EP194 - Can You Really Build a Pro Team From Nothing? with Katie Harnetiaux

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof chats with Katie Harnetiaux, President of USL Spokane, as she shares her journey from leading teams at Amazon and Starbucks to launching two professional soccer teams from scratch. They also discuss the power of leadership, the challenges of building culture, and the lessons learned from stepping into the unknown. Katie opens up about the sacrifices, the surprises, and the mission behind bringing high-level soccer to Spokane. Plus, she dives into the importance of mentorship, enduring tough seasons, and why sports are more than just a game—they’re a community lifeline. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves an underdog story, this episode is for you! Follow Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieharnetiaux https://www.instagram.com/katieharnetiaux/ https://www.uslspokane.com/ https://x.com/katieharnetiaux The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What we discussed: 00:00 Introduction  01:52 What Leadership Really Means for Women 05:28 From Corporate Careers to Running a Soccer Club 10:05 When Your Work Becomes Your Life 11:46 Success Requires Endurance 13:47 Building Something for Spokane’s Future 19:35 The Hardest Part of Building a Team 25:20 Balancing Leadership & Marriage 27:04 How Pro Athletes & Staff Became a Family 31:40 The Pandemic Proved We Need Sports & Community 33:58 How Katie's Upbringing Shaped Her Parenting Style 39:33 Why Forcing Kids to Choose a Sport Too Soon is Harmful 49:19 How to Surround Yourself with the Right People Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices