#CommunityHigh

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#CommunityHigh 〰️

Meet Shayain Gustavsp (she/her), better known as Coach Shayain.

Meet Coach Shayain, a certified LPGA Golf Coach, digital creator, and mentor dedicated to empowering women and beginners in the world of golf and business. Through her renowned Fundamentals Golf Program, Shayain breaks down barriers and stereotypes, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

A love letter to our community, Community High is a spotlight series that celebrates local creatives, entrepreneurs and change makers. We’re asking the hard(and not so hard)-hitting questions to discover what makes these inspiring people so rad!

Tell us about yourself! What led you to become a mentor in golf and business?

I’m Shayain Gustavsp, an LPGA-Certified Golf Coach with a rich background in global sports, including collaborations with top teams like Orlando Magic and Arsenal. My passion for golf and business mentoring stems from my desire to make a meaningful impact, leveraging my extensive experience to empower others, particularly women and minorities, in these fields.

You’ve created a much-needed space for women to feel empowered on the golf course. Why was this important to you?

Creating a welcoming space for women in golf was paramount to me. Often, I found myself as the only woman on the golf course, conducting business or participating in charity golf days amidst a male-dominated setting. This isolation highlighted the urgent need to change the narrative. I wanted to empower women to start saying "yes" to golf, overcoming self-doubt and the internal dialogue questioning their ability. Moreover, the lack of representation, not seeing anyone who looked like me teaching or advocating for the sport, fueled my desire to be part of the change. By establishing the Fundamentals Golf Program, I aimed to dismantle the barriers and instil confidence, demonstrating that golf is an inclusive, empowering, and vital networking tool for women.

You have a very impressive following on Youtube! What motivated you to start sharing your knowledge on social media?

My YouTube channel was born from a desire to make golf more digestible and approachable for everyone, especially beginners. With over 22K subscribers, I strive to demystify the sport, addressing basic yet essential questions that many are hesitant to ask. For example, my first video tackled the topic of what to wear at a country club (private course) versus a public course, highlighting my commitment to breaking down the nuances of golf etiquette and culture. This approach not only extends my reach globally but also helps simplify the game, making it less overwhelming and more enjoyable for a broader audience.

What kind of content do you find resonates most with your audience

The content that resonates most with my audience addresses the fundamental queries often overlooked in traditional golf instruction. My most viewed video, "14 Golf Clubs Explained - What to Use and When?", has amassed over 280K views, demonstrating a strong interest in beginner golf basics. Alongside this, topics like golf terms, practising at the driving range, golf score and handicap explanation, and attire etiquette for private and public courses are among my top content. These subjects resonate because they address the so-called "dumb questions" that actually matter to beginners and intermediates alike, far beyond the nuances of the swing or the specifics of golf equipment. My aim is to create content that not only educates but also empowers and makes golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in launching your own business?

Launching the Fundamentals Golf Program presented a significant challenge, particularly in confronting entrenched stereotypes within the golf industry and broader business communities. Convincing HR personnel at companies of the multifaceted value of learning golf — beyond networking and business deals, to include team building, mental health, and connection — has been tough, especially as most have never been invited to play golf or know much about it. Moreover, being a younger minority woman in the predominantly male and traditional world of golf has added layers of complexity, as I've had to navigate and challenge the preconceptions and adjustments of those in the industry. My mission has been to reshape perceptions, making golf perceived as inclusive, accessible, and beneficial from multiple perspectives.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are facing similar challenges in starting their own ventures?

My advice is to stay persistent, believe in your vision, and be adaptable. Challenges are inevitable, but with passion and resilience, you can overcome them and succeed.

What led you to create “The Fundamentals Golf Program” course?

