Spotlight on Success
Featured Interview
Mike Steele
“Spotlight on Success” is an interview series created by David Levine of I Am Your Virtual Professional. Its purpose is to amplify the voices of today’s business leaders. Each interview provides actionable insights that readers can implement immediately. No fluff, just practical wisdom that enables individuals to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Mike Steele
| Company | Elite Soccer |
|---|---|
| Role | President, Co-Founder |
| LinkedIn Profile | Mike Steele on LinkedIn |
| Company Website | www.elitesoccer.net |
Elite Soccer, led for over 27 years, is dedicated to fostering youth development and community building through soccer. With a mission to combine competitive sports with life lessons, Elite Soccer delivers structured programs that empower young athletes to reach their highest potential. The organization’s professional coaching staff balances the joy of the sport with the demands of elite-level competition.
As President of the Elite Soccer Community Organization (ESCO) for 14 years, efforts have focused on expanding access through scholarships, education, and leadership initiatives. ESCO collaborates with community partners to ensure inclusivity while promoting growth on and off the field. These roles reflect a commitment to nurturing great players and even greater individuals.
Who Should You Nominate?
- Leaders doing meaningful work
- People with insights others can learn from
- Voices worth elevating
Interview Questions
1. What’s one strategy your business used recently that created meaningful growth?
We implemented program-specific customer surveys to determine their wants and desires.
2. How has AI or technology changed the way you operate or serve clients?
AI has helped us share our youth development curriculum and club objectives into more succinct, customer-friendly communication materials.
3. What’s one thing you stopped doing that actually helped your business grow?
We stoppedd taking for granted that the members understood that we helped their children grow as players and people. We improved and refined our communication materials and methods so that members gained a better understanding of the benefits and value they receive from participating in our programs.
4. What’s a customer insight you discovered that changed the way you do business?
This moment occurred when a customer asked about the club’s training space and if we would like an introduction to a potential investor. This enabled us to think more about facility investment and growth strategies.
5. If a business had to improve ONE area to grow faster in the next 90 days, what should it be?
The area would be recruiting/hiring. We spend considerable time here, and the staff coaches who work with the players are the strongest predictor of customer satisfaction.
6. What’s one thing you do consistently that keeps your pipeline healthy?
The area would be recruiting/hiring. We spend considerable time here, and the staff coaches who work with the players are the strongest predictor of customer satisfaction.
7. What’s a decision you made in the last year that had a bigger impact than you expected, and what led you to make it?:
We offered a supplemental program to provide players with more opportunities to play and train during the winter months. We heard from parents that they wanted their children to have opportunities to stay even more engaged with soccer during the winter.
8. What’s one process you streamlined that made a noticeable difference in efficiency or results?
We switched registration and communication platforms to Sprocket Sports. This enabled us to consolidate technology tools (chats, email, and other tools) into one platform.
9. What book, podcast, or resource has influenced your thinking or business decisions lately and why?
Daily Stoic newsletter. It lays the groundwork with tips/tools that are helpful in many customer service situations.
Who Should You Nominate?
- Leaders doing meaningful work
- People with insights others can learn from
- Voices worth elevating
I am Your Virtual Professional's
3 Key Takeaways
# 1
Growth often starts with listening more intentionally. Mike’s team used program-specific customer surveys to better understand what families valued, then adjusted communication and offerings around those insights instead of relying on assumptions.
# 2
Technology works best when it simplifies clarity and connection. From using AI to create more customer-friendly materials to consolidating platforms through Sprocket Sports, Elite Soccer is leveraging systems to improve communication and streamline operations.
# 3
Recruiting and retaining strong coaches remains the biggest driver of customer satisfaction and long-term growth. Mike consistently tied business performance back to people, emphasizing that quality staff and meaningful engagement are what keep families connected to the organization.
Who Should You Nominate?
- Leaders doing meaningful work
- People with insights others can learn from
- Voices worth elevating
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