US Gymnast Nina Sossamon-Pogue: Rising Above an Identity Crisis – Part Two

Part Two.

I sit down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former professional gymnast who started her journey at just four years old and went on to join the U.S. Gymnastics Team.

In her own words, gymnastics is a perfect example of resilience—you literally fall down and get back up, all day, every day, as you learn new skills. That mindset became part of Nina’s DNA, and it carried her through some incredible twists and turns.

From the heartbreak of not making the Olympic team to leaving the sport for good after an injury, she faced one identity crisis after another. But she didn’t stop there. Nina built a successful journalism career that spanned 17 years, only to be let go, despite being a beloved news anchor. And instead of staying down, she jumped into tech—starting from scratch—and reinvented herself yet again.

Yesterday, in part one of our conversation, we looked into Nina’s journey. Her training, her triumphs, and her setbacks. Then, today, in part two, we’ll explore the tools Nina has developed over the years to help others rise above their challenges. Tools like the Reverse Resume and Successful Timeline. We’re not talking about your typical resume or conventional ideas of success—we’re going beyond that.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Why the Reverse Resume Matters

“When hiring, I ask, ‘What’s something you’ve overcome?’ That’s where the magic is. Those bottom-line moments define the strength you bring to every table.”

The Power of Perspective: Achievements and Challenges Together”

“Your resume tells one story, but your reverse resume tells the deeper truth: what you’ve overcome. Together, they define not just what you’ve done, but who you are.”

“Success vs. a Successful Lifetime: Spot the Difference”

“A nice car, a big house, a shiny jet—that’s success. But a successful lifetime? That’s the legacy, the relationships, the impact. The timeline reveals the whole messy, marvelous story.”

Life is a Bag of Legos

“Imagine dumping out a Ziploc bag full of Legos. Same colors, same shapes, same pieces. Yet, you’d build something entirely different from me. That’s your life—it’s uniquely yours to assemble.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.

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