The inspiration for creating The Fundamentals Course stemmed from recognizing a glaring gap in the market for accessible golf education that demystifies the sport for everyone. My experience on golf courses, often as the only woman and a minority, highlighted the need for a platform that not only teaches golf basics but also empowers individuals, especially women, to confidently participate in golf events for networking, professional development, and personal enjoyment. This course is designed to answer the 'dumb questions' that everyone has but rarely asks, from what to wear at a golf course to understanding golf clubs and terms. By making golf digestible and less intimidating, The Fundamentals Course aims to change the narrative and encourage more people to say yes to golf, thereby breaking down the stereotypes and barriers that have historically made the sport seem exclusive and inaccessible.

What unique value does it offer to its participants?

The Fundamentals Program uniquely combines golf education, networking skills, and personal empowerment, facilitating a transformative journey from never having touched a golf club to confidently navigating the golf course within just six weeks. Participants gain direct access to me and become part of a supportive community in a private Facebook group, where they can share best practices, keep each other inspired and motivated, and connect with peers in their locality or when travelling. This holistic approach not only equips individuals with the skills to excel in golf and business but also fosters a network of like-minded people, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable while creating opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Who is your biggest professional inspiration?

My professional journey has been shaped by the guidance and influence of numerous mentors, rather than a single figure of inspiration. From global sports team leaders who taught me the intricacies of team management, to iconic figures in the golf world like Renee Powell, who broke racial barriers as one of the first black women on the LPGA Tour, and Annika Sörenstam, known for her exceptional golfing skills and breaking gender barriers in the sport. These individuals, each with their unique stories of perseverance, adaptability, and success, have profoundly impacted my approach to both life and work. Their collective wisdom and experiences have been invaluable in guiding me through the challenges and opportunities within the sports and golf industries, embodying the qualities of leadership, resilience, and the importance of paving the way for others.

What do you believe sets your mentoring style apart from others in the industry?

My mentoring style is holistic, focusing on developing both golf skills and personal confidence, underpinned by my global experience and commitment to inclusivity.

*In your experience, what are some of the key attributes or skills that individuals need to cultivate to succeed in both golf and business?*

Adaptability, networking, strategic thinking, and continuous learning are crucial for success in both arenas, alongside genuine passion and commitment.

What’s next? Any specific goals you’d like to achieve as Coach Shayain?

I aim to expand the Fundamentals Golf Program globally, making golf even more accessible and empowering, particularly in Europe and for diverse demographics. My love for travel, enriched by extensive global experiences for work and with my family, has deepened my understanding of people, cultures, and the world, fueling my desire to integrate these insights into my golfing initiatives. This year marks a significant milestone with a planned trip to Greece in September, designed to blend the love of golf with the joy of exploring new parts of the world. This venture aims to attract both avid golfers and those new to the sport, offering ample golfing opportunities alongside alternative experiences like driving range sessions or clinics, all set against the backdrop of Greece's stunning oceanic views. It's about creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone to appreciate the game's allure, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who can share in the beauty of golf and travel, irrespective of their playing level.

Now for some fun questions!

Do you have any pre-game rituals when you're about to play a round of golf?

Full water bottle and snacks must be in my bag :)

If you could swap lives with any celebrity for a day, who would it be and why?

Serena Williams - I am a big tennis fan and still play with my brother and friends (doubles) and I still try and go to a lot of the majors. She was a big part in the shift of tennis and making it more inclusive and accessible. I also think out of association I will get to meet her other incredible celebrity friends.

What era are you in right now?

In my Golf and Travel in Europe Era. Hint hint: The Trip to Greece is called “ In Your Summer In Europe Era”

Imagine you could design your own miniature golf course with any theme you want, what would you choose?

I would have lots of great food and drink options on every three holes. Who doesn’t love a bunch of small snacks :) Therefore the theme of the food would coincide with the 3 holes being from that part of the world. For example, If we have tapas on hole 3 then holes 3-5 would be more how courses in Spain are laid out, hole 6 would have food from Scotland and then the holes 6-8 would be eating pies and drinking whisky and it would be falter holes which are called Links Course.

Stay on point, and get in touch with our team to learn more.

#CommunityHigh - Coach Shayain