Explore every episode of the podcast The Pivotal Breakthrough Podcast With Angela Hucles Mangano

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela talks with Diana Cutaia, President & Founder of Coaching Peace, an organization she launched in 2012 to help schools, teams, companies, and national organizations build positive, safe cultures rooted in empathy, understanding, and leadership. Her work sits at the intersection of sport, education, equity, and human development. Before founding Coaching Peace, Diana’s coaching career includes leading women’s basketball programs at Curry College, Mount Holyoke College, and Norwalk Community College.

Angela is also the author of Protect Your Confidence. The power of confidence cannot be underestimated. Without confidence, pivots will pass you by. Without confidence, your breakthrough moments will not manifest. What would your life look like if confidence was your norm? What would your workplace culture look like if self-confidence, and confidence in your teammates, were unshakeable truths? Starting from this moment, what amazing things can happen in your life and your business, simply by choosing to trust yourself, and trust that your life is meant to work out for your good? Time for some vitamin ‘C,’ for confidence. 

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

Whenever 2 ‘Angelas’ get together, the conversation is fire! In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela talks with Angela Ruggiero, 4x Olympian, Olympic gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Famer, and one of the most decorated players in the history of women’s ice hockey. She won gold with Team USA at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, followed by silver medals in 2002 and 2010, and bronze in 2006. Beyond the ice, Angela has become a powerful leader in global sport, serving as President of the Women’s Sports Foundation and as a member of the International Olympic Committee. In this episode, Angela R. shares how she gave herself permission not be good at something, which released the pressure valve when she pivoted and tried something new. This perspective is especially helpful when you are transitioning from something you excel at to start a new beginning. The compounded lesson is also knowing when to step away; if you stay in one place in your career (or life) for too long, you could be missing the pivots that are trying to unlock your intended breakthroughs. Always keep moving!

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, “Angie” has an easy talk with her long-time friend, former teammate, and “little sister,” Lori Lindsey. Before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in soccer, Lori was a two-time ACC Player of the Year, (joining Mia Hamm as one of the only players to earn that ACC honor in consecutive years), a U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder who helped Team USA win gold at the 2012 London Olympics, and former professional soccer player with a career spanning more than a decade.

Listening to Lori should inspire each of us to tap into our inner athlete. No matter your vocation or industry, getting to the top 1% of your craft is all about putting in the practice reps that set you apart. There are no shortcuts, and when you love what you do, you don’t want them. Like Lori, become a ‘gimper’ for your craft. Be that person who strives to exceed by adding uncommon details and beauty to your deliverables.

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, “Ange” chats it up with Joanna Lohman, an author, leadership expert and performance strategist who helps individuals and teams lead authentically, while performing at high levels. Angela and Joanna were teammates on the US Women’s National Team. Joanna’s soccer accolades are seemingly too many to name; the award, however, that we want to shout out on this podcast is Joanna’s honor of being a 4x Academic All-American while at Penn State University.  (Thanks, Joanna for underlining the ‘student’ in student athlete!)

Listen as Joanna describes her breakthrough moment of attending the 1999 White House celebration after the Women’s World Cup which solidified her commitment to being a professional athlete. This was a true, ‘if you can see it, you can be it’ moment. We ask our TPB listeners to consider 2 things in tandem with this episode:

1) What people/places/situations are you seeing every day that are presented to remind you of your purpose and greatness?

2) How are you positioning yourself to be seen and serve as a guide post for others’ breakthrough moments?

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela shares the mic with Valerie Holland, Director of Team Environment for the Houston Dynamo Football Club. (What a cool job title!) Valerie welcomes new players to the club, and supports them throughout their tenure with the organization.

In some respects, she is a unicorn in the sports industry having a 12-year tenure with the club, holding multiple roles, and coming from a non-sports background. Val gives voice to the fact that a job in sports operations is not as ‘sexy’ as it looks. When she started, she had to learn her role on her own, so she gave herself a timeline to see if this is something she really wanted to do. Thankfully, she stayed, and along the way, created multiple careers for herself within the club, maximizing her passion for outreach to youth in the community. Val has not scored 1 goal for the team on the pitch, but to so many in our community, she is the person we think of when we think of the Dynamo/Dash. You are a difference-maker, Val!

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela has a powerful discussion with Yael Averbuch West, General Manager & Head of Soccer Operations for NJ/NY Gotham FC. Yael is a highly acclaimed college soccer star from the University of North Carolina (Go Tarheels!) who is on the books for scoring the fastest goal to start a game in college soccer history. Post college, Yael continued her successful soccer career with the US Women’s National Team. Yeal captures a truth that many of us rarely discuss. It’s easy to get to great, but once you are there, the real climb is how to optimize and continue to get better. The ascent to greatness may have individualized ingredients, but for Yael it has consisted of speed, openness to feedback, and spotting the easy wins that will help you build momentum.

The Pivotal Breakthrough Podcast with Angela Hucles Mangano brings clarity, unique perspectives, and uncommon access to the people making the decisions shaping women’s sports—while normalizing the idea that growth often comes through transition. This podcast pulls back the curtain on how careers are built, how leadership decisions are made, and how individuals navigate pivotal moments—both professionally and personally.

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela talks shop with Jeff Agoos, American soccer legend, 5x MLS Champion, fellow UVA Cavalier, and current President & General Manager for the Portland Thorns FC. Jeff’s vibrant, successful playing career did not make his pivot to life after sports any easier but he is committed to being a way maker for those pursuing careers in US soccer. As a #girldad and advocate for women in the sport, Jeff espouses the great career and growth opportunities in the NWSL. Jeff reminds us to honor the past, live in the present, and clearly define the legacy you want to leave.

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela sits down with Jessie Vilkofsky, Director of Soccer Operations and Player Experience for the Houston Dash.

