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. 2 DAYS AGO

    How AI is Changing the Game: A Conversation with Kim Bastable & Simon Gale

    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!

    27 min

  2. FEB 13

    Owning a Club: The Realities, Challenges, and Wins with Elliott McDermed

    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!

    32 min

  3. JAN 30

    Leadership is About Learning - featuring Mike Woody

    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: Discover Your Strengths by Marcus BuckinghamThe 12 Week Year by Brian Moran10X Rule by Grant CardoneLooking 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!

    30 min

  4. JAN 16

    Resumes and Racquet Sports: How to Get the Interview

    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!

    28 min

  5. 12/04/2024

    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

  6. 11/20/2024

    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

  7. 11/13/2024

    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

  8. 11/06/2024

    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
See All (44)

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 UF Institute for Coaching Excellence
  • Show Website
    Racquet Fuel

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