What happens when a key person on your team tells you they’re leaving—and you're the one who has to figure out what comes next?
In this episode of the Racquet Fuel Podcast, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale explore the emotional and operational challenges that come with losing top talent. Simon shares his real-time experience managing the departure of a trusted team leader and walks through the decisions, reflections, and strategies he's using to guide his team through a critical transition.
From the first gut reaction to the long game of hiring right, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how strong leaders respond to sudden change—with clarity, care, and a willingness to reimagine what the team needs next.
By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How to navigate the emotional weight of losing key personnel
✅ Why clear communication with staff is essential during transitions
✅ The importance of re-evaluating job roles instead of copy-pasting old ones
✅ How external perspectives and internal feedback shape a better hiring process
✅ Why rushing the hire can hurt more than waiting
✅ How delegation, collaboration, and culture protect teams during leadership gaps
✅ How change becomes a chance to reflect, grow, and build something better
Whether you’re facing this challenge now or preparing for it in the future, this episode is a practical and honest look at leadership in action.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to manage change without losing momentum - AND for a $40 off code for the NEW Personal Branding for Racquet Sports Professionals Course!
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!
What does it take to thrive as a young professional in the racquet sports industry, and how can today’s leaders support that journey?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Kyle Pipkin, a recent graduate of Hope College’s Racquet Sports Management program, to explore the early-career experiences shaping the future of tennis leadership. From internships and on-court grind to conferences and career crossroads, Kyle offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what young coaches face as they enter the industry... and what they need to stay in it.
He shares his personal path from a public tennis center in Texas to becoming assistant director of the RSM program at Hope College, and challenges the industry to look beyond hourly tasks and toward long-term development, mentorship, and meaning.
By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why the right mentor (or the lack of one) can launch or derail a young coach’s entire career trajectory
✅ The real tension between generations in tennis... and what no one’s saying out loud
✅ Why showing up, shaking hands, and being seen matters more to young pros than another bullet-pointed presentation
✅ How to turn “just the new guy” into someone who feels like they belong and have a future
✅ The one thing that keeps Kyle up at night as he steps into leadership: what if they leave because of me?
Whether you’re a seasoned director, a young pro just starting out, or someone looking to strengthen team culture, this episode is a must-listen. Kyle’s insights challenge us to be more curious, more intentional, and more invested in developing the next generation of leaders in racquet sports.
Connect with KYLE PIPKIN on LinkedIn
HOPE College Professional Racquet Sports Management
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!
What does it take to land your first Director of Racquet Sports job - and lead with confidence once you do?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Michael Pereira, who shares his honest, inspiring journey from teaching pro to facility leader.
Michael walks us through the hard truths of chasing your first director role - from 23 job rejections to launching his own business managing a city tennis center. Along the way, he shares how earning his Director of Racquet Sports Certificate and Master’s in Sport Management from the University of Florida prepared him not only to get the job, but to succeed in it.
Now nearly a year into leading Querbes Tennis Center in Shreveport, LA, Michael reflects on the challenges of managing people, building systems, and learning that leadership isn’t about getting off the court - it’s about stepping up in new ways.
By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why getting hired as a first-time director is harder - and more rewarding - than it looks
✅ What it means to lead a team, not just run a program
✅ How Michael used mentorship, networking, and education to break into leadership
✅ Why your resume gets you in the door- but relationships close the deal
✅ The key mindset shifts from coaching players to managing staff
✅ Why directors need systems, not just vision - and how Michael built his from the ground up
✅ What leadership really looks like when you’re working 60–70 hours a week and still excited to show up
Whether you're an aspiring director, a hiring manager, or someone in the middle of the transition from court to office, this episode is a must-listen.
Listen now and hear how one coach turned “no” into “now,” and is building something he’s proud of: one system, one hire, and one clay court at a time.
Connect with Michael Pereira on LinkedIn
Connect with Kim Bastable on LinkedIn
Connect with Simon Gale on LinkedIn
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!
What does it take to leave a successful career in club leadership and launch into consulting? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with longtime industry leader Ajay Pant to explore his recent transition into the world of racquet sports consulting.
