In this inspiring episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson sits down with professional soccer player Brianna Pinto to explore how sports can break down barriers and create lasting social impact. Learn how the Pinto Futball Foundation is dismantling structural and financial obstacles in soccer while creating opportunities for underserved communities. 

Whether you're an aspiring change-maker or established leader, discover powerful insights about using privilege for purpose, building inclusive spaces, and the intersection of athletic excellence with community leadership. Brianna shares her journey from collegiate athlete to professional player and nonprofit founder, offering practical wisdom on balancing multiple passions while driving meaningful change.

What You'll Learn:

• Leveraging sports to advance education, career opportunities, and personal development.
• Frameworks for creating accessible, inclusive programs that serve underserved communities and foster representation in leadership.
• Building sustainable youth programs, third spaces, and family-led initiatives that strengthen long-term community value.
• Driving systemic change in governance and athlete protection while balancing multiple career pursuits with excellence.

About the Guest(s)

Brianna Pinto is a professional soccer player with NC Courage and co-founder of the Pinto Futball Foundation, established in 2021. A former UNC-Chapel Hill athlete, she serves as the North Carolina Courage representative for the NWSL Players Association and is a member of the US Soccer Athletes Council. Her leadership extends beyond the field through her work with organizations like the Black Women's Player Collective and her role as the US youth representative for the FIFA United Bid Committee in 2018, where she helped secure hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this episode, Brianna shares her mission to dismantle structural and financial barriers in soccer, particularly for black and brown youth, while discussing her vision for creating accessible spaces for future generations of athletes. Her combination of professional athleticism, community leadership, and advocacy for equity in sports makes her insights valuable for both aspiring athletes and organizational leaders committed to creating positive social impact.

Resources:

• Brianna Pinto LinkedIn
• Pinto Futball Foundation Website
• NC Courage Website
• NWSL Players Association Website
• US Soccer Athletes Council Website
• Black Women's Player Collective Website
• WalkWest LinkedIn
• WalkWest Website

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• Leadership Rewired: Bridging the Gap with Gen Z

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.