16: Five Strategies for Managing Tough Conversations with Kierra Pelz - Part 1

Five with Fry

In this episode of Five with Fry, I’m joined by my good friend Kierra Pelz — a passionate coach, gym owner at Premier Academy, and a powerhouse in the world of cheerleading. Kierra shares her journey from reluctant participant to strong leader, and together, we dig into one of the trickiest parts of coaching and leadership: managing difficult conversations.

We talk about the unique challenges women face when stepping into leadership roles, especially around conflict management, and share five practical strategies for handling tough conversations with athletes and parents. Kierra even offers up some real-world templates you can use when responding to parent concerns because no one loves crafting those emails from scratch!

We also dive into why empowering young and rookie coaches is a game-changer. Giving them the tools and trust to handle communication directly not only grows their confidence but also frees directors to focus on the big picture. Plus, we break down why face-to-face conversations (not just texts) are critical for building a strong, cohesive coaching culture.

This is the first episode in a three-part series packed with real talk and actionable advice to help you lead with confidence and build a healthier, more effective team environment.
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Kierra Pelz is the co-owner and operator of a cheer gym in Alberta, Canada. Her gym is a thriving community where young coaches grow into exceptional mentors while inspiring the next generation of athletes in both competitive and recreational cheerleading.
As a mother of two, she understands the importance of balance and has built systems within her business that allow her to lead effectively while prioritizing her family. These systems also empower her coaching staff, giving them the tools and confidence to excel as leaders in and out of the gym.
Beyond the gym, she is passionate about leadership development and helping young coaches grow into strong, capable mentors. She actively speaks and teaches at industry conferences, including those hosted by Next Generation Gym Owners, where she shares insights on systemization, time management, and leadership. She is committed to lifelong learning and continually seeks opportunities to refine her skills while helping others do the same.

Chapters

1. Navigating Difficult Conversations in Cheerleading (00:00:00)

2. Effective Communication and Empowering Coaches (00:13:18)