My guest today Anne Guerrant is a former women’s tennis pioneer and champion who has made a second career as a champion for women around the world. From co-founding the Women’s Tennis Association to providing microfinancing for women owned businesses in third world countries, Anne has made a difference for women everywhere she goes.
The role of women’s professional tennis in the rise of women’s equality
Because of her love for sports, which at the time were mainly for boys, Anne Guerrant as a child was considered a tomboy. But she pursued what she loved with passion, was able to influence the Board of Education in her hometown to start a girls’ tennis team and eventually went on to play as a professional, becoming one of the top-ranked players in the world. In this episode, Anne Guerrant tells her captivating story, not only of the unique challenges she faced as a woman in sports, but also how women’s tennis changed the prevailing attitude about women in sports, became a role model for young girls, and opened the way for women to earn a living playing sports full-time.
When what you fear the most actually happens
All of us experience some level of fear on the journey of pursuing our passions. For most of us, the things we fear most never take place. But for Anne Guerrant, the one thing she feared the most actually happened! I loved hearing her story of what followed this experience and how she was able to regroup, continue forward, and not allow it to defeat her. Listen in to hear some wonderful words of wisdom about facing your fears and moving on with strength.
How to be richer than your parents
Anne Guerrant’s dreams didn’t end with the end of her tennis career. One of the things she cares most about is young people’s education. In this episode, Anne talks with me about her concerns for kids in sports who are compromising their education. We also talk about her vision for teaching young people how to manage their money so that they don’t fall into the same traps that their parents may have. Her new book, How to Be Richer Than Your Parents, is a great resource for the young people in your life.
Social justice through microfinancing for women in third world countries
Anne Guerrant’s vision for women goes far beyond the borders of our own country. She and her husband Terry have started a foundation that provides microfinancing for impoverished women who want to start a small business. In this episode, Anne explains microfinancing and talks about the huge impact that even a very tiny loan can make in terms of raising women out of poverty and abuse and giving them choices. Listen in and be inspired by Anne Guerrant’s story.
Episode Highlights
- 1:03 – Intro of Anne Guerrant, pioneer of women’s tennis and women’s equality
- 2:15 – From local tomboy to professional tennis: Anne Guerrant’s fascinating story
- 7:58 – What was it really like coming up as a female professional athlete in the 1960’s?
- 9:42 – What are some of the issues that were unique to female tennis players?
- 12:38 – When what you fear the most actually happens
- 16:57 – Advances Anne Guerrant has seen in tennis and women’s sports
- 19:32 – The changes that Anne Guerrant believes still need to happen in women’s sports
- 23:08 – Why Anne Guerrant loves tennis so much
- 24:19 – The 1973 Battle of the Sexes and how it impacted women’s equality
- 31:32 – Making the shift from world class professional athlete to civilian working woman
- 34:33 – Social justice through microfinancing for women in third world countries
- 39:38 – Anne shares tips on How to be Richer Than Your Parents
- 41:58 – Something young people might be surprised to learn about generating wealth
- 45:13 – What Anne Guerrant is working on and looking forward to next
Resources Mentioned
- Guerrantfoundation.org
- Book: How to Be Richer Than Your Parents
- Anne Guerrant on Facebook
- S&P 500 index funds Google Search
1. Favorite book for women?
- The Automatic Millionaire by David Bock
2. Favorite self-care hack?
- “Work out every day and have a green smoothie.”
3. Best piece of advice and who gave it to you?
- “Ask for what you want.” – Her husband, Terry Guerrant
4. Female CEO or thought leader you’re into right now?
- Sheryl Sandberg from Facebook. Her book: Lean In
5. One piece of advice you’d give your 5 years younger self?
- “Hey, don’t worry, you’ve got a great ride ahead!”
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