We were lucky to catch up with Hallie Morgan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hallie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

The impact of the coronavirus spread far and wide, touching every corner of our lives. For me, its effect on cheerleading was nothing short of surreal. Suddenly, I found myself grappling with the challenge of keeping a sport deeply rooted in physical contact, socially distant. It was a daunting task, but one we tackled with determination.

I remember those days vividly. Our once bustling cheerleading gym transformed into a quiet space, with everyone confined to separate squares as we tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Then, everything came to a screeching halt. The competition we had poured our hearts into was canceled, leaving us all feeling adrift and isolated in our own homes. It was a crushing blow, especially for the girls who poured their passion into every practice.

In the midst of this uncertainty, I found myself pondering how I could bring a ray of hope to these girls, to show them just how much they meant to me. So, I decided on a simple yet heartfelt gesture. I assembled little goodie bags and grabbed my Cheer Elite flag. Then, I embarked on a journey across nine different cities and two states, visiting 96 different houses.

At each stop, I dropped off a goodie bag and proudly waved our Cheer Elite flag, serving as a beacon of solidarity in a time of profound loneliness. It may have seemed like a small act, but the joy and gratitude I witnessed from each parent reminded me of the power of presence and support. It was a poignant reminder that even in the darkest times, we can find strength and comfort in each other’s company.

For me, showing up for my athletes isn’t just about coaching routines or perfecting stunts—it’s about being there in ways they can see and ways they may never imagine. I am humbled and proud to go above and beyond for these incredible young people who have enriched my life in more ways than I can express.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into the all-star cheerleading industry began as a young cheerleader myself. Inspired by the sport but yearning for a more inclusive and positive environment than what I had experienced, I set out on a mission. At just 14 years old, I organized my first tryout, anticipating a crowd of eager little girls. To my surprise, only two of my mom’s friends’ children showed up—no coincidence there.

Despite the modest start, by the end of that season, I had formed a team of 12 enthusiastic young girls, and from there, we continued to grow. We are now home to over 100 athletes. At Cheer Elite Allstars, we specialize in training athletes aged 3 to 18 in the fundamentals of cheerleading. We take the skills we impart and weave them into electrifying routines that we showcase in competitions ranging from regional to international levels.

But our mission goes beyond perfecting routines and winning trophies. We are committed to instilling valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the confines of the gym. This begins with fostering an environment of inclusivity that welcomes cheerleaders from all walks of life and backgrounds.

At Cheer Elite, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals, both on and off the mat. Our goal is not only to develop skilled cheerleaders but also to cultivate resilient, empathetic, and confident young people who are prepared to tackle any challenge life throws their way. It’s about building a community where every athlete feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Any advice for managing a team?

When it comes to team management and maintaining high morale, I firmly believe in upholding a consistent standard. We take pride not in numbers, but in our core values. While some gyms may operate under an “anything goes” philosophy, we hold ourselves and our athletes to the highest moral and ethical standards. This may result in smaller teams, but we embrace that.

The athletes who have grown up in Cheer Elite and progressed through our program exemplify some of the most compassionate, genuine, and caring individuals you’ll ever meet. This isn’t by chance. In an industry that often prioritizes cheerleading above all else, we have a different approach. We celebrate our athletes for who they are outside of the gym.

Take Mary Hannah Shinn and Jordyn Moody, budding artists, or the future Olympic hopeful Brien Pittman. Then there’s Jenni Regan and Jaida Asim, who earned spots at some of the top universities in the country. These individuals are not only talented but also smart and selfless. Many of them have given back to the sport and our gym in various ways, including coaching.

Nothing fills me with more pride than seeing these remarkable individuals, along with many others, shining bright, far beyond what any medal could represent. That’s what sets our gym apart—they simply emerge different, empowered to make a positive impact in whatever they pursue.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Without a doubt, the most impactful book I’ve encountered in the realm of business is “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.

I’m certain my coaching staff gets a kick out of my frequent mentions of it during our meetings—it’s become a bit of a running joke. It’s not the type of book I’d typically pick off the shelf, but it came highly recommended by my dad, a Marine Corps veteran and business owner. I decided to give it a read, and I’m so glad I did. It truly was a life-changing experience.

“Extreme Ownership” revolutionized my perspective, compelling me to take full accountability for every facet of my business and daily operations—the good, the bad, and the ugly. It provided invaluable insights into effective leadership and team management, inspiring me to become a better leader.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Its profound lessons have the power to shape who you are and how you approach challenges in both business and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: cheereliteallstars.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheereliteallstars
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheerEliteAllStars/