Racquet Fuel

In this episode, Simon Gale and Kim Bastable recap highlights from the first two seasons of the Racquet Fuel podcast. They discuss the challenges of attracting young people to the racquets industry and the evolving  and quite complicated landscape of racquet sports. They also explore the importance of mentoring and growing others, as well as the need to delegate and empower team members. The conversation touches on the shift from play to programming in tennis and the influence of pickleball and Padel on tennis programming. Stay tuned to the end to find out what to expect for Season 3 – with a new episode publishing each week in April and May.Episode Highlights:The racquets industry needs to do a better job of attracting young people and promoting tennis and racquet sports coaching and leadership as a viable career option.The role of a Racquets Director is evolving, with a focus on leadership and managing multiple racquet sports.Mentoring and growing others is an important aspect of leadership in the tennis industry. People inside the industry are responsible for growing the next generation of coaches.Delegating and empowering team members is a skill that leaders need to develop and one that's often hard for tennis players, especially, since it's a very individual sport where players learn to rely only on themselves.There is a need for play-based pathways in tennis programming, with a focus on providing a positive experiences for players, even beginning players.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 have a conversation with respected USTA Head Pro, Rita Gladstone, who shares about the challenges and joys of working in the racquets industry as a female AND a mom. Since only 20% of the professionals in racquet sports are female, the questions are WHY and WHAT can be done about it? Rita helps us highlight how females can balance a successful career and being a mother, and we discuss how leaders can positively inspire and manage females. If you're wanting to know how you can better empower females in the industry, or if you're struggling to balance work and life as a mother, you're going to want to tune in to this episode.Highlights:1:58- Gender balance in tennis coaching with a successful female coach9:03 - Effective leadership and utilizing employees' strengths10:55 - Leadership and identifying strengths in a tennis program12:05 - Developing coaches 14:32- Gender roles in coaching and industry growth20:26 - Balancing work and family life as a tennis coach21:57 - Career development for female professionals in the industry23:47 - Gender disparity in tennis coaching and solutions to increase female representationLooking 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 have a conversation about the energy behind padel with expert Marcos del Pilar. They discuss how this new racquet sport differs in the United States and Europe and his path for bringing it from Spain to the USTA National Campus where it's become immensely popular. If you're wanting to know how your racquets facility can build and monetize a new racquet sport, you're going to want to tune in to this episode.Highlights:1:44 - The impact of Padel in the US7:28 - Challenges in growing pickleball 12:09- Launching a new racquet sport program and business model 17:06 - Customer experience and monetization strategies for racquet sports facilities22:53- Crossover between tennis and pickleball21:18- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro24:55 - Leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges27:40 - Attracting new customers and optimizing existing programs at a tennis facilityLooking 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 have a conversation with Dr. Jack Groppel, a researcher, professor, and authority on the science of human performance. They address a number of topics around how we all need to manage our energy for top performance at work within the demanding industry of racquet sports. Jack is an expert on this challenge.Jack, Kim, and Simon will also touch on the topics of how we, as leaders in racquet sports, can become better than we currently are, and how networking has the possibility to change your life and your career. 1:46 - Becoming literate in life and personal growth7:28 - Career path from tennis coach to corporate athlete11:26 - Work demands and expectation in the tennis industry15:22 - Leadership, funding, and growth in the fitness industry17:20- Work-life balance, leadership, and personal growth21:18- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro24:55 - Leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challengesLooking 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 continue their conversation with Len Simard, Search and Consulting Executive with Kopplin, Kuebler, & Wallace. Len annually manages the searches for hundreds of leadership positions and clubs around the US, specializing in Directors of Racquet Sports searches, so he knows what it takes to succeed in the role. Len, Kim, and Simon discuss the evolution of the role of Director of Racquet Sports, how you can engage members in racquet sports at country clubs, and the impact tennis professionals have on the lives of the people they interact with every day. The episode ends in conversation about the impact of tennis pros on young people and the industry.1:11 - Evolving role of Director of Racquet Sports5:25 - Engaging members in racquet sports at Country Clubs11:00 - Attracting Next Gen to tennis industry despite potential loss of veteran pros15:51 - The impact of tennis professionals on members' lives and the importance of a work-life balance.21:49 The impact of tennis pros on young people in the industryLooking 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 2 part episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Len Simard, Search and Consulting Executive with Kopplin, Kuebler, and Wallace. Len annually manages the searches for hundreds of leadership positions and clubs around the US, specializing in Directors of Racquet Sports searches, so he knows what it takes to succeed in the role. He shares information about the evolution of search firms in the country club industry, some secrets to hiring and consulting for racquet sports departments, and leadership and staffing, and more.00:16 - The evolution of search firms in the country club industry2:42 - Hiring and consulting for racquet sports departments5:18 - Racquet sports club director roles and responsibilities10:02- Becoming a Director of Racquets at a private member equity club12:41 - Leadership development and staffing for country clubs14:44 - Transitioning to a Director of Racquets role20:48: Leadership and skills for club managersLooking 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 respected industry consultant and UF-DORS adjunct professor Doug Cash about compensation. This is a vital topic for employees and employers, as Compensation packages dictate employee behavior, and payroll is the largest cost on most club budgets. This includes discussion around Pro pay, pricing strategies, health insurance, and what it means to be a full-time professional. 00:19 - Tennis industry compensation with expert insights13:35 - Instructor compensation and pricing strategies18:11 - Tennis Pro Pay and experience requirements19:35 - Tennis industry compensation and benefits27:08 - Health insurance options for small businesses in the tennis industry28:48 - Tennis teaching hours, pickleball growth, and club needs32:39: Tennis industry trends and pro pay36:43 - Tennis interest and participation the USLooking 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 Ajay Pant, Vice President of Racquet Sports for Life Time. Using data to support the decision to make a major move into pickleball, Ajay speaks about the strategy behind how they became the industries largest indoor provider of tennis AND pickleball by a factor of 10 and it and it's worked out of them. He also discusses his take on tennis, and what his predictions are for the future of clubs across the country. 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!

In the final episode of Racquet Fuel Season 1, 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!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, 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!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale continue their conversation with Dr. Tim Elmore; a thought leader, author, and researcher, founder of the non-profit Growing Leaders. Elmore shares about the social media battle between generations that brought him to write his newest book, “A New Kind of Diversity.” Simon and Kim provide Tim with some racquets-industry challenges regarding age diversity in the workplace, and Tim gives tangible tools and tactics we can all use to inspire team cultures and motivate workers from all generations. The episode wraps up a two-part series that offers insights for directors and managers faced with the need to bridge the gap between generations.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!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Dr. Tim Elmore: a thought leader, author, and founder of the non-profit, Growing Leaders. Elmore shares about the social media battle between generations that brought him to write his newest book, “A New Kind of Diversity." He discusses the generational gap of “kids these days” and where it really started, and how we need to be working together to collaborate instead of collide. Further, Elmore gives advice on how we, as leaders, can be better and bridging the gap by following the “A LEG we need to stand on” acronym. The episode kicks off a two-part series on developing leaders in the racquets industry and offers insights for directors and managers seeking to bridge the gap between generations.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!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale welcome back Allistair McCaw, a renowned author and consultant in leadership and sports performance. They delve into the importance of experience, variety, and learning from different positions in one's journey to becoming a high performer. McCaw emphasizes the significance of defining and creating a culture of excellence, and shares insights on how to attract the right people who align with that culture. Kim and Simon also discuss with McCaw the value of asking questions, seeking guidance, and learning from experienced leaders in order to grow and develop as a leader. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of leadership, the need for a diverse and empowered team, and the upcoming generational shift in the industry.Allistair highlights the positive aspects of the new generation, such as their willingness to collaborate and work in a team environment. However, he stresses the importance of experienced leaders passing on their knowledge and experiences to ensure a smooth transition and to stay relevant in a changing landscape.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!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with leadership and mindset coach, Allistair McCaw. McCaw shares his experiences working with Olympic Gold Medalists, Fortune 500 companies, and Formula One teams. Further, he discusses the importance of vision, purpose, trust, and culture in leadership. McCaw recounts his extensive experiences as a youth tennis player and his mindset change into professional coaching, teaching, and writing. The episode kicks off a two-part series on developing leaders in the racquets industry and offers insights for directors and managers seeking to bring teams together.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!

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!

In its inaugural episode, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale launch Racquet Fuel, which examines powerful topics relevant to leadership in the racquets industry. In this episode, Simon and Kim talk about the shift to healthier lifestyles for professionals in the racquet industry. Simon further shares his passion for developing coaches and details his journey to becoming Director of Racquet Sports at USTA National Campus. In becoming racquet leaders, Kim and Simon both address industry issues such as burnout and diversity challenges, career development, and compensation improvements. The hosts explore managing racquet professionals' schedules with the goal of growing leadership in the industry.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!