Racquet Fuel

Athlete+
  • 4.8 (20)
  • TENNIS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Racquet Fuel

Racquet Fuel provides insights into the best practices and innovations of racquets industry business leaders. Co-hosts Kim Bastable, Director of Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida, and Simon Gale, Director of Racquet Sports at the USTA National Campus, help racquets leaders in your ability to grow the game and to improve the experiences you offer to both your staff and players by talking to industry leaders, including USTA executives, authors and innovators. If you are on a career path in racquet sports or already a racquets business leader and you want to stay up to date on ideas and innovations in racquets industry business and leadership, this podcast is for you. Presented by the Athlete+ Podcast Network at the University of Florida Institute for Coaching Excellence.

  1. DEC 4

    Communication at Work

    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!

    33 min

  2. NOV 20

    Is Tennis Endangered, with the Rise of Pickleball and Padel? - featuring Mike Barrell

    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: How the rise of pickleball and padel presents both opportunities and challenges for tennisEconomic viability and how clubs can balance costs with offering complementary racquet sportsWhy social engagement is key to retaining tennis players and how programming can support thisThe crucial role of coaches in connecting players and fostering community in tennisThe 'leaky bucket' problem in tennis retention and how to address itPickleball's success in accessibility and social play - what tennis can learnThe need for tennis to innovate and compete with pickleball's marketing successLooking 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!

    35 min

  3. NOV 13

    Risk Losing Talent or Embrace Staff Growth - with Butch Staples

    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: Why investing in your staff is the best decision, even if they might leave.How relationships, not money or perks, are the key to retaining talent.The role of leadership in empowering staff and creating a culture of growth.Why the only thing worse than training your staff and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.Practical steps for creating an environment where young pros want to build their careers.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!

    28 min

  4. NOV 6

    Immigration Law and Tennis - with Michael DiRaimando

    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: Pain points managers and club owners have for hiring pros - local and InternationalDifferent types of visas for foreigners A pathway to permanent residency for a sports professionalPain points due to congressional changesPowerful advice for college students looking for permanent residencyHow to find the right Immigration lawyerLooking 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!

    38 min

  5. OCT 30

    Golf and Tennis - with Anthony Vitale

    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: How we can develop our athletes through supporting our coachesWhat shift has the PGA made for a better work/life balance for prosComparing the career pathway for Golf Pros and Tennis ProsHow does the golf compensation model work, and what is the structure of itWhen you emphasize HUMAN CONNECTION, what happens?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!

    34 min

  6. OCT 23

    Hire and Fire with Intentionality - featuring USTA's David Konecky

    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: Strategies for addressing the talent shortage in the tennis industry and fostering growth within your current team.Defining cultural fit and how to find it in potential hires.Behavioral interview questions that help predict future performance.The critical role of onboarding after a new hire.Navigating the difficult process of letting an employee go.Benefits of hiring tennis pros as W2 employees versus independent contractors.Resources noted in conversation:Tim Elmore: Generational Divides ONE and TWOBook: 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!

    34 min

  7. OCT 16

    No Fear Leadership - Lessons from Jo Wallen

    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 Why continuous learning is essential for growth and success in leadership rolesWhat you need when transitioning from an individual sport to a team environment How problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex organizations are crucial for effective leadershipWhat listening to others and valuing their opinions can do to an organizationHow to measure success in leadershipLooking 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!

    36 min

  8. OCT 9

    Delegation, Adaptability, and Communication in Leadership

    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: Why a leader's role in communication is crucial to company and team successHow clarity in roles and responsibilities empowers employeesWho should prioritize self-care and whyWhat it means to adapt as a leader in racquetsWhen 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!

    31 min
See All (40)

4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Racquet Fuel provides insights into the best practices and innovations of racquets industry business leaders. Co-hosts Kim Bastable, Director of Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida, and Simon Gale, Director of Racquet Sports at the USTA National Campus, help racquets leaders in your ability to grow the game and to improve the experiences you offer to both your staff and players by talking to industry leaders, including USTA executives, authors and innovators. If you are on a career path in racquet sports or already a racquets business leader and you want to stay up to date on ideas and innovations in racquets industry business and leadership, this podcast is for you. Presented by the Athlete+ Podcast Network at the University of Florida Institute for Coaching Excellence.

Information

  • Creator
    Athlete+
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 UF Institute for Coaching Excellence
  • Show Website
    Racquet Fuel

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada