In this episode of Racquet Fuel, host Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Dave Konecky, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at the USTA, to explore the challenges and emerging trends in hiring leadership roles within the tennis industry. Together, they explore the industry's talent shortage, the significance of cultural fit, and the power of behavioral questions during interviews. They also discuss best practices for onboarding new hires and clarify the distinction between W2 employees and independent contractors (1099). Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes trusting your instincts, the value of virtual interviews, and assessing candidates on the court.

Episode Highlights:

• Strategies for addressing the talent shortage in the tennis industry and fostering growth within your current team.
• Defining cultural fit and how to find it in potential hires.
• Behavioral interview questions that help predict future performance.
• The critical role of onboarding after a new hire.
• Navigating the difficult process of letting an employee go.
• Benefits of hiring tennis pros as W2 employees versus independent contractors.

Resources noted in conversation:
Tim Elmore: Generational Divides ONE and TWO
Book: A New Kind of Diversity by Tim Elmore

Upcoming event:

November 4th at 7pm EDT Virtual Director of Racquet Sports Club: Part of the event is free-form networking with other industry professionals, and the other part is an educational discussion with guest speaker, Lew Sherr. Sign up HERE to receive login instructions

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