Ajay shares what prompted the shift, how his consulting practice works, and what clubs should know before bringing in a consultant. From system gaps and professional development needs to the future of industry leadership, Ajay offers an honest and practical look at what it takes to support long-term success in racquet sports.
By the end of this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you’re a club owner, director, or aspiring leader, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the consulting side of the industry - and how to create stronger, more sustainable businesses.
Connect with Ajay Pant on LinkedIn and for consulting opportunities on his website!
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!
How does someone go from directing films in Hollywood to directing racquet sports at a country club? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Bryan Fox, Director of Racquet Sports at Lakeshore Country Club, to explore his fascinating journey from the entertainment industry to the world of tennis.
Bryan shares what pulled him away from Hollywood and into racquet sports, how his background in storytelling and performance fuels his creativity as a director, and why human connection is at the core of everything he does. With insights on career reinvention, creative programming, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, this episode is an inspiring listen for anyone building a meaningful career in racquet sports.
By the end of this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why Bryan left a successful Hollywood career to pursue deeper fulfillment in tennis
✅ How creativity and storytelling can enhance member engagement and programming
✅ Why human connection (not technique) is the foundation of great coaching and leadership
✅ How to embrace innovation with new sports like Padel and Pickleball
✅ What it means to build a long-term, sustainable career in racquet sports
✅ Why taking risks and learning from failure is essential for personal and professional growth
✅ The importance of building community on your team, with your players, and in your club
✅ How creative events like “Pops & Paddle” and junior “World Tour” camps create lasting impact
Whether you're a coach, aspiring director, or longtime leader, this episode will remind you that your background is an asset, and that fulfillment often comes from going back to what you loved in the first place.
Listen now to hear how Bryan Fox brought a Hollywood mindset to racquet sports... and why he’s never looked back.
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!
What does it take to preserve and grow tennis facilities in today’s ever-changing landscape? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Mary Buschmann, Executive Director of USTA Missouri Valley, to explore the challenges and opportunities of managing public tennis facilities, engaging local communities, and ensuring long-term success.
Mary shares the fascinating story behind the Plaza Tennis Center, a 100-year-old facility in Kansas City that USTA Missouri Valley took over to prevent its closure. From navigating parks department partnerships to rethinking how success is measured, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in tennis leadership.
By the end of this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why community engagement is the key to a thriving tennis facility
✅ How USTA Missouri Valley stepped in to save the Plaza Tennis Center
✅ The importance of measuring success by court utilization, not just profit
✅ The biggest leadership lessons from Mary’s 20-year career in tennis
✅ Why creative programming (like day camps, corporate play, and red-ball tennis ) is essential for growth
✅ The challenge of finding and developing talent in the racquet sports industry
✅ Why strong partnerships with parks departments make or break public facilities
✅ How USTA’s commitment to infrastructure improvements is shaping the future of tennis
Listen now to gain valuable insights on leadership, community impact, and the evolving role of tennis facilities!
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!
Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future - it’s already here, shaping the way we work, coach, and lead. But how is AI impacting the racquet sports industry, and what does that mean for coaches, directors, and business leaders?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale dive into the rapid evolution of AI, discussing how it’s already transforming their workflows and what’s coming next. From coaching tools to club management efficiencies, they explore both the opportunities and ethical considerations AI brings to the industry.
By the end of this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why AI has been part of our lives longer than we realize (and how it’s expanding)
✅ How tools like ChatGPT and AI-powered video analysis are revolutionizing education and coaching
✅ The biggest time-saving applications for AI in club leadership and operations
✅ Why prompting skills are essential for getting the best AI-generated results
✅ How AI can enhance performance analysis, lesson planning, and customer experience
✅ The ethical considerations around AI-generated content and how to use it responsibly
✅ Why adapting to AI isn’t optional - it’s a necessity for future success
Want to stay ahead of the curve? If you’re a coach, director, or industry leader looking to understand AI’s impact, this episode is packed with insights on how to integrate AI into your daily operations... without losing the human touch.
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!
