In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Nina Sossamon-Pogue, shares her diverse career journey, from being part of the USA gymnastics team to a being a news anchor and Emmy award winning journalist. Nina discusses the importance of change, resilience, and adaptability for personal growth and innovation, with a focus on embracing novelty and maintaining a positive outlook. She also talks about the challenges women face in the US, strategies for managing mental health and social media in the face of criticism, and the implications of social media on public discourse and personal privacy.

Main topics

Why we resist change but need to embrace it for personal and professional growth

Reinvention and its significance in our lives

How setbacks or changes can prompt a recalculation of route to something new

The challenges women face in the US in relation to societal expectations and the role of media

Managing mental health and social media in the face of bullying and negative comments

The implications of social media on public discourse and personal privacy

Learning from past mistakes and focusing on strengths

Join host Tess Connolly, LCSW, for an enlightening conversation with Nina Sossamon Pogue who is a sought-after speaker, two-time best-selling author, and podcast host. 

Discover how Nina helps individuals and organizations thrive through challenges and reach new levels of success.

Learn about overcoming failure and building resilience. Tess and Nina discuss how parents can support their children through failures.

Explore how to talk to yourself during success and failure and navigate life's transitions.

Understand the importance of allowing children to fail and learn valuable life lessons.

Tess and Nina address the complexities of middle school friendships and parental navigation.

The importance of trusted therapists and mentors for children to discuss issues they might not share with parents.

Nina explains her four-part framework to help individuals thrive through tough times.

Delve into the first part of Nina's framework, focusing on how viewing our life's timeline can provide perspective and aid in understanding our experiences.

Insights on how the small moments shared with children are the ones they remember most.

Discussion on the importance of mindful language when talking to ourselves and others.

Nina is most grateful that all three of her kids are in a good place and that they are happy and also she is grateful for her own health. 

In this episode, we sit down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former elite gymnast, television news anchor, tech executive, and author of "This is Not the End: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life," to explore the theme of resilience. Nina shares her journey from the heights of athletic success to the challenges of career transitions and personal setbacks. She offers valuable insights and steps on how to navigate life's highs and lows, embrace change, and build inner strength. Whether you're facing professional challenges or personal struggles, Nina's experiences and advice will inspire you to say, "I've got this."

About Nina:
Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a sought-after speaker, two-time best-selling author, and podcast host with an extraordinary journey of repeated reinvention. Leaving home at just 13 to train for the USA Gymnastics team, she graced magazine covers and captured the imagination of a nation alongside teammate Mary Lou Retton. Her path diverged from gymnastics after a career-ending injury competing for LSU. The moment became a catalyst for an esteemed career as a news anchor and Emmy award-winning journalist.

Ever-evolving, a transformative life event led Nina into a new path of corporate leadership. As a celebrated executive, she navigated the intricacies of a highly successful IPO in the tech industry. Today, with her extensive experience in marketing, communications, and PR, she is a trusted advisor for organizations seeking to refine their narrative and attract investors. Nina's influence extends beyond her honors and thought leadership. She embodies the essence of resilience and empowerment and has been recognized as a 'Woman of Distinction' by the state of South Carolina. Nina continues to inspire others to overcome adversity and thrive in this ever-changing, fast-moving, FOMO era of uncertainty.

In this powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former USA gymnast, Emmy-winning journalist, and a beacon of resilience and empowerment. Nina shares her extraordinary journey from leaving home at 13 to train for gymnastics with dreams of the Olympics, to overcoming a career-ending injury and reshaping her life multiple times across different high-impact roles. 

Nina delves into the highs and lows of her life, emphasizing the strength and lessons learned through each setback. From the glamour of media attention to the personal battles behind the scenes, she uncovers the raw truths about resilience, the importance of mental health, and the power of reinvention. Nina's story is a testament to the fact that while life can throw the most challenging curveballs, it's how we respond that defines our path forward.

