In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale have a conversation with respected USTA Head Pro, Rita Gladstone, who shares about the challenges and joys of working in the racquets industry as a female AND a mom. Since only 20% of the professionals in racquet sports are female, the questions are WHY and WHAT can be done about it? Rita helps us highlight how females can balance a successful career and being a mother, and we discuss how leaders can positively inspire and manage females.  If you're wanting to know how you can better empower females in the industry, or if you're struggling to balance work and life as a mother, you're going to want to tune in to this episode. Highlights: 1:58- Gender balance in tennis coaching with a successful female coach 9:03 - Effective leadership and utilizing employees' strengths 10:55 - Leadership and identifying strengths in a tennis program 12:05 - Developing coaches  14:32- Gender roles in coaching and industry growth20:26 - Balancing work and family life as a tennis coach21:57 - Career development for female professionals in the industry23:47 - Gender disparity in tennis coaching and solutions to increase female representation Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!