Podcast Summary: "How to Thrive Under Pressure with Sloane Stephens"

Podcast Information:

• Title: She's So Lucky
• Host: Les Alfred
• Episode: How to Thrive Under Pressure with Sloane Stephens
• Release Date: April 15, 2025
• Description: She’s So Lucky is a chart-topping weekly podcast dedicated to women who create their own luck against all odds. Host Les Alfred engages in compelling conversations with special guests to inspire listeners to live life on their terms. This episode features Sloane Stephens, a professional tennis player, discussing how she thrives under pressure, maintains balance, and pursues her entrepreneurial ventures.

1. Embracing Age and Navigating Social Expectations

Timestamp: [00:20] – [01:23]

Les Alfred welcomes Sloane Stephens to the podcast, diving into a conversation about Sloane’s recent 32nd birthday. Sloane shares her thoughts on aging and the societal pressures that come with it.

• Discussion Points:

  • The difference between turning 30 and being in your 30s.
  • Managing expectations from friends and social media.
  • Embracing her unique life path, including extensive travel and a professional sports career.

• Notable Quote:

  • Les Alfred: “You celebrated a birthday recently.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “I feel like everyone’s journey is different. It’s a weird thing when you see people on Instagram and realize things are happening for them, but not for me.”

2. Maintaining Balance and Staying Centered as a Traveling Athlete

Timestamp: [12:53] – [22:04]

Sloane delves into the challenges of maintaining routines and staying centered while traveling frequently for her tennis career.

• Discussion Points:

  • The unpredictability of professional tennis and handling constant changes.
  • The importance of self-care and personal balance outside of the court.
  • Adapting to new environments and managing stress through proactive measures.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sloane Stephens: “You can always control the controllables. Having balance outside of the court in terms of self-care is crucial.”
  • Les Alfred: “Not being afraid to pivot if you realize your needs are changing.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “I’m the queen of the pivot. Life is about problem-solving, whether in sports or personal life.”

3. Developing Mental Toughness and Coping with High-Pressure Situations

Timestamp: [22:04] – [33:36]

The conversation shifts to mental toughness, a vital trait for any professional athlete. Sloane shares her journey in developing resilience and maintaining calm under pressure.

• Discussion Points:

  • Sloane’s evolution from a reactive junior player to a composed professional.
  • The role of mental toughness in handling both victories and setbacks.
  • Balancing emotional expression on the court versus off the court.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sloane Stephens: “I’ve been playing professional tennis for 15 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever been too high or too low. I’m just neutral.”
  • Les Alfred: “Mental toughness is something that a lot of athletes competing at that level would have to have.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “It’s about accepting where you are and letting things play out.”

4. Entrepreneurship and Building "Doc and Glow"

Timestamp: [33:36] – [48:28]

Sloane discusses her entrepreneurial venture, "Doc and Glow," a body care brand inspired by her grandparents. She elaborates on the motivations, challenges, and successes of launching her own business.

• Discussion Points:

  • The personal significance behind the brand’s name and products.
  • Balancing a demanding sports career with entrepreneurial ambitions.
  • Strategies for launching and growing a business, including product development and marketing.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sloane Stephens: “Doc and Glow was named after my grandparents. They were the glue of my family, and I wanted to honor that.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “I wanted to create a brand that you couldn’t forget. Self-care shouldn’t require a spa visit; it should be accessible at home.”
  • Les Alfred: “Find something that really excites you in your business. It keeps you motivated and driven.”

5. Proactive Steps in Reproductive Health: Freezing Eggs

Timestamp: [33:36] – [39:07]

Sloane opens up about her decision to freeze her eggs, discussing the process, motivations, and the importance of having control over her reproductive future.

• Discussion Points:

  • The emotional and physical aspects of freezing eggs.
  • Balancing athletic commitments with personal health decisions.
  • Empowerment through proactive reproductive choices.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sloane Stephens: “I froze my eggs because I don’t want to stop doing what I love to have a family. It’s about having options.”
  • Les Alfred: “Freezing eggs is a topic we’ve discussed medically on the podcast, but it’s empowering to hear firsthand experiences.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “Having the option is the most important thing. If you don’t do it, you don’t have that option.”

6. Creating Your Own Luck Through Proactivity and Alignment

Timestamp: [25:44] – [31:07]

The episode emphasizes the concept of creating one's own luck through proactive actions and ensuring alignment in personal and professional relationships.

• Discussion Points:

  • The significance of being proactive in achieving personal goals.
  • The impact of surrounding oneself with supportive and aligned individuals.
  • Letting go of relationships and commitments that hinder growth.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sloane Stephens: “If you are not rowing in the same direction, get off the boat. Negative influences hold you back.”
  • Les Alfred: “Luck is often preparation meeting opportunity. Being proactive prepares you for those lucky moments.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “Whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen. You just have to do your best and let the universe align for you.”

7. Looking Forward: Life Beyond Tennis

Timestamp: [39:36] – [48:28]

Sloane shares her vision for life after tennis, highlighting her ambitions beyond the sport and the importance of having a multifaceted identity.

• Discussion Points:

  • Transitioning from a sports career to entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
  • The importance of defining oneself beyond professional achievements.
  • Embracing a long-term perspective on life and personal goals.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sloane Stephens: “My whole life is tennis is just 2% of my entire life. There’s so much more to live for.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “I feel like there are so many things in life that don’t have anything to do with tennis. I wanted to make sure I have those options.”
  • Les Alfred: “You can be great without it being your entire identity. It’s refreshing and empowering.”

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [48:28] – [47:23]

As the episode wraps up, Sloane encourages listeners to support her entrepreneurial endeavors and reiterates the importance of self-care and proactive living.

• Final Messages:

  • Support for "Doc and Glow" through purchases or social media engagement.
  • Emphasis on continuous personal growth and adaptability.
  • Inspiring listeners to take actionable steps towards their own goals and create their own luck.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sloane Stephens: “Supporting can be as simple as reposting on social media. Every bit helps.”
  • Les Alfred: “If you don’t have something to look forward to, maybe it’s time to pivot or refresh.”
  • Sloane Stephens: “Life is about finding your new you and embracing the changes without fearing what others think.”

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Your Unique Journey: Sloane emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating your unique path, regardless of societal expectations or comparisons on social media.

• Maintain Balance Through Proactivity: Whether managing a demanding career or personal life, being proactive in self-care and decision-making is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional balance.

• Develop Mental Toughness: Cultivating resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential traits for success both on and off the court.

• Empower Yourself Through Choices: Making informed and proactive decisions in areas like reproductive health empowers women to take control of their futures.

• Create Your Own Luck: Success often stems from preparation and proactive actions. Aligning yourself with supportive individuals and eliminating negative influences can create opportunities for growth and achievement.

• Prepare for Life Beyond Current Roles: Defining oneself beyond a single identity or career ensures a smoother transition and a more fulfilling life post-retirement or career changes.

Where to Find Sloane Stephens and Doc and Glow:

• Website: DocandGlow.com
• Retailers: Revolve, Free People, FP Movement stores, and Amazon
• Social Media: Follow Doc and Glow on Instagram and other platforms for updates and support.

Support Sloane: Whether through purchasing products, sharing on social media, or offering encouragement, every bit of support helps in her entrepreneurial journey.

This episode of She’s So Lucky with Sloane Stephens offers valuable insights into thriving under pressure, maintaining balance, and proactively creating one's own luck. Sloane’s candid discussions provide inspiration and actionable advice for listeners aiming to live life on their own terms.