Gustavo Carbonari

Gustavo Carbonari, a former professional tennis player, resides in Switzerland and shared the tennis tour with Hernan. Recognized as one of the Argentinian young guns and an icon in the junior circuit, Carbonari boasts an incredible life story and has played alongside tennis legends such as Gabriela Sabatini and Alberto Mancini. He is happily married to Gisela and is a proud father to Olivia and Tomas.

Connect with Gustavo on Instagram.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Nicolás Pereira

Nicolás Pereira, born on September 29, 1970, is a distinguished former tennis player from Venezuela, achieving the prestigious title of International Tennis Federation Junior World Champion in 1988 by triumphing at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Throughout his professional career, he garnered significant victories against top-ranked players, such as Brad Gilbert and Amos Mansdorf, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 74 in July 1996. Beyond his achievements on the court, Pereira transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, joining ESPN in 2001 as a play-by-play tennis commentator for ESPN International and ESPN Deportes. His contributions extend to being the #1 Davis Cup Player for Venezuela (1985-1997), earning nine singles and thirteen doubles titles in the ATP Tour, securing a gold medal in the ’95 Central American Games, and participating in the ’96 Atlanta Summer Olympics. Fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French, Nicolás Pereira remains a respected figure in the world of tennis and sports broadcasting.

Connect with Nicolás on Instagram.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Ken Willner

Ken Willner is a dedicated advocate for youth sports, driven by a passion to keep children engaged and flourishing in athletics. As the founder of Active Illustrated and Yellow for Yelling, he brings a fresh perspective to youth sports, blending applied science with practical insights from coach educators, sports psychologists, and former professional athletes. Ken’s programs cater to young athletes, coaches, parents, sporting organizations, and schools, aiming to foster inclusivity and positive experiences in sports. With over 50 years of personal involvement in sports, including his role as a youth sport photographer for the past seven years, Ken leverages his wealth of experience to create environments where individuals can thrive and sustain their engagement in sports.

Connect with Ken on LinkedIn.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Laura Vallverdu

Laura Vallverdu, a native of Valencia, Venezuela, emerged as a tennis powerhouse during her tenure at the University of Miami. As a student-athlete, she left an indelible mark, achieving records such as being the school’s all-time leader in singles wins and total victories. Her outstanding performance on the court includes reaching the finals of the NCAA Singles Championship and earning five ITA All-American distinctions.

After concluding her illustrious playing career, Vallverdu seamlessly transitioned into coaching, joining the University of Miami women’s tennis program. With a comprehensive coaching journey, from volunteer assistant to associate head coach, she played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing to their ACC Championship title in 2013. Vallverdu’s impact extends beyond wins and losses, as she mentors players to numerous accolades, including ITA All-America honors and All-ACC recognition.

Beyond her coaching achievements, Vallverdu is a distinguished alumna of the University of Miami, graduating in 2010 with a degree in psychology and a minor in business. She continued her academic pursuits, earning a master’s degree in sport administration from Miami in 2012. As both a player and coach, Vallverdu has been a key figure in the sustained success of the Miami women’s tennis program, leaving an enduring legacy on and off the court.

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Hendrie Weisinger

Dr. Hendrie Weisinger, a renowned and accomplished psychologist, is a leading expert in the fields of emotional intelligence, anger management, and pressure management. With a Ph.D. from The University of Kansas and a diverse background in clinical, counseling, organizational, and school psychology, Dr. Weisinger has made significant contributions to the application of emotional intelligence in specific industries, as evident in his books like «The Emotionally Intelligent Financial Advisor» and «The Emotionally Intelligent Real Estate Agent.»

A prolific author with two New York Times Bestsellers, «Nobody’s Perfect» and «Performing Under Pressure,» Dr. Weisinger has not only written extensively on these subjects but has also made over 200 appearances on television and news programs, including Oprah, Donahue, and The Today Show. His groundbreaking work includes the development of Criticism Training and a pioneering role in the emerging field of pressure management.

As an executive educator, Dr. Weisinger has taught in various business school programs, including UCLA, Wharton, and NYU, and consulted for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and professional organizations such as YPO. In addition to his impactful articles for publications like The Wall Street Journal and TV Guide, Dr. Weisinger is the proud author of «Choke Proof Your Game,» an evidence-based playbook designed to empower athletes to perform at their best under pressure.

With a commitment to transforming individuals’ emotional intelligence and enhancing their performance, Dr. Hendrie Weisinger continues to be a leading figure in the psychology and self-improvement landscape.

Connect with Dr. Weisinger on LinkedIn.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Javier Palenque

Javier Palenque is a multifaceted executive, entrepreneur, and tennis enthusiast with a unique perspective on the sport. Born and raised in Bolivia, he experienced a privileged upbringing but harbored discontent with the socio-economic disparities in his home country. At 17, seeking opportunities for change, he moved to the United States and earned an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Boston University.

Currently based in Florida, Javier has made significant contributions as an Investment and Real Estate Consultant. His passion for tennis led him to observe a disconnection between the USTA’s reported statistics and the reality within the tennis community, especially in Miami. As a data-driven business consultant, he has highlighted concerns about the declining state of youth tennis, high attrition rates, and discrepancies in reported league numbers.

Javier is not just a critic; he actively engages in discussions about reform within the USTA, addressing issues such as funding allocation and executive compensation. His candid assessments of the organization’s challenges and cultural problems underscore a desire for positive change. With a focus on «growing the game,» Javier advocates for open conversations with those invested in tennis’s future, believing that transformative solutions can only emerge through collaboration and understanding.

