An Inspired Chat with Leslie Banks of South Phoenix

We recently had the chance to connect with Leslie Banks and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Self Talk – Talked to kids about when we didnt have cell phones, the internet and how we had to

“Lock In” = kids struggling to understand what that means exactly, Focus issues, social engagement, maturity

Talked to them about:
1. What to do with your body
2. Your Breathe
3. Where are your eyes? (on target)

The kids all agreed to hold themselves accountable…so when you say when your “Locked In”, are you really?

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Leslie Banks is the Founder and Executive Director of Serve the Future AZ, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth in Phoenix through tennis and education. With 25 years of coaching experience, she blends skilled instruction with compassionate mentorship, helping underserved children in Phoenix develop leadership, build focus, and embrace their value.

A passionate advocate for diversity in tennis, Leslie received the 2022 USPTA (now RSPA) Star Award for her impact on multi-cultural communities; as well as the 2023 Champions of Equality award, recognizing her passion to ignite change in the next generation of leaders.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Small town, high school, college, get your degree and do that for the rest of your life.

When I started to get heavy into coaching, this si when I fell in love with the oppurtunity to impact youth.

That my path can change. you dont have to point in just one direction.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Be patient”. Its a process.

Expectations of things that should be happening soooo fast.

Awareness of the skills your are building.

We encourage our kids all the time. “You got a racket on it” “At least you hit it!” It will come soon. Stay aware of your progress.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
a woman owned org (diverse)

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
– its about the impact we make in this world. How we leave it for future generations.

Lead with Love and compassionate. Our youth already have the odds stacked against them when they enter this world.

Lets lift them up!

I hope the kids have fond memories of our time together on the court. Instill things that they might not see at home. A cheerleader, Responsibility, dependable, accountable, community, active listening, etc, etc

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.servethefuture.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servethefutureaz/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serve-the-future-az
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/servethefutureaz/

Image Credits
All images owned by Serve the Future and its affiliates.