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 grow
• What consultants actually do behind the scenes
• The hidden gaps holding clubs back and how addressing them can unlock major growth
• The most overlooked (and most powerful) tools in leadership today
• How consulting compensation is evolving
• Why leadership is more than a title... it’s a sacred responsibility

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 established and operated by the KC Parks and Recreation Department in Kansas City, MO. IN 2024, USTA Missouri Valley developed a partnership with the KC Parks to revitalize the facilities, breathing new life and utilization. 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!