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!

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:

• Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham
• The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran
• 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

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!