From Setback to CEO: Kandace Kalin’s Playbook for Rebuilding After Loss

Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Kandace Kalin, a former elite synchronized swimmer and founder of O2 Sports Insurance. Kandace opens up about her personal journey — from the rigor of competitive athletics to the boardroom — sharing how grief, wrongful termination, and profound loss reshaped her career and mission. She discusses how the resilience, structure, and discipline from her swimming career helped her build a purpose-driven business that now champions mental health and athlete support in the insurance world.The episode dives into themes of sports leadership, female entrepreneurship, identity after athletics, and building mentally healthy workplaces — especially in male-dominated industries.Whether you're an athlete, executive, coach, or parent, Kandace’s story delivers a masterclass in rebuilding from rock bottom, leading with empathy, and turning adversity into impact.00:00 From Setback to CEO: Kandace Kalin’s Playbook for Rebuilding After Loss03:11 Overcoming Personal Tragedy ‌05:13 Lessons from Synchronized Swimming07:19 Transitioning from Athlete to Entrepreneur14:24 Challenges and Triumphs in Business22:15 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry29:36 Creating a Supportive Work Environment33:38 Making a Difference Through Sponsorships35:50 Balancing Parenting and Career38:05 Teaching Resilience to Children41:58 Future Goals for O2 Sports Insurance44:52 Lightning Round: Quick Insights47:50 Reflections on Resilience and LegacyTopics Covered Athlete to entrepreneur transformationWomen in the sports businessMental health and workplace cultureLeadership and resilienceParenting and purposeFemale CEOs in insuranceSports career transitionsBuilding mission-driven companiesIf this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show. Fuel our Mission Support the show☞ Stay 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.Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify Video → Watch Full Episodes🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation🔹 X → @PreZeroST🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive UpdatesYour Voice Matters!🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea?We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.