From Ice Rinks to Industry: Lesle Lane on Discipline, Legacy & Leadership

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Sid Bensalah welcomes Lesle Lane, founder and lead photographer at Studio 13 in Indianapolis and a former U.S. national-level figure skater. Lesle’s story blends high performance, artistic leadership, and entrepreneurial grit.From her early mornings on the ice to reimagining a third-generation photography business, Lesle unpacks the mindset, mentorship, and moments that shaped her purpose. She reflects on failing a skating test seven times and how that grit carried over into running a creative business, mentoring photographers, and leading with authenticity.You’ll also hear her take on gender bias in the creative industry, how she’s embraced AI in commercial photography, and what legacy means when balancing personal standards with community impact.00:00 From Ice Rinks to Industry: Lesle Lane on Discipline, Legacy & Leadership01:07 Leslie Lane's Background and Early Passion for Skating01:40 The Discipline and Independence of Skating03:31 Lessons from Coaches and Dealing with Failure06:47 Transition to Photography and Overcoming Business Challenges10:57 Balancing Personal and Professional Life25:28 Taking Over the Family Business27:34 Challenges of Being a Female Photographer29:28 Proud Achievements and Milestones31:45 Navigating Gender and Age Bias33:40 Advice for Women Leaders35:34 Importance of Mentorship37:49 Adapting to Technological Changes44:09 Personal Legacy and Impact48:11 Lightning Round Q&AKey TakeawaysSports can teach lifelong discipline and leadershipGrit is built through failure and tested in businessCoaching others reveals more about yourselfBeing a female leader in commercial photography requires courage and clarityAI is changing the creative space, but not replacing human visionMentorship isn’t optional; it’s a responsibilityLegacy is built moment by moment, with intentionSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/