In this episode of Racquet Fuel, which originally aired July 21st, 2023 - hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale continue the conversation with Chris Gale for the second part of the Gale brothers story. They discuss various broad topics such Prince Woodie, Ash Barty's cricket game and first jobs. They delve into the definition of leadership and the responsibilities that come with it, highlighting the importance of work-life balance. The conversation explores the differences between being a professional player and being a leader, strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, and the future of racquet sports and the role of a Director of Racquets. The secret sauce to success is revealed, and the episode concludes with a reflection on the blending of business and personal life in the tennis world.

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

(Original air date July 21st, 2023)

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, which originally aired July 14th, 2023, hosts Kim Bastable speaks with brothers Simon and Chris Gale. Originally from Perth, Australia they both have a unique pathway to becoming a Director of Racquet Sports: Chris at the River Oaks Country Club and Simon at the USTA National Campus. They share their “sliding door moment” that introduced them to having a career in tennis, the changes they’ve seen in the industry, and the power of mentorship. The episode kicks off a two-part series on developing leaders in the racquets industry and offers insights for directors and managers seeking to find a pathway to their career.

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

(Original air date: July 14th, 2023)

In this episode, Kim Bastable re-interviews Alejandra Suarez, one of the owners of North Texas Racquet Club, to discuss the leadership successes and challenges they have faced in their first summer of operation. They cover topics such as guided open play, organizing events, dealing with weather challenges, and staffing issues. Alejandra shares insights on how they have adapted and learned from these experiences, emphasizing the importance of research, teamwork, and member engagement. The conversation provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in the racquet sports industry.

Episode Highlights:

• What guided open play has done to provide a fun and competitive experience for players of all levels.
• Why researching local events and networking with other businesses in the area can help attract more customers
• How to be proactive when dealing with weather challenges
• What to do about finding and retaining front desk administrative staff when turnover is high - everywhere
• Why growth and success in the racquet sports industry requires ongoing adaptation, teamwork, and a focus on member satisfaction

Learn more about North Texas Racquet Club: A Triple Play Club (Tennis, Pickleball, Padel)

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Joe Curto, the owner of Yonkers Tennis Center in Westchester County, New York. Curto speaks about the highs and lows of of the last 37 years of Club ownership, providing insights into the past and present journey into the role, transitioning from the day-to-day to delegation, what it takes to be a good leader, the people who make the difference, and the importance of continuous growth.

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

(Original air date: Sept 13, 2023. Re-aired July 17, 2024)

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Jason Allen. He is the Program Director for the USTA’s exciting new two year university like apprenticeship program, aimed at cultivating both on-court and off-court management skills essential for a thriving career in the racquet sports industry. This innovative program, led by Simon and Jason, offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

They discuss the program's evolution in response to the popularity of new racquet sports like pickleball and padel, questioning whether traditional tennis backgrounds are imperative for leadership roles in these emerging disciplines. Catering to professionals at various career stages and aspirations, they share how this is a structured - yet flexible - apprenticeship.

Wonder who the ideal candidate for this program is? You’ll find out from them as well! This episode also covers the program's financial incentives, including compensation details and career progression pathways post-apprenticeship.

The USTA believes this program's role is powerful in fostering a new generation of adaptable and visionary racquet sports leaders.

Tune in to discover how this apprenticeship program is shaping the future of racquet sports management, blending academic rigor with real-world application to prepare leaders who will drive innovation and inclusivity across diverse sporting communities.

Applications are now open and you can learn more.
Still have questions? Email rsma@usta.com

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Craig Morris, the USTA's Chief Executive for Community Tennis. Morris provides updates and insights into the USTA's plans and initiatives for addressing challenges in the recruitment and hiring of leaders in the racquets industry. He also shares his personal journey from tennis player to coach and leadership development and offers mentorship advice for aspiring industry leaders.

Kim and Simon discuss Morris's strategies for developing leadership competencies, career opportunities for young tennis professionals, growth and retention strategies for the sport, and the USTA's role in complementary sports. Morris highlights the shortage of coaches in the tennis industry and the potential industry leaders who can help fill that gap, while discussing the USTA's support for local game development.

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

(Original air date: May 17, 2023. Re-aired June 12, 2024)

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale engage in conversation with veteran industry leader Chuck Gill. Together they explore how Chuck intentionally navigated his career, setting personal goals in his learning and development to enable him to reach career longevity and success in all of his roles. As someone who has worked as a Director in many types of racquets facilities, Chuck gives some insights into the nuances of leadership in the profession, offering valuable advice on marketing strategies and inclusive practices. But that’s not all – he also shares 3 insightful interview questions you MUST ask in an interview! Future leaders need to listen!

More episode highlights:

• How to build relationships and be a people person in the tennis industry
• What you can do to plan your career path
• Why being intentional developing business skills and understanding the industry early can lead to future success
• What it means to embrace challenges
• When to rely on HR for help
• How to support and empower your team

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Start with Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek
Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries by Safi Bachall

SEASON 4 SURVEY

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

Tracy Almeda-Singian, a former professional tennis player, is now the Senior Director of Sports Marketing at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. She shares her pivotal story about transitioning from a Head Professional and Director of Events at a tennis club to jumping into the corporate world of marketing. While in various roles she has learned many lessons about personal branding, social media, and networking. So why did she chose to leave tennis and how is she continuing to give back? You'll want to tune into this episode to find out.

More Episode Highlights

• How to live your find passion in your work life
• The pivotal moment she knew it was time to take a risk
• Why collaboration and teamwork is essential in any role you're in
• When to use social media to build your brand as a teaching pro
• How networking is crucial for career growth in the tennis industry
• Why learning never stops, especially as it relates to marketing trends
• How to embrace your identity beyond tennis and find fulfillment in other areas of life

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!