Megan Linke: Empowering Families and Future Stars Through Soccer and Storytelling
From a young age, Megan Linke learned that true leadership begins with authenticity and a deep commitment to community. As a mother and founder of The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, Megan’s journey has always been guided by her faith in the power of trust, connection, and curiosity, both on and off the field. Her conviction shines through in the way she builds her company: making space for fun, shared laughter, and creative energy, while never losing sight of the importance of supporting others.
When Megan and her son Liam first captured hearts with their “twinning” moments, matching outfits and playful lifestyle posts, she realized the joy that comes from showing up as one’s genuine self. This belief in embracing life’s little joys grew into the core ethos of her brand, attracting audiences and collaborators who share her values of mutual respect and uplifting others.
Megan’s background in medical device sales gave her a rock-solid foundation in business and communication, equipping her with the determination to pursue what matters most: building platforms that help others grow and inspiring her community through stories. She brings the same empathy and dedication to animal advocacy and rescue work, which grounds her vision and keeps her connected to what truly matters.
From Soccer Fields to Rescue Shelters
For Megan, leadership is more than a title or a role, it’s a way of living. Through her every project, podcast, and soccer session, Megan radiates the unwavering conviction that how we show up, whether for our families, our teams, or our animal friends, can truly change lives.
Inside the workplace, Megan thrives on collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. Highly organized and driven, she also values flexibility and humor, making her a dynamic team player. Known for her creativity and people-focused approach, Megan places great importance on clear communication and meaningful collaboration. Whether she’s hosting a podcast, managing a project, or forging connections within the soccer community, she brings energy, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to every endeavor. Megan takes initiative while also listening deeply, always striving to elevate those around her and spotlight inspiring stories.
Outside of work, Megan is a proud soccer mom, devoted animal lover, and passionate traveler. Supporting her son’s soccer journey is a central part of her life and inspired her to create a platform to share the experiences of players and coaches. Deeply involved in animal advocacy and rescue, Megan finds this work grounding and fulfilling. Her love of travel fuels her open-mindedness and continuous desire for growth, keeping her inspired and eager to learn from the world.
Climbing the Path Together
The inception of The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me traces back to Megan’s personal journey as a soccer mom alongside her son, Liam, who has been progressing through the New York Red Bulls Academy. As they navigated the intricate world of youth soccer, Megan noticed the many uncertainties and questions faced by fellow parents and young athletes eager to understand the path to becoming a professional player.
What began as informal conversations with other parents and coaches soon evolved into a deeper mission. Megan developed a genuine passion for unpacking what it truly takes to climb the “soccer ladder,” motivating her to create a platform where families could gain firsthand insights from those who have experienced the journey, professional players, coaches, scouts, and leaders from every level of the game.
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me became more than just a podcast; it’s now a trusted resource for any family traversing the often confusing landscape of youth soccer. Each episode offers authentic stories, candid challenges, and actionable advice from insiders who know the system intimately. Megan infuses every discussion with honesty, humor, and heart, making the journey accessible and relatable for her audience.
Central to Megan’s success has been her remarkable ability to build genuine, lasting relationships and quickly adapt to new challenges. Whether she was excelling in medical device sales or establishing a vibrant brand through social media collaborations, Megan’s leadership has always been anchored in authenticity, work ethic, and resilience. She’s never hesitated to pivot, experiment, and learn on the go a trait that continues to shape and energize The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me.
Guiding Families Through the Soccer Journey with Trust and Insight
Megan values deep connection, unwavering integrity, and vibrant creativity, qualities that inform both her personal life and her work. Relationships and a clear sense of purpose drive her, with family and motherhood at the heart of her every endeavor. Megan’s passion for nurturing growth in others is what fuels her love for sharing real stories and creating platforms that inspire and uplift.
Authenticity, Family, and Real Stories
At The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, company culture is anchored in transparency, collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose. The belief is simple: when people understand the “why” behind their work and know their contributions matter, they become genuinely invested in the journey. This mindset shapes every aspect of the platform and mirrors the values Megan and her son, Liam, live by.
Megan champions a culture built by example, prioritizing open communication, lifelong learning, and mutual respect for everyone involved, from behind-the-scenes production partners to the professional athletes and young players featured. Importantly, she creates intentional space for fun and creativity; a spirit fueled by a genuine love of soccer and this enthusiasm is evident in every project The Soccer Ladder undertakes.
Family and integrity are at the heart of everything. The platform is a reflection of shared values: supporting one another, listening to instincts, and uplifting those around them, whether on the field or behind the mic. Having Liam co-host is not just a creative choice, but the soul of the show. Together, Megan and Liam bridge the gap between parent and child perspectives. Liam brings the questions only a young player might ask, infusing each episode with honesty, relatability, and kid-focused curiosity, making the content resonate equally with young listeners and their families. This collaborative approach deepens their bond and demonstrates that pursuing big dreams in soccer or any endeavor can be a shared, joyful experience.
Building Success Through Teamwork and Shared Passion
While individual brilliance may capture the spotlight in isolated moments, Megan believes true and lasting success whether on the soccer field or in business depends on robust systems, defined roles, and genuine teamwork. At The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, she has witnessed firsthand that relying on one star performer isn’t sustainable; real achievement comes when everyone understands the strategy and collaborates to bring it to life.
As the founder of The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, Megan takes on a multifaceted leadership role. She is responsible for guest outreach and conducting interviews, building and managing strategic partnerships, and overseeing the broader content strategy to ensure every episode aligns with the company’s mission to guide young players and families along the complex path to professional soccer. She works closely with the Li & Me in NYC team and their studio collaborators, coordinating editing, marketing, and social media, all to keep the podcast innovative, growing, and relevant.
Yet, beyond these many responsibilities, what brings Megan the greatest happiness each day is the shared creative journey with her son, Liam. Whether brainstorming fresh podcast concepts, recording episodes together, or reviewing content, Megan finds deep fulfillment in building something meaningful side by side with Liam combining their passion for soccer and storytelling to inspire and uplift their audience.
Leading with Heart, Humility, and Purpose
Here’s what Megan has learned about leadership both on the field and off—through building Li & Me in NYC, The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, and working alongside inspiring athletes, creators, and partners:
- Lead by example. Whether it’s a podcast taping, brand shoot, or training session, how you show up sets the tone for everyone. Consistency and authenticity matter.
- Listen before you lead. From NYC studios to the soccer sidelines, taking time to truly understand those around you makes all the difference. Great leadership starts with empathy and active listening.
- Clarity is kindness. Offering clear direction helps your team (or even a 12-year-old co-host!) feel confident and capable, enabling everyone to thrive in their roles.
- You don’t need all the answers. The strongest leaders are curious and humble—they ask questions, seek input, and embrace learning as they go.
- Celebrate your people. Recognize every win, large or small, and make sure your team feels acknowledged and valued.
Ultimately, Megan believes leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up each day with true heart, unwavering consistency, and a clear sense of purpose