Listeners will gain insights into Nina's approach to overcoming adversity, including her framework for resilience which has helped many navigate their toughest times. Her discussion on the importance of self-talk, the power of a supportive community, and the ability to rewrite one's narrative provides valuable tools for anyone looking to foster resilience in their own lives.

For those moved by Nina's journey and looking to learn more about transforming life's challenges into stepping stones for success, this episode is a must-listen. Nina's life lessons are not just stories but powerful testimonies to the strength every individual holds within. By the end of this conversation, listeners will feel more equipped to face their own challenges with a renewed sense of hope and empowerment.

To explore deeper into Nina Sossamon-Pogue's work, check out her books and follow her continued journey in reshaping how we think about adversity and success. Whether you're navigating personal struggles or looking to inspire resilience in others, Nina's insights offer a roadmap to a more fulfilling and resilient life.

Discover the Power of Resilience with Nina Sossamon-Pogue From an Emmy award-winning journalist to a leadership team member of a successful tech startup, two-time best-selling author, and high-sought-after motivational speaker, Nina Sossamon-Pogue is what you would call a true beacon of resilience in the world. As someone who's adapted to a lifetime of significant challenges and unexpected twists, Nina's ability to take on these challenges with resilience and determination has led her to find repeated successes through it all. Nina was a member of the USA Gymnastics team in the 1980s, then became an award-winning journalist and Emmy-award-winning television news anchor. Nina left TV for Tech and spent 12 years on the leadership team of a technology company during its hyper-growth expansion and highly successful IPO. After years of hard work, research, and two books later, Nina has identified the specific actions and mental shifts needed to 'adapt positively' to the challenges that life hands us. For her experience in sports, television, and tech, Nina is referred to as a rare' triple threat' in the speaking world. She connects with audiences on multiple levels. As an expert on Resilience, Nina is passionate about using her story to help others help other hardworking humans thrive through tough times. After repeatedly being asked, "How'd you do that?" Nina's message is clear: "Resilience is not just a trait – it's a skill that can be cultivated and leveraged to drive organizational success." Listen in as Nina and I sit down to talk about how her deepest lows helped her discover the resilience she needed to find the success she desired, her passion for helping others do the same, and the turning point that led her to find a life of FEARLESS HAPPYNESS!

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a renowned keynote speaker, author, former USA gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, and tech executive. Nina and I dive deep into our experiences with perfectionism, failure, and identity crises, sharing candid stories and valuable insights.

Nina highlights how perfectionism can be a debilitating mindset that prevents individuals from reaching their true potential. Together, we offer practical tips for reframing failure, seeking help, and cultivating a more joyful and fulfilling life.  

We also discuss Nina's book, "THIS is Not the End: Strategies to Get You Through The Worst Chapters of Your Life", which offers strategies for navigating difficult times and emerging stronger. Reflect on Nina's journey from gymnastics to journalism, the role of mentors, and the evolution of her career influenced by perfectionism. Hear about the pressures of aging, maintaining appearance, and finding a balance between personal and professional life.

Nina and I also delve into mental health, sharing personal stories of overcoming depression, trauma, and the importance of self-awareness and support networks. This episode is a tapestry of life lessons, resilience, and hope, aiming to inspire you to see failure not as an end, but as a crucial part of the journey towards a more meaningful life.

Have you ever wondered if the key to conquering your sugar addiction lies not in your diet, but in your mindset? 

In this episode of the Kick Sugar Coach Podcast, I sat down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue to explore how the principles of resilience can be the game-changer in your journey to overcome sugar addiction. Nina’s life story is one of continual reinvention—from training for the Olympics to facing career-ending injuries, to becoming a bestselling author and sought-after speaker. Through it all, she’s mastered the art of bouncing back stronger from every setback.

What if you could apply that same resilience to your relationship with sugar?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How Nina reinvented herself after a devastating injury and how her approach can help you reinvent your relationship with food.

The crucial role of “now what” moments—those times when life throws you a curveball and you’re tempted to fall back into old habits—and how to navigate them successfully.

Nina’s unique concept of a "reverse resume"—acknowledging and celebrating the challenges you’ve overcome as a way to fuel your ongoing recovery.

