In this episode of "Stay Sporty" Jessica O’Neill, President of Business Operations for the Houston Dynamo and Dash, shares her journey from the University of South Carolina to leading two professional soccer teams. She discusses building her career in sports, the challenges of leadership and motherhood, growing soccer’s popularity in Houston, and the importance of representation and mentorship. Jessica offers candid insights on embracing failure, balancing work and family, and choosing happiness, while highlighting Houston’s diversity and the city’s excitement as a host for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

• Introduction and Guest Welcome
• Jessica’s Career Journey: Education to Early Career
• Transition to the Carolina Panthers
• Charlotte FC and MLS Expansion
• Opportunity with Houston Dynamo and Dash
• Reflections on Leadership and Taking the Top Job
• Day-to-Day Responsibilities as President
• Managing Two Teams: Dynamo and Dash
• Growing Soccer in Houston and the “Soccer Curious”
• Challenges as a Woman in Sports Leadership
• Work-Life Balance and Motherhood
• Vision for the Future: Clubs and World Cup
• Learning from Failure and Leadership Lessons
• Life Advice: “Choose Happiness”
• Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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