E24: Winning Every Moment: Inside Project 1440 with Kerri Walsh Jennings and Ashley Dean-Gulbranson
This week on City Limitless® podcast, we sit down with three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings and Ashley Dean-Gulbranson, CEO of Project 1440 and the p1440 Foundation. Together, they share how purpose, resilience and leadership guide their journeys from the sand courts to building a movement that empowers athletes and communities. From “winning the moment” to creating opportunities that extend far beyond sports, Kerri and Ashley open up about legacy, growth and the values they carry into family life. Their conversation highlights how Mesa and Arizona Athletic Grounds have become the backdrop for a bold vision of connection and impact.
"The journey to greatness is lonely and it’s hard, and it’s supposed to be." - Kerri Walsh Jennings
Kerri Walsh Jennings needs little introduction. With a career spanning more than two decades at the highest levels of competition, she has become one of the most iconic athletes in Olympic history. Yet what stands out most today is not just her athletic triumphs but also her ongoing transformation from elite competitor to founder, mentor and change-maker. As she reflects in our conversation, purpose has become her compass, guiding her from the intensity of the Olympic stage to her current mission of empowering others to “win the moment” in everyday life.
At the center of that mission is Project 1440, a program rooted in the belief that every day gives us 1,440 minutes and each one of them matters. For Kerri, this philosophy grew out of pivotal moments in her personal and professional life - times of both triumph and challenge that reshaped the way she leads, serves and shows up for others. Through Project 1440, she now shares these lessons with athletes, families and communities, proving that success begins with alignment of mind, body and spirit.
Alongside her is Ashley Dean Gulbranson, who, as CEO, has been the driving force behind Project 1440’s expansion. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach to communities across the country. Ashley’s vision is clear: to create opportunities that stretch well outside the volleyball court. For her, Mesa and Arizona Athletic Grounds stood out as the perfect home for this movement. With 280 acres of world-class facilities and a vibrant local culture rooted in sports, Mesa provides the ideal foundation to grow a program designed to inspire athletes and empower future leaders.
Together, Kerri and Ashley speak openly about what it means to build something that transcends sport. From mindfulness and mental performance training to community engagement and leadership development, Project 1440 is about preparing people to thrive in every arena of life. They also acknowledge how their work influences the way they approach life at home, drawing parallels between guiding athletes and raising their own children. In many ways, the lessons they teach through Project 1440—resilience, balance and growth—are the same principles they carry into their own families.
Looking ahead, both leaders share a bold vision for Project 1440’s future. They see a movement that could one day become a global standard for holistic athlete development, built on the belief that every moment is an opportunity to grow. For Mesa, that means more than simply hosting events. It means nurturing a culture of resilience, connection and community pride right here at Arizona Athletic Grounds.
After this inspiring conversation with Kerri and Ashley, one thing is clear: Mesa is not only home to world-class facilities but also to the kind of visionary leadership that changes lives. Our thanks to Kerri Walsh Jennings and Ashley Dean Gulbranson for sharing their powerful stories and commitment to building something lasting. Be sure to check out our full interview on the City Limitless®. You will not want to miss it!