How do you make yourself more comfortable when youre feeling out of place? a preteen audience member named Sudi asked, gazing adoringly at one of her tennis role models who was sitting a mere 20 feet away.

Ive been in places where I knew I wasnt wanted. And I was able to do it with a smile because I was prepared, replied Venus Williams, tennis champion and author of upcoming wellness-focused book Strive: 8 Steps To Find Your Awesome, thats set to drop on Sept. 10. So if you feel like youre in a place where theres no one that looks like you, just prepare yourself. When I came to the court, I knew I could swing that racket and that no one could do it better. So I didnt have to say anything because my racket did all of the talking.