Sandy Zimmerman, a Hall of Fame teacher, national Judo champion, Gonzaga basketball star, and American Ninja Warrior, shares her remarkable journey on “Navigating No.” From overcoming a childhood marked by poverty, foster care, and abuse, Sandy defied the odds with unwavering determination and a clear vision. This episode delves into the pivotal moments and key figures in her life, like the sensei who believed in her Olympic potential and the friend who supported her Ninja Warrior dream. Discover how Sandy’s resilience and the support of her community helped her turn rejections and injuries into milestones of success. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of belief and gratitude.

To learn more about Sandy’s ongoing projects and to connect with her, visit her website at sandyzimmerman.co and follow her on instagram @sandy_zimmerman_ninja

00:00 Overcoming Adversity: Sandy Zimmerman's Journey Begins
00:54 Introducing Sandy Zimmerman: A Multifaceted Champion
01:46 Teaching Judo: Transforming Lives Through Martial Arts
08:31 Life Lessons from Judo: Building Resilience and Confidence
15:14 Parental Wisdom: Encouraging Resilience in Children
35:27 The Power of Belief: Sensei's Impact on Sandy's Life
39:59 Embracing Vulnerability and Seeking Support
41:07 The Journey to American Ninja Warrior
44:21 Overcoming Obstacles and Setbacks
47:42 The Power of Persistence and Resilience
01:00:58 Gratitude and Perspective
01:02:35 Sharing Your Story and Making an Impact