Practical strategies for staying resilient during both the highs and lows of your sugar addiction recovery journey.

Nina’s insights are not just about resisting temptation—they’re about reshaping how you see yourself and your ability to overcome challenges. Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey or have been struggling for years, this episode offers powerful tools to help you stay the course, adapt to setbacks, and ultimately, thrive.

Ready to transform your approach to sugar addiction? Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation. Watch the full interview now and start applying resilience to reclaim control over your health and life.

Join me, Jason LaChance, host of the @KnockinDoorzDown  podcast certified addiction recovery coach, and mental health advocate for my sit down with renowned speaker, author, and Resilience expert Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is an amazing woman, not just a sought-after speaker, two-time best-selling author, and podcast host—she's a beacon of resilience in the corporate world. With a background as a former member of the USA Gymnastics team and D1 athlete, Nina's journey from Emmy award-winning journalist to leadership team member of a successful tech startup has been nothing short of remarkable.

Nina's ability to take on tough challenges and adapt to life's unexpected twists makes her an invaluable resource for corporate leadership development. Her message is clear: resilience is not just a trait—it's a skill that can be cultivated and leveraged to drive organizational success.

Nina and I discuss the following and more.

Go be yourself, everyone else is already taken.

How did Nina's life play out like a country song?

What is 'THIS' framework and how can you use T.I.P.S?

What less drama? Don't give people things to talk about.

Why is being coachable a vital life skill?

This is Nina Sossamon-Pogue Knockin’ Doorz Down.

Can resilience be the key to thriving in life's ever-changing landscape? This week on the People First Podcast, we sit down with Nina Sossamon Pogue, who transitioned from sports to careers in television and tech. Discover how she redefined success, overcame setbacks, and embraced lifelong learning.

We also share a former gymnast's story, highlighting the emotional challenges young athletes face and the importance of a strong support network. Her journey illustrates the resilience needed to navigate adversity.

Finally, learn about the TIPS method, an innovative framework combining stoicism, cognitive behavioral therapy, neuroscience, and big data to help you manage self-sabotaging thoughts and build supportive relationships.

Tune in for inspiring stories, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on resilience and personal growth.

Ever realize that all those awards and certifications are not delivering the level of executive presence and influence you expected they would?

In this episode, with an Emmy award-winning television anchor and former tech executive we dive into how your untold stories—the setbacks and challenges that don't make it onto LinkedIn—shape you into a resilient and adaptable leader.

For high-performing business leaders, understanding and leveraging these experiences is crucial for continuous growth and achieving desired outcomes.

Tune in to take-away these career-altering insights and more:

1. Learn how to look your best on VIDEO from an Emmy award-winning television news anchor.

2. You can actually use past failures without hiding them.

3. Learn strategies to redefine your identity beyond your professional achievements and become a stronger leader.

Unlock the secrets to resilience and growth—click play now and start transforming your untold stories into your greatest strengths!

Resilience is more than showing up every day and working through the obstacles; it is adapting and surrendering to whatever is happening to you. To thrive through resilience is to accept that sometimes, the obstacle is the only way.

In this episode, Nina Sossamon-Pogue invites us to reframe our definition of resilience. Nina is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Podcast Host, Tech Executive, and former USA Gymnast and Emmy-winning News Anchor. Despite major setbacks as an athlete in her teen years and as a journalist at the beginning of her professional career, Nina always found a way to overcome challenges and bounce back stronger than before. As an influential thought leader who already had her success, she is on a mission to help others achieve theirs.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear Nina's thoughts on using mental toughness and self-reflection to overcome setbacks and achieve success. Nina also talks about how she recovered from not making it to the US Olympic team, her career-ending injury, and being released from her job after winning Charleston's Favorite News Anchor for the seventh time in a row.

You'll also hear about Nina's THIS framework, her TIPS for becoming resilient, why it is crucial to address Excellence Exhaustion, how relying on our reverse resume can help us increase our confidence, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 440 and discover how you can transform a major setback into your biggest win by relying on your mental toughness, self-reflection, and resilience.