What does it take to own and operate a thriving racquet club in today’s market? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Elliott McDermed, co-owner of Overland Park Racquet Club, to dive deep into the journey from teaching pro to club owner.
Elliott shares the realities of club ownership - what he and his business partner Eric Rand expected, what surprised them, and how they’ve evolved their roles over the last decade. From revitalizing an aging facility to navigating staffing, financial challenges, and industry trends, this conversation is a must-listen for any aspiring club owner or racquets professional looking to take the next step in their career.
By the end of this episode, you'll learn:
✅ What it takes to transition from coaching or managing programs to full-scale club ownership—and why passion, not just profit, drives long-term success
✅ The behind-the-scenes realities of club ownership, including financial surprises, leadership dynamics, and the challenge of balancing work-life commitments
✅ Proven strategies for retaining top coaching talent in an industry where turnover is high, and why a strong staff culture matters
✅ How successful club owners approach renovations, facility upgrades, and program shifts to create a modern, financially sustainable business
✅ Why racquet sports are evolving beyond traditional tennis, and how clubs are integrating emerging sports like Padel and Pickleball
✅ The biggest lessons learned from experienced club owners—including why hard work, trust, and adaptability are essential for success
Thinking about club ownership? Elliott offers valuable advice for those considering the leap. If you’re on the path to leading a club, this episode provides real insights from an owner who's lived it.
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!
What does it take to lead 22 clubs, manage 250 pros, and grow the game of tennis across the country?
In this episode, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Mike Woody, Vice President and National Director of Tennis at Genesis Health Clubs, to dive into his remarkable leadership journey. From his early days as a tennis instructor to becoming a key industry leader, Mike shares powerful lessons on growth, relationships, and navigating challenges in the racquet sports world.
By the end of this episode you'll know:
✅ How Mike transitioned from aspiring nurse to a lifelong career in tennis
✅ The biggest leadership lesson he learned (from a mistake that cost him $20K!)
✅ How he scaled from managing one club to overseeing 22 clubs & 250 pros
✅ The importance of building relationships in leadership and career growth
✅ Why focusing on the right priorities (instead of busy work) is crucial for success
✅ How to continuously evolve and invest in personal development
Whether you’re a coach, club manager, or looking to grow in the sports industry, this episode is packed with game-changing leadership insights you won’t want to miss!
Recommended Leadership Books:
Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the racquet sports industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!
If we have a shortage of pros and an abundance of positions in the racquets industry, why must you make your resume stand out? The reason is because the employer is still seeking the best person for the position. In this episode of Racquet Fuel, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale give their opinion on how you can make the best first impression - one that will almost guarantee getting you to the top of the interview pile. They share tips and insights on highlighting your achievements, how to effectively communication your qualifications to potential employers, how to discuss compensation (or not), and the dos and donts for recorded video interviews.
By the end of this episode you'll know:
- How to make a good first impression before an interview
- Ways to make cover letters stand out
- The difference in achievements and tasks in your job history
- How long a resume should be
- Professional ways to address compensation
- Dos and donts for video submissions
... and the secret to get to the TOP of Simon Gale's interview pile.
Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the racquet sports 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 tackle one of the most critical yet nuanced aspects of leadership: communication. From creating role clarity to fostering open dialogue, Kim and Simon share practical strategies for improving team communication and empowerment. With alarming Gallup data showing that half of American workers feel unclear about their job expectations, they emphasize why leaders must prioritize transparency and structure in their communication practices.
They give tips on the importance of onboarding, setting clear expectations, handling sensitive conversations, and why true communication requires more than just "open-door" policies.
This episode is FULL of actionable insights.
Episode Highlights
- A leader's role in communication is crucial.
- Only half of American workers feel understood by their employers.
- Communication is a two-way street, not just talking.
- Clarity in roles and responsibilities empowers employees.
-Handling sensitive communication requires transparency.
-Written communication is often overlooked but essential.
- Meetings should have clear agendas and actionable items.
- Over-communication can be beneficial in leadership.
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 the Racquet Fuel Podcast, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale have an engaging conversation with Mike Barrell about the evolution of racquet sports, particularly the impact of pickleball and padel on traditional tennis. Mike brings over 20 years of experience in the tennis industry, sharing his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by these complementary sports.
