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, Senior Director Racquet Sports Development 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. 1D AGO

    Coach Your People, Not Just the Program - with Emma Doyle

    What if your greatest coaching lesson came off the court? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Emma Doyle: tennis coach, keynote speaker, and expert in emotional intelligence, to explore what it really takes to coach with impact, whether you're leading athletes, employees, or entire teams. Emma shares her remarkable journey from teenage coach in Australia to global thought leader and business coach. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career including burnout, reinvention, and finding her voice during COVID... and the frameworks she now uses to train leaders in Fortune 500 boardrooms and racquet clubs alike. With humor, heart, and contagious energy, Emma shows us how coaching is a title AND a way of leading that centers on empathy, curiosity, and action.  Whether you’re a club director, department manager, or aspiring coach, her insights will challenge and inspire you to listen deeper, lead better, and unlock the potential in those around you. By the end of this episode, you'll learn: - How coaching cultures can elevate performance and reduce disengagement - Why the best leaders ask better questions instead of giving all the answers - How to empower others through curiosity, not control - The mindset shift needed to lead people, not just programs - Why the phrase “next time” might be your most powerful coaching tool Whether you're building a business, managing a team, or coaching on court, this conversation will equip you with practical tools and perspective for becoming the kind of leader people want to follow. 🔗 Connect with Emma Doyle on LinkedIn or at CoachEM.cc🔗 Watch her TEDx talk: "Unleashing Female Potential"🔗 Explore her podcast: The Coaching Podcast Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the racquets industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

    33 min
  2. How RacquetX Is Reimagining the Racquet Sports Industry - with Robyn Duda

    JUL 3

    How RacquetX Is Reimagining the Racquet Sports Industry - with Robyn Duda

    What happens when you bring together startup ambition, big-event expertise, and a deep commitment to human connection? You get RacquetX: an experience designed to connect every corner of the racquet sports industry. In this episode of Racquet Fuel, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with Robyn Duda, the founder and creative mind behind RacquetX. With a background in designing global corporate events, Robyn saw a gap in the racquet sports space: no centralized experience for connection, collaboration, and future-focused growth. So, she built it. This conversation unpacks the real challenges and vision behind building an industry-first event from the ground up—complete with indoor courts, live programming, and an unshakable focus on belonging. Robyn shares what it’s like to lead with vulnerability, navigate the unknown, and reshape how racquet sports professionals come together to move the industry forward. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn: Why the racquet sports industry needed something like RacquetX—and what makes it differentThe real challenges of launching a startup within a traditional industryWhat goes into creating meaningful experiences that connect diverse sectorsHow leadership, risk, and emotional honesty shape powerful innovationWhat clubs, coaches, and brands are craving when it comes to the future of communityWhether you're a club director, brand leader, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode will expand how you think about progress in racquet sports—and how bold ideas turn into movement. Listen to hear how one person’s clarity of vision—and willingness to do the hard work—is reshaping how the racquet sports world shows up and connects. Connect with Robyn Duda at TheRacquetX.com Connect with Kim Bastable on LinkedInConnect with Simon Gale on LinkedIn Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the racquets industry? Visit our website to learn more!

    32 min

  3. JUN 19

    Padel is Coming - Is Your Club Ready? with Eric Loftus

    What does it actually take to build a thriving racquet sports facility in today’s fast-moving market? And what’s just hype? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale are joined by Eric Loftus, an expert court builder and board member of the American Sports Builders Association. With more than 50 years in the tennis and racquet construction industry, Eric shares what he’s seeing on the ground—and where the court construction world is headed next. They explore the real economics behind pickleball and padel, the growing pains of a booming market, and why many clubs are struggling to master the land, logistics, and legislation that come with trying to “add a few courts.” Whether you're a facility leader, investor, or simply trying to keep up with trends, this episode offers clarity in a rapidly evolving landscape. By the end of this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why post-COVID demand transformed racquet sports, and what that means for club infrastructure✅ The real costs, challenges, and misconceptions around building courts for padel and pickleball✅ Why “build it and they will come” doesn’t work without community and quality instruction✅ How clubs can avoid the biggest mistakes in court planning, compliance, and construction ✅ What the rise of padel in Europe tells us about the future of U.S. racquet sports facilities Whether you're managing a country club, building from scratch, or looking to future-proof your programs, this episode breaks down what’s really happening in racquet sports construction, and what comes next. Connect with Eric Loftus on LinkedIn and at Northeast Padel 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 racquets industry? Visit our website to learn more!

    37 min

  4. JUN 5

    Resumes and Racquet Sports - Rerun

    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!

    29 min

  5. MAY 22

    The First Step After Resignation: Reimagine, Don’t React

    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!

    26 min

  6. MAY 8

    What Young Professionals Need from Racquets Leadership - with Kyle Pipkin

    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 LinkedInHOPE 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!

    34 min

  7. APR 24

    Leading People, Not Lessons: The Real Work of a Racquets Director

    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 LinkedInConnect with Kim Bastable on LinkedInConnect 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!

    25 min

  8. APR 10

    Building More Than Courts: Developing People, Systems, and Sustainability - with Ajay Pant

    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: Why leaving a high-level leadership role to become a consultant provided perspective on what clubs truly need to growWhat consultants actually do behind the scenesThe hidden gaps holding clubs back and how addressing them can unlock major growthThe most overlooked (and most powerful) tools in leadership todayHow consulting compensation is evolvingWhy leadership is more than a title... it’s a sacred responsibilityWhether 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!

    32 min
See All (54)

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, Senior Director Racquet Sports Development 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
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 UF Institute for Coaching Excellence
  • Show Website
    Racquet Fuel

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