Rising Stars: Meet Kristina Ogden of Fort Collins, CO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Ogden.

Hi Kristina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in finance and accounting, helping businesses grow from the ground up, some from the idea stage all the way to $30 million in revenue. I’ve worked with startups, large corporations, real estate developers, and investors. Numbers, structure, strategy, that world came naturally to me, and I loved being a part of other people’s growth stories.

But outside of that, my heart has always been in fitness, especially jiu-jitsu. It started as a hobby, but it became something so much deeper. Jiu-jitsu pulled me through some of the hardest chapters of my life. It gave me discipline, community, and healing when I needed it most.

Eventually, it just made sense to bring both sides of myself together. That’s how Mat Wars Promotions was born. It’s where I get to use all my business experience while building something rooted in passion and purpose. I get to work in a space I love, invest in a community that changed my life, and help others find strength, on and off the mats.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I don’t think anything meaningful ever is. On the surface, I had a stable career in finance, but internally, I was struggling with purpose. I knew I was good at what I did, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. Making the shift into something more aligned with my passions wasn’t easy, it meant walking away from comfort, questioning my identity, and stepping into the unknown.

Starting Mat Wars Promotions brought its own set of challenges. Merging two very different worlds, business and combat sports. This required a ton of learning, adapting, and trusting my gut when there wasn’t always a clear path. I’ve had to navigate burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure of building something from scratch while trying to stay true to the heart behind it.

But those hard moments shaped me. They reminded me why I’m doing this, to create something real, something that serves people and builds community. Every obstacle forced growth, and every setback made the wins that much more meaningful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m a builder…a builder of businesses, of people, of community. Through Mat Wars Promotions, I create platforms for athletes to showcase their skills and for the jiu-jitsu community to come together in a way that feels elevated, exciting, and deeply rooted in respect for the sport.

What makes my work unique is the combination of high-level business strategy and real, lived experience in the jiu-jitsu world. I don’t just love the sport, I I live and breathe it. And I aim to bring a level of operational excellence and long-term vision that helps take events, partnerships, and brand experiences to the next level. From designing event formats to managing finances and marketing, I’m building a system that’s both passionate and professional.

I’m most proud of the culture thats developing from our influence. one that honors grit, growth, and community. Mat Wars isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement that gives back to the people who show up day after day, on the mats and in life. What sets me apart is that I don’t just want to win, I want to leave a legacy, and help others do the same.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to take away, it’s that it’s never too late to bet on yourself. The path might not look traditional, and it probably won’t be linear, but if something keeps calling you, listen to it.

Mat Wars Promotions was born out of passion, purpose, and a whole lot of risk. But it’s proof that you can take all the different parts of your life, your skills, your struggles, your passions and turn them into something powerful and meaningful.

I’m so grateful for the community that’s supported this journey and for the opportunity to give back through the sport that’s given me so much. Whether you’re a fellow athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to figure it all out, I hope my story reminds you that you’re allowed to evolve, to pivot, and to build something entirely your own.

We’re always looking for sponsors and vendors who align with our mission to grow and elevate the jiu-jitsu community, so if that’s you, we’d love to connect.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Mat_wars_promotions
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@matwarspromotions?feature=shared