In this episode of Say It Skillfully, host Molly engages in a profound conversation with Mini’imah Shaheed, an inspiring leader in education. They explore Mini’imah’s journey from her roots in East Oakland to her impactful work in founding a school based on love and community. The discussion delves into the challenges faced in the education system, the importance of resilience, and the vision for empowering women leaders. Mini’imah shares her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer, and emphasizes the need for grace and self-compassion in leadership. This episode is a celebration of growth, community, and the transformative power of education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Manaima Shaheed’s Journey
03:03 Growing Up in East Oakland
05:50 Navigating College Life at UPenn
08:48 Teach for America Experience
11:57 Teaching and Leadership in Atlanta
14:32 Challenges in Education and Systemic Barriers
17:38 Resilience and Personal Growth
20:46 Influences and Role Models
23:40 Starting a School and Educational Innovations
31:28 The Power of Love in Education
34:37 Leadership as a Labor of Love
37:29 Navigating Difficult Conversations
41:10 Exploring Hobbies and Personal Growth
43:07 Understanding Introversion and Stoicism
44:11 Reflections on Regrets and Do-Overs
45:35 Future Aspirations and Legacy Projects
48:20 Empowering Women Leaders
50:27 Celebrating Personal Accomplishments
52:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Insights
54:31 Final Reflections and Takeaways

In this inspiring episode, Molly welcomes Jeff Greenwald — world-class coach, bestselling author, and founder of Fearless Tennis and Mental Edge Sports. Jeff shares his remarkable journey from rising junior player at the legendary IMG Academy to competing on the pro tour, and ultimately transforming setbacks into a career helping athletes master the mental side of performance.

00:00 – Intro: The Mental Game of Tennis

Molly introduces Jeff Greenwald, bestselling author, world-class coach, and founder of Fearless Tennis and Mental Edge Sports, framing the conversation around performance, mindset, and authenticity.

01:16 – Jeff’s Early Journey

Jeff shares how he fell in love with tennis, from choosing the sport at age 12 to training at IMG Academy and playing on the pro tour.

03:40 – Struggles on the Court

Jeff opens up about being a hothead, battling frustration, and learning hard lessons after being suspended from competition — experiences that planted the seeds for his later work.

05:27 – Discovering Sports Psychology

How reflection, journaling, and a deep curiosity about mind-body connection shifted Jeff’s approach to competition and eventually led him to sports psychology.

10:03 – Family Influence & Choosing Tennis

Jeff reflects on his family’s role in shaping his drive, resilience, and perfectionism, and why he chose tennis over team sports.

13:09 – Life at the Academy

Stories from his intense training days, the pressures of competition, and the early lessons about discipline and self-reliance.

17:14 – Contemplating Quitting the Tour

Jeff recalls moments of burnout, the challenges of constant travel, and how curiosity ultimately pulled him toward coaching and psychology.

20:03 – Coaching in Germany & A Defining Match

How his time coaching abroad — and one match where he dropped fully into the “zone” — revealed new possibilities and sparked his shift into mindset training.

23:12 – Building Fearless Tennis & Mental Edge Sports

Jeff describes the evolution of his work, blending his personal experience with research to help athletes of all ages trust themselves under pressure.

26:43 – Playing Loose & Finding Perspective

Practical insights on setting match intentions, letting go of perfectionism, and why gratitude and perspective are as important as technique.

33:16 – Handling Pressure & Negative Thoughts

Jeff shares how even sports psychologists face nerves — and the tools he uses to reset and refocus in high-stakes matches.

34:42 – Writing The Mental Edge for Young Athletes

Why Jeff wrote his latest book, how it helps kids, parents, and coaches, and his belief that sports can be a powerful teacher for life.

39:10 – Parenting Lessons from Sports

Candid stories about guiding his own children through sports and the balance between supporting and over-coaching.

44:07 – Reflections & Accomplishments

Jeff shares his biggest “do over,” his proudest achievements, and the importance of curiosity and authenticity in his ongoing journey.

46:23 – Closing Thoughts

Molly and Jeff wrap up, reflecting on the energy of the conversation and the message of embracing the process, authenticity, and “incremental becoming exponential.”

Jeff opens up about his own struggles with frustration and self-doubt, and how reflection, journaling, and psychology shaped his ability to play with freedom under pressure. He discusses the importance of perspective, gratitude, and resilience — lessons that extend far beyond the court. Molly and Jeff also dive into his latest book, The Mental Edge for Young Athletes, offering practical tools for kids, parents, and coaches to navigate the challenges of competition while enjoying the journey.

Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or simply striving for your personal best, Jeff’s insights on mindset, curiosity, and “incremental becoming exponential” will leave you inspired to embrace the process and show up authentically in every area of life.