What happens when a seasoned executive from the NHL steps into one of the fastest-growing sports in America?
In this episode, Alec sits down with Mike Nealy, former Arizona Coyotes President and now the CEO of USA Pickleball, to unpack the strategy, struggles, and surprising psychology behind building a sport from scratch.
Mike opens up about the unexpected similarities between hockey and pickleball, failures he faced behind the scenes that no one saw, and what it really takes to earn credibility in a passionate but skeptical community.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or just obsessed with watching new industries explode — this is a masterclass in leadership, adaptability, and staying humble through scale.
0:00 - Intro: From the NHL to Pickleball
2:10 - Why Mike left professional hockey for a niche sport
4:25 - Early mistakes with USA Pickleball and the learnings
6:43 - “Credibility is earned, not given” – building trust in a new space
9:55 - What Mike learned about failure from elite athletes
12:12 - The underestimated power of community in growth
14:40 - The business psychology of USA Pickleball and beyond
17:50 - Turning backlash into buy-in: how to manage public criticism
21:04 - Structuring a new sports organization from scratch
25:33 - The role of data, storytelling, and ESPN in pickleball’s future
28:44 - Mike’s advice to anyone entering a disruptive industry
33:17 - When to lead and when to follow: learning in real time
36:45 - Final thoughts: legacy, ego, and letting go of control