"Nobody listened to our ideas, so we decided to take over the market." That fearless approach is how Cecilia Lihv went from cleaning houses as an immigrant to owning a European men's professional football club.

In this captivating conversation, Cecilia shares her extraordinary journey from the toxicity of Wall Street to becoming one of only five women in Europe who own professional men's soccer teams. When faced with resistance in a nonprofit soccer organization run by ego-driven board members who ignored her innovative proposals, Cecilia didn't just walk away—she built something better. Her youth club in Connecticut grew to nearly 1,000 children before COVID-19 forced a pivotal decision.

Rather than waiting out the pandemic, Cecilia sold everything, moved her children to Costa Rica, and established a professional soccer development center that thrived while American facilities remained closed. That bold move led to purchasing her first professional team and eventually taking ownership of a historic Romanian club dating back to 1921.

As Cecilia navigates the male-dominated European football world, she brings a refreshing perspective that combines business acumen with genuine care for player development. Her insights on gender inequality in sports are particularly powerful, questioning why the successful US women's national team receives a fraction of the resources given to the men's team.

Beyond sports, Cecilia speaks passionately about the immigrant experience, having arrived in America at 18 with two suitcases and worked as a nanny and cleaning lady before building her career. Her story is a masterclass in creating new paths when traditional ones are blocked and refusing to accept limitations placed by others.

Listen now and discover why sometimes the most effective way to break a glass ceiling isn't by shattering it—but by building something entirely new alongside it.

More about Cecilia:

Cecilia Lihv is a pioneering female entrepreneur making bold moves in the male-dominated world of professional football. She is the president and owner of a historic men’s football club in Europe, SoccerViza, where she’s leading a powerful revival both on and off the pitch. With over 25 years of experience building businesses across industries—from retail to real estate—she brings a fearless, results-driven mindset to everything she does.

Beyond the boardroom, she's a proud single mom raising three children, proving every day that strength, strategy, and heart go hand in hand. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and redefining the rules in sports and business.

www.soccerviza.com

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