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

04/10/25 • 31 min

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!

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

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!

Previous Episode

Lights, Camera, Racquets: The Art of Reinvention with Bryan Fox

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!

Next Episode

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 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!