As you listen to Jessie, you wonder if she operates on a 34-hour day! Jessie exemplifies the hard work and discipline that are needed to manifest breakthrough moments. From playing professional soccer in Poland, to managing smoothie shops, to being her own agent, and sleeping in her own car…Jessie does not quit, ever! She reminds us that routine and discipline are forms of selfcare. Jessie, we see your strength and confidence, and we embrace your big, caring heart. You make all who interact with you want to do and be better.

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

The Pivotal Breakthrough Podcast with Angela Hucles Mangano brings clarity, unique perspectives, and uncommon access to the people making the decisions shaping women’s sports—while normalizing the idea that growth often comes through transition. This podcast pulls back the curtain on how careers are built, how leadership decisions are made, and how individuals navigate pivotal moments—both professionally and personally. 

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela chats it up with Jason Lowe, Assistant GM for the Houston Dash. Jason’s career journey through business and sports has been one with intentional and unintentional pivots. He shows us that if you flex your ‘pivot muscle’ by creating your own changes, you are more adept at handling the changes that life is going to bring your way. An added plus to the conversation with Jason, is his ability to marry tactics and strategy; he provides practical insights on how to best prepare for your next step, helping us to not only focus on the what, but also the how. Hats off to Jason for being such a good sport about having this very transparent conversation with his boss! And shout out to Jason’s brother for being a great support system. We love it when our siblings transform into our super heros.

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

The Pivotal Breakthrough Podcast with Angela Hucles Mangano brings clarity, unique perspectives, and uncommon access to the people making the decisions shaping women’s sports—while normalizing the idea that growth often comes through transition. This podcast pulls back the curtain on how careers are built, how leadership decisions are made, and how individuals navigate pivotal moments—both professionally and personally. 

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela catches up with Tim Howard, a heralded former professional soccer player known by many fans as the “Secretary of Defense,” who is now a minority owner for the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash. Listening to Angela and Tim is like listening to longtime friends meeting for coffee. They have a shared passion for the sport and for and cultivating a stronger soccer culture within the Houston community. In their discussion, Tim reminds us to do it afraid. He says your ‘moments’ will come. You have to be ready and recognize them when you see them. We rarely get do-overs, so you have to embrace them when they happen. Early in the episode, Tim also explains the difference between self-confidence and self-belief. Tim’s powerful insights will have you reflecting on how you can dig in and maximize your next pivot when it comes…because it will come! 

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

The Pivotal Breakthrough Podcast with Angela Hucles Mangano brings clarity, unique perspectives, and uncommon access to the people making the decisions shaping women’s sports—while normalizing the idea that growth often comes through transition. This podcast pulls back the curtain on how careers are built, how leadership decisions are made, and how individuals navigate pivotal moments—both professionally and personally. 

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela sits down with Syd Harris, Senior Director of Marketing for the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash. If you are a fan of the Houston-based soccer clubs, Syd’s work has contributed to your fandom. Syd has an impressive career trajectory spanning football and futball, infused with leading-edge digital and creative influences, focused on driving high levels of fan engagement. One of Syd’s superpowers is her natural ability to connect and invest in relationships. She is intentional about amplifying others' voices. Syd reminds us to lean into what we love. She is thriving in her sports-focused career, and remains a committed athlete with a passion for flag football…covering all of the ‘footballs.’

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

The Pivotal Breakthrough Podcast with Angela Hucles Mangano brings clarity, unique perspectives, and uncommon access to the people making the decisions shaping women’s sports—while normalizing the idea that growth often comes through transition. This podcast pulls back the curtain on how careers are built, how leadership decisions are made, and how individuals navigate pivotal moments—both professionally and personally. 

In this ‘breakthrough’ conversation, Angela sits down with Vanessa Scott, CFO/COO of the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash. Listen as these two self-proclaimed introverts discuss key pivots that disrupted the trajectory of Vanessa’s career. One such pivot was caused by a natural disaster, but Vanessa made subtle, yet brave, adjustments that brought her to a better place…probably the place that was intended for her all along. Vanessa is a true servant leader who takes pride in how her department provides services and support to all of the employees in the club. Most importantly, Vanessa serves and invests in herself and continues to face changes head-on to become a better leader and a better person. We know the best for Vanessa is still yet to come! 

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.

The Pivotal Breakthrough Podcast with Angela Hucles Mangano brings clarity, unique perspectives, and uncommon access to the people making the decisions shaping women’s sports—while normalizing the idea that growth often comes through transition. This podcast pulls back the curtain on how careers are built, how leadership decisions are made, and how individuals navigate pivotal moments—both professionally and personally. 

In the first ‘breakthrough’ conversation, the tables are turned as Angela sits down with Keisha Nicole and Yvonne Harris to discuss her ‘why & why now’ for this podcast. In a fun way, we learn more about Angela (the athlete) and Angela (the business leader). Angela’s graceful, smart, and concise communication style further complements her willingness to give it to us straight and direct. If this intro episode is any indication, Angela is going to take us on a wonderful ride.  Let’s buckle up!

Keisa Nicole is a game-changer in the entertainment industry who parlays her talents with her love for sports. Keisha started in radio as an intern in LA, then worked her way up in the business by way of Louisville and Indianapolis, until Houston was blessed to have her anchor extremely popular radio morning and midday shows.  Outside of work, Keisha Nicole is always giving to the community, including speaking to young women and students desire business advice.  When Keisha learned that Angela was starting a podcast, she jumped at the chance to support the launch. Great women, support great women!

Pivots are not detours; they are the breakthroughs needed to expand the path forward. Consume this podcast wherever you get yours, and connect with Angela across social channels. Share your breakthrough moments that may give someone else the courage to pivot. Thank you for being here.