Connect with Javier on LinkedIn.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Rod Ray

Rod Ray, currently in his remarkable 24th year as the head tennis coach at Wofford College during the 2023-24 season, has left an indelible mark on the tennis program. Taking over in 2000, just three years after the transition to Division I, Ray has meticulously built a highly competitive tennis program. His coaching tenure has been characterized by notable achievements, including guiding the team through a challenging non-conference schedule and earning wins over prominent opponents like Clemson and North Carolina.

Ray’s coaching prowess is evident in the numerous accolades earned by his players, including Southern Conference recognitions and All-Academic honors. Under his leadership, the team’s success is not only measured on the court but also in the classroom, with consistent appearances on the SoCon Academic Honor Roll and ITA All-Academic Team recognition. Beyond the numbers, Ray has fostered a culture of sportsmanship and excellence, reflected in the team’s NCAA special recognition for outstanding academic achievement and sportsmanship.

A respected figure in South Carolina tennis, Rod Ray’s coaching journey extends beyond the court. His commitment to youth development is evident in the annual Rod Ray Tennis Camp, attracting young talents from across the Southeast. In 2022, he received a USTA South Carolina Coach of the Year Award, underscoring his impact on the tennis community.

Ray’s multifaceted career includes serving as the head women’s coach and directing the tennis program at Wofford, showcasing his adaptability and dedication to the sport. Outside of coaching, Ray is undertaking a significant endeavor—writing a book titled «Hard Comes First,» slated for publication in 2024. The book will share Ray’s insights as a coach and a father of a child diagnosed with Autism, aiming to inspire and support goal setting. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science, an MBA from Colorado State, and a profound influence on Wofford’s tennis program, Rod Ray’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of the court.

Connect with Rod on Instagram.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Georgi Cravero

Jorgelina Cravero, born on January 27, 1982, is a retired Argentine tennis player who enjoyed a successful professional career from 1999 to 2011. Hailing from San Francisco, Córdoba, Cravero achieved career-high WTA rankings of 106 in singles and 114 in doubles. While she did not secure a title on the WTA Tour, Cravero notably claimed 15 singles titles and 34 doubles titles on the ITF Circuit.

In 2007, she made significant strides by qualifying for three Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Although she faced early exits in these events, her achievements were notable. With a playing style favored on clay, Cravero contributed to the Argentina Fed Cup team, accumulating a win–loss record of 6–7.

Having turned professional in 2000, Cravero announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2011. Post-retirement, she continued her involvement with tennis, traveling with the Argentinian national teams during 2011/12. Since 2012, she has served as a tennis coach at TTA in Tulsa, Oklahoma, showcasing her commitment to the sport beyond her playing years. Cravero, a right-hander, currently resides in Buenos Aires and comes from a family where her father, Carlos, is an accountant, and her mother, Rita, is a math teacher. She has one brother, Eugenio, and three sisters, Monica, Daniela, and Maria Alejandra.

Connect with Georgi on Instagram.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

J.P. Nerbun

J.P. Nerbun is a bestselling author, leadership coach, and the visionary founder of TOC Culture Consulting, a globally recognized sports consulting and leadership coaching business. Dedicated to empowering leaders and their teams, Nerbun’s extensive experience spans diverse sectors, including sports, education, healthcare, and business, where he has successfully guided leaders at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, Harvard University, the University of Texas, the USGA, PwC, and Chick-fil-A.

In 2019, Nerbun made a significant impact with the publication of his acclaimed book, «Calling Up: Discovering Your Journey to Transformational Leadership.» Following this success, he released the groundbreaking «The Culture System: A Proven Process for Creating an Extraordinary Team Culture» in 2022. Notably, his commitment to coach education led to the launch of The Culture System Online Training Platform in 2023, recognized as one of the most comprehensive and applicable online resources available.

As the co-host of the «Coaching Culture» podcast, J.P. Nerbun continues to influence global sports leadership discussions. Currently residing in Ireland with his wife and three children, Nerbun remains a driving force in shaping transformative leadership in various industries.

Connect with J.P. on X.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.

Martin Rocca

Martin Rocca is a distinguished tennis director and conference speaker based in Catalonia, Spain. With a remarkable career spanning across three continents, he spent 9 years honing his coaching skills in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by 5 years in New York, USA. For the past 16 years, Martin has been a prominent figure in the tennis scene in Tarragona-Barcelona, Spain, notably serving as the former Junior Tennis Program Director at the prestigious Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona. Passionate about nurturing young talent, Martin recently departed from his role at the academy to establish a program for Mini Players, focusing on developing tennis techniques for children as young as 3 while emphasizing enjoyment in the sport. As the co-founder of TennisAid, a solidarity project, and the director of MiniPlayers, Martin is dedicated to collaborating with clubs, academies, and federations to support and elevate young players. His commitment to tennis education is evident through his role as a Coach Education Specialist with Tennis Australia and authorship of the Kids Tennis-Mini Players book. Martin’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Ciudad de la Raqueta Award in 2016 and the Esport Solidari Internacional Foundation Award in 2015, highlighting his exemplary solidarity work in promoting tennis globally. In 2015, he also received a career recognition from the Federació Catalana de Tennis for his 14 years of dedicated efforts in advancing tennis development in the Tarragona Province.

Connect with Martin on Instagram.

You can explore more of Hernan’s work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.

The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Graphic and Web Design is the creativity of Elizabeth Arnez, founder of DIDEPRO DG. You can reach her at dideprodg@gmail.com.