership coaching company, to discuss how lessons from sports translate to the workplace and everyday leadership. T

Together, they unpack why culture comes before results, how psychological safety creates stronger teams, and why the most successful organizations are built around trust, belonging, and shared purpose.

From Denver Summit FC’s inaugural season and the power of fan connection to leadership transitions, team identity, and building something from the ground up, this conversation explores what businesses, coaches, athletes, and leaders can learn from the world of women’s sports.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why “culture eats strategy for breakfast” and how strong cultures drive results

• How Denver Summit FC is creating a community-first identity from day one

• What psychological safety looks like on a team and why it matters

• The difference between a workplace “family” and a healthy community

• How leaders can communicate with clarity, purpose, and empathy

• What businesses can learn from sports teams about belonging and collaboration

• Navigating change, leadership transitions, and the next chapter for Denver Summit FC

Whether you’re a Denver Summit FC fan, a women’s sports supporter, a leader, or someone passionate about building better teams, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and principles creating something special in Denver.

Follow Summit Up for more conversations about Denver Summit FC, women’s soccer, and the culture behind the club.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Leadership and Community in Sports

04:10 The Importance of Culture Over Results

10:38 Building Genuine Connections in Sports

15:20 The Dangers of 'Family' Culture in Companies

21:59 Tangible Lessons from Sports for Businesses

23:21 The Joy of Play in Sports and Life

28:13 Transforming Workplaces Through Playfulness

36:01 Understanding Team Dynamics and Phases

39:51 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

49:23 Navigating Team Transformations

55:15 Building Community and Trust

01:03:00 Empowering Women Leaders in Sports