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a former USA Gymnast, Emmy-Winning News Anchor, successful Tech Exec, best-selling author, and serial overcomer. Nina shares her journey through life's setbacks, from missing the Olympic team to a traumatic accident, and how she turned them into triumphs. You will gain valuable insights on resilience, the lifespan of defining moments, and actionable strategies to overcome life's toughest chapters. Tune in for a dose of motivation and practical advice on navigating challenges.

This week’s guest is Nina Sossamon-Pogue. Ron and Nina discussed Nina’s gymnastic career, focusing on the process vs. successes, values like discipline, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

The quote Nina likes (2:46)

Her background (3:11)

About her gymnastics career (6:02)

Whether or not she regrets the sacrifices she made (8:38)

How she started thinking about life outside gymnastics (11:38)

About the “high achievers success cycle” (16:05)

Focusing on the process vs. the success cycle (20:42)

Perseverance vs. discipline (26:33)

About the “highs” (29:09)

In this episode, host Jeffrey Bradbury interviews Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a resilience expert and author. Nina shares her personal journey of resilience, including her experiences as a former member of the USA Gymnastics team, a news anchor, and a tech company executive. She emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges and offers practical advice for individuals facing tough times. Nina also discusses the significance of being present in the moment and surrounding oneself with supportive people. The episode concludes with a discussion on the power of storytelling and the importance of embracing change and falling forward.

This week, Dan Neumann welcomes Nina Sossamon-Pogue to today’s conversation. Nina has an interesting background as a U.S. gymnast, a News Anchor, and a Corporate Leader with a unique perspective on resilience, mental health, and well-being.

In this episode, Dan and Nina discuss an innovative concept, Excellence Exhaustion, while they define and analyze its significance. Nina also shares the “Resilience Route Navigator,” a framework designed to help high achievers combat Excellence Exhaustion.

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Quietly Visible podcast, hosted by Carol Stewart, founder of Abounding Solutions and author of Quietly Visible: Leading with Influence and Impact as an Introverted Woman. In this episode, we delve into the journey of the amazing Nina Sossamon-Pogue.

Nina is an Energizing Influence on and off the stage, igniting audiences with a dynamic fusion of science and stoicism.
A former USA Gymnast, Emmy-winning News Anchor, accomplished Corporate Leader, and Best-Selling Author, Nina is known for her achievements and for authentically sharing her failures and struggles.

On this Live Greatly podcast episode, Kristel Bauer sits down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, motivational speaker, prior USA gymnast and Emmy award winning television anchor.  Kristel and Nina discuss keys for building resilience in your personal and professional life as well as the excellence exhaustion paradigm.  Nina shares lessons learned from ups and downs in her personal and professional life and lots more. Tune in now!

Can resilience be learned, and how do we redefine ourselves after life's most challenging setbacks? Tune in to find out as we sit down with the incredible Nina Sossaman Pogue, whose journey from elite athlete to Emmy Award-winning journalist and high-tech executive offers invaluable lessons on overcoming adversity. From the heartbreak of missing the 1984 Olympic team to a life-altering injury at LSU, Nina's story is one of relentless transformation and self-discovery.

Nina opens up about the emotional toll of losing her gymnastics career and the profound impact of mentorship and self-kindness in her journey to find new purpose. She brings us into the pivotal moments that reshaped her life, including a heart-wrenching incident involving a friend's child and the guilt that followed. Through her candid recounting, Nina emphasizes the importance of reframing our internal dialogue and viewing failure not as a definitive end but as a stepping stone toward growth.

We also explore Nina's philosophies on resilience, including how to map life events to gain perspective and the significance of 'chapter six thinking' in appreciating the potential ahead. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, from the power of choice in overcoming life's obstacles to the value of a supportive community. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or seeking inspiration for a fresh start, Nina's story offers a roadmap to resilience and optimism.

