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!

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 LinkedIn
HOPE 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!

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 LinkedIn
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 industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!