In today's Best of Episode we feature Jill Ellis. Jill is a legend and a trailblazer in the world of women’s soccer. As a coach, she enjoyed unparalleled success and led the U.S Women’s National Team to victory in two World Cups. However, Jill’s never been one to rest on her laurels, and she’s recently stepped into an exciting new role as president of San Diego Wave FC. She’s also accepted a leadership position on FIFA’s Technical Advisory Group, which invites thought leaders from around the world to consider the future of women’s football.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Jill Ellis on;
(00:10:43) Performing under pressure. Jill acknowledges that she works best under pressure and has never been afraid to take risks. Despite her remarkable career, she reveals that she’s still motivated by the desire to succeed and never intends to let herself get too comfortable, conservative, or complacent.
(00:17:44) The power of teamwork. Jill testifies to the magic that can happen when a group of individuals comes together for the sake of the team. Plus, she points out that she always focuses on building a culture of mutual respect and empowering others to grow and perform to the best of their abilities.
(00:24:30) Doing things differently. Jill recalls the unconventional approach she took to preparing her team for the World Cup in 2015 and explains that putting the players through a series of uncomfortable and challenging experiences made them humble, hungry, and eager to win.
(00:32:17) Building a community. Jill shares her vision for the future of San Diego Wave FC and expresses her desire to create a personal connection to the local community. She also refers to the increasing popularity of women’s soccer, which appeals to a diverse fan base and attracts a growing number of supporters.
(00:52:04) Looking at football through a different lens. Jill talks about her advisory role with FIFA and sets out her intention to help grow women’s football globally and learn from the experiences and perspectives of players and coaches in developing countries.