Hi…I haven’t been in touch recently. The reason may have something to do with the topic below…a lifetime of serving tennis balls! I had a shoulder replacement in May so did a lot of thinking but not much writing. Enjoy!
Tennis Lessons
Women’s tennis is in the news right now as No. 2, Naomi Osaka, has dropped out of two major tournaments including the French Open and Wimbledon, shunning press conferences to protect her mental health. She cited a need to spend time with friends and family.
Several players have come forward in support, with similar stories and concerns. These are big moves for Naomi and other athletes. We’ll be watching to see the impact.
I grew up with tennis. My mother, Harriet Hayes Fisher, was a championship tennis player. In 1939, the University of Toledo didn’t have a women’s team, so she tried out and won a spot playing with the men.
Harriet wasn’t a feminist; she just loved to play tennis.
I got a look at her resolve when I was 12 and she took me to see the Harlem Globetrotters. Half time featured a tennis match with Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam tennis title (the French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. singles).
When Harriet asked me if I’d like to meet Althea, I jumped at the chance.
Althea was one of the first black athletes to “cross the color line” in sports. She wrote that she thought about quitting the white-dominated, white-managed segregated tennis world, but a former tennis No.1 took up her cause, lambasting the sport for keeping out a player of Althea’s caliber, and things began to change.
Althea was the first Black player to play at Wimbledon, winning women’s singles and doubles titles there in 1957. On her return to New York, she was celebrated with a ticker-tape parade. Overall, she won 56 doubles and singles championships prior to turning pro in 1959.
In our search for Althea, we had no credentials but after Harriet explained our mission, we were admitted behind the scenes by security and directed to the locker room. Althea was smiling, gracious and delighted to meet her young fan. I left with Althea’s autograph and a lifetime memory.
To Harriet, things were as simple as “let’s do it,” and we did. Through her, I learned that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and things are usually easier than they look. She was assured, but never assertive or aggressive, and enjoyed a career as a successful fashion designer.
I absorbed a lot from these two strong women in tennis. While different in their backgrounds and their careers, Harriet and Althea were clear about what they wanted and they went for it.
As I heard the news that Naomi Osaka withdrew from Wimbledon, my hat went off to her. She’s running life her way, going against the expected role and behavior of a top player. It takes a powerful person to walk away and do what’s real and authentic. But in my mind, tennis and strong women go together.
Is “Follow Your Passion” good advice?
It’s great advice. If you want to have a career that is exciting and challenging, let your passions guide you. Here’s how:
- Consider the words “Follow your passion” as an idea. Not a command. Make a list about what makes you smile. What excites you? If you can do this every day and not call it work, what would it be?
Start with what you love and enjoy. This will move you into the direction of things you want to put your energy into.
Your passions might be very specific:
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- I’m passionate about Renaissance art
- I’m passionate about coding
And they can be very general:
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- I’m passionate about being with people I enjoy
- I’m passionate about making good things happen
On the flip side, know what you don’t like and make a list of that, too.
Keep your list in mind. When you come across an opportunity that might be right, you’ll know it.
If you don’t have a long list of passions, don’t worry. You’re in discovery mode. A lot is out there for you.
- See your career as a kaleidoscope of possibilities. Who knows…you may even create a job or start something that doesn’t exist!
- View your passions as guides to a career, but not necessarily that specific career. Love taking photos? But hate the idea of having to make a living as a solo photographer? You can put your skills to work for a publication, ad agency or corporation where you hire photographers and oversee photo shoots. You can become a photo editor, a stylist, or an assistant to a pro. There are so many ways you can go!
- Learn what you need to know. If you need new or added skills to work in the field of your dreams, go out and get them.
- Keep your passions alive. Don’t allow yourself to burn out or become too single-focused. As long as you remain interested and curious and are making contributions that matter, you’re on a rewarding path to something good.
This month, carry a pinch of passion with you!
Again, I believe that we can learn a lot from other women’s stories. Here are two good ones.
In Barcelona, Designing Better Ways of Living, Mariona den Tuinder
Going from the corporate world to a small design firm, creative designer Mariona den Tuinder now fabricates success on her own.
Forbes Under 30 Scholar Ashley Scott finds time to work all day, coach, teach and speak, as well as sell unique fashions and coach others via datagirlash.com at night
Ashley, you were recognized by Forbes as an Under 30 Scholar. Can you tell us about this honor and what it provided for you?
As an Under 30 Scholar, I was
Nancy’s List
The Newsworthy – this podcast is free and lasts around ten minutes. Started by a former female journalist with a good idea, it’s become a primary source for daily news, going head to head with the big networks. You’ll arrive at work enlivened and informed by this quick news roundup of “fast, fair, fun!” Visit here or download from the App Store.
Roger Love, Your Voice Coach – Enjoy speaking but hate your voice? Or hate speaking and hate your voice? Get ahead in your career by developing your own voice and talent for making presentations.
Roger Love is the coach for everyone from Bradley Cooper to Gwen Stefani. The free 4-part series on his website will get you started.
A word of caution, however, Roger is a relentless marketer but you can just unsubscribe when you’re done. Though once you start with Roger, you might find it hard to stop!
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, June 24 at 5:30pm MST
Forever Buffs Spotlight, University of Colorado – Zoom with Nancy. Register online at Forever Buffs Spotlight. Also available for replay on YouTube at a later date. I’ll keep you posted. Sponsored by the CU Boulder Alumni Association, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Herd Leadership Council.