They discuss the economic considerations that are reshaping tennis facilities, the importance of fostering social engagement in sports, and how coaches play a crucial role in building a thriving tennis community. Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on the need for tennis to innovate and adapt while staying true to its core identity.
Episode Highlights:
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 the Racquet Fuel Podcast, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Butch Staples to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the tennis industry today: staff retention and development. Butch brings decades of experience as a coach and leader, sharing his perspective on how we can better support and develop our teams to keep talented young pros in the industry.
They explore the fears that hold many leaders back from investing in staff development and how shifting our mindset can create thriving work environments. Butch emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships and empowering staff—even if it means they eventually move on. The conversation highlights the difference between transaction-based management and relationship-based leadership, focusing on creating cultures where young pros want to stay, grow, and succeed.
Episode Highlights:
Resource mentioned:
Primed to Perform (a book about building high performing cultures through motivation)
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 Part 2 of our Hiring series, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Michael DiRaimondo on the Racquet Fuel Podcast to tackle the complexities of hiring international tennis professionals. Michael, a Certified Tennis Pro, Club Owner, and Immigration Lawyer, brings his deep expertise to the conversation. They discuss the challenges of hiring international applicants, who are often highly desired and needed in the industry, yet face a difficult and expensive immigration process.
If you're interested in navigating alternative visa statuses and bringing talented international pros to your club, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Episode Highlights:
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 the Racquet Fuel Podcast, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale discuss the similarities and differences between golf and tennis, particularly in terms of the work realities of golf pros and tennis pros. They are joined by Anthony Vitale: Director and Coach of Athlete Development for the PGA of America. He shares his background and role at the PGA before they discuss the difference between touring pros and teaching pros, the changing workweek culture in golf, the certification process for becoming a PGA member, and the compensation model for golf professionals. They also explore the importance of social connections and human relationships in both golf and tennis.
Episode Highlights:
Upcoming event:
November 4th at 7pm EDT Virtual Director of Racquet Sports Club: Part of the event is free-form networking with other industry professionals, and the other part is an educational discussion with guest speaker, Lew Sherr. Sign up HERE to receive login instructions
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, host Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Dave Konecky, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at the USTA, to explore the challenges and emerging trends in hiring leadership roles within the tennis industry. Together, they explore the industry's talent shortage, the significance of cultural fit, and the power of behavioral questions during interviews. They also discuss best practices for onboarding new hires and clarify the distinction between W2 employees and independent contractors (1099). Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes trusting your instincts, the value of virtual interviews, and assessing candidates on the court.
Episode Highlights:
Resources noted in conversation:
Tim Elmore: Generational Divides ONE and TWO
Book: A New Kind of Diversity by Tim Elmore
Upcoming event:
November 4th at 7pm EDT Virtual Director of Racquet Sports Club: Part of the event is free-form networking with other industry professionals, and the other part is an educational discussion with guest speaker, Lew Sherr. Sign up HERE to receive login instructions
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 interview Jo Wallen, the General Manager of the National Campus at USTA, about her journey to leadership. They discuss the importance of learning from others and the path to leadership. Jo shares her story of starting in tennis at a young age, transitioning from playing on the Pro Tour to coaching and club management, and eventually landing her current role at USTA. They also discuss the challenges of transitioning from an individual sport to a team environment and the importance of humility and surrounding oneself with a strong team. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate complex organizations.
Episode Highlights
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 discuss the critical role of communication in leadership. They share the alarming statistics regarding employee understanding of expectations and the importance of clarity and empowerment in communication. The conversation covers handling sensitive topics, the significance of written communication, effective meeting strategies, and the necessity of clear task deadlines. They emphasize the need for transparency and the balance between personal and professional communication, ultimately highlighting that effective communication is essential for successful leadership. "Coasting" is not an option in leadership and life happens, which adds to the challenge.
Episode highlights:
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 re-run 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!
(Original air date: June 7, 2023)
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!
(Original Air Date: May 31st, 2023)
