I Was Fired From The U.S. Open
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Fun fact: I was a ball girl at The U.S. Open tennis tournament.
I was 13 years old, commuting two hours by bus, subway, and on foot to Flushing Meadows for my very first day. I arrived in the official U.S. Open ball girl uniform [sneakers included!]—more concerned about how I looked than how I’d perform. But super nervous working in the house of Arthur Ashe.
After orientation, I was handed a stack of tennis ball containers and sent running under the blazing sun to my first match. I was stationed at the net, sprinting back and forth, tossing balls, doing my best.
The sun was on full blast and hotter on the court than off.
The heat got the better of me.
I fainted on the court after throwing up the Twinkie I’d had for breakfast.
Match play was paused as medics carried me off the court.
Hours later, after an ice bath, my boss sent me back out for the late-day match. I didn’t feel great, but I wanted to do “the right thing.”
By the end of the week, I was fired. They told me my throwing arm was too weak.
And yet—I came back.
The experience gave me my first taste of independence.
I learned what hard work really feels like.
I learned not to quit, even when you’re down.
And most importantly, I learned not to let someone else’s “no” define me.
The next year, I reapplied—this time as a scorekeeper. New official uniform, new role.
Fast forward to today...
This year, before the U.S. Open, Maria Sharapova was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame. I was never a big fan during her playing days, but now I'm in awe of what's she's created—using her smarts, her discipline, and especially her voice.
Your Voice
Maria’s superpower is her voice. She turned critique and name calling -- that she was “aggressive” and an “ice queen” -- into an edge that strengthened her leadership identity. She didn't let the negative comments about her mean anything about her self worth. This is something I’m still learning to do, and it reminds me of the inner work that transforms high achievers.
Your Strategy for Growth
“If you don’t feel there’s something on the line, what are you working toward?” Maria is quoted saying.
She asked for what she wanted early in her career -- telling Nike she never wanted to wear the same dress as another player. Sharapova wanted to distinguish herself, her brand on and off the court—she used it as her growth strategy.
Leading yourself means putting yourself in arenas that stretch you, even when you’re not the expert, the favorite, or people are not routing for you. That’s how high achievers redefine success.
Your Decisions
Even when she wasn’t ranked No. 1, Sharapova became the highest-paid female athlete for 11 straight years. Why? Because she led herself into the brand arena—demanding a seat at the Nike design table, choosing fashion as her platform.
She went on to found Sugarpova, becoming an angel investor in multiple companies including Tonal, an advisor to Therabody and Supergoop!, and a board member of Moncler. Taking a bet on herself and others.
Your Curiosity
She says pivoting into investing and board leadership required her lead herself by asking questions, always learning, and risking failure.
Leading yourself means staying teachable.
True confidence is fueled by curiosity. If you are not regularly asking 'What if?' questions about who you are, what you do and how you do it, likely you are doing more of the same and getting more of the same results.
Lead Yourself First
Your voice.
Your growth strategy.
Your decisions.
Your curiosity.
Tools that build influence. Lean into them. Leverage them. Learn from them.
Where do you feel the most pressure in your life right now—and how could that pressure actually grow you? Where will you use your voice this week? What's one bold decision that would make a dent? Be curious and ask yourself who am I becoming?
“You are the biggest influencer in your life. When you recognize your influence over yourself, everything changes.”
Please share with someone in your network. Have a great week!
📓 Journal Prompts for the Week Ahead
Where in my life or work am I still softening my voice or apologizing for my edge — and what would it look like to speak with unapologetic conviction?”
If my leadership were remembered not for my role or results but for the way I used my influence, what would I want that legacy to be?
What lessons can I learn from my 13 year old self?
If September where my most successful month this year, what will I have created?