In this episode, host Holly Cotton and Nina Sossamon-Pogue, former USA gymnast turned best selling author talk life, when it's life'n. Nina shares her story starting as Team USA to corporate leadership. They explore transitioning from what you thought was your purpose, practical strategies for success, her role as a motivational speaker, how she equips individuals with tools to thrive. 

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is an expert communicator and storyteller. She provides actionable insights for creating resilient culture, She is a powerhouse that has conquered life’s obstacles and shifted her focus to creating success for others. 

In this episode of The Nomad Solopreneur Show, I sit down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a sought-after public speaker, best-selling author, and podcast host. Nina shares her incredible journey from training as an Olympic gymnast to becoming an award-winning TV anchor and tech executive. She's faced many challenges but has always adapted positively. Nina explains her resilience framework, emphasizing the importance of adapting, isolating the problem, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and rewriting your story. We talk about how to find true success and happiness by focusing on what you genuinely value and understanding that tough times are just chapters of life, not the whole story.

Life can feel like one curveball after another, and sometimes, just staying in the game feels like a victory. We’ve all been there. But what if I told you that you could not only survive those tough times but come out stronger on the other side?

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a compelling conversation with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a corporate executive, Emmy Award-winning news anchor, and former U.S. gymnastics team member.  They delve into themes of resilience, personal growth, and productivity. Nina shares her journey through life’s challenges, highlighting the crucial role of mindset shifts and positive influences. She also discusses how social media comparisons can erode self-worth and the importance of curating a supportive environment. The episode wraps up with practical strategies to overcome adversity and take control of your narrative, encouraging you to embrace resilience for success in all areas of life.

Ready to transform your setbacks into comebacks? Tune in now and discover how resilience can be your greatest asset.

Ever feel like everything's falling apart? Like there’s no hope for a better tomorrow? That’s exactly where Nina found herself... until she discovered ONE acronym that changed everything. In this inspiring video, Nina shares her personal journey from rock bottom to a future filled with hope and purpose. This simple yet powerful tool helped her shift her mindset, regain control, and rebuild her life. If you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or ready to give up, this might just be the breakthrough you need! Watch now and learn how a small change can make a BIG difference in your life.

In today’s episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I’m excited to sit down with resilience expert Nina Sossamon Pogue. Nina is a former US elite gymnast, a member of the US national team, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and a mom. With her incredible background, she’s got a wealth of knowledge to share.

One of Nina's greatest strengths is helping people navigate life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s a personal tragedy, a major setback, or just feeling stuck in a rough patch, Nina has a unique way of reframing these experiences. She provides a simple, actionable framework for getting through the hard stuff with resilience and grace.

If you’re in need of a little guidance to push through a difficult time, this conversation will give you tools to not only survive but come out stronger on the other side.

In this episode, Coach Rebecca and Nina Sossamon Pogue talk about:

Nina Sossamon Pogue's Elite Gymnastics Journey.

Facing the Unexpected from College Gymnastics to Life After a Career-Ending Injury.

Embracing Change.

The Critical Role of Coping Skills and Support for Young Athletes.

Viewing Challenges as a Small Part of Life's Bigger Picture.

Tips for Navigating Life's Challenges.

The Role of Resilience in Overcoming Adversity.

The Importance of Self-Compassion and Asking for Help.

Nina's Four-Part Framework for Resilience and Overcoming Challenges.

“You decide what you want your story to be.”– Nina Sossamon Pogue

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving? Teetering on the edge of caregiver burnout? Join us as we explore strategies to overcome caregiver burnout and find joy in the face of adversity. Our guest, Nina Sossamon-Pogue, is a renowned speaker, best-selling author,and Emmy award-winning journalist who shares her personal journey of resilience and strength.

From her days as a USA Gymnastics team member to her successful career in media, Nina has faced numerous challenges. In this episode, she offers practical advice and inspiring stories to help you navigate your own caregiving journey with newfound purpose and hope.

In this episode, Nina shares her insights on overcoming caregiver burnout, finding purpose amidst adversity, and rediscovering joy in the face of life's challenges. Discover practical strategies and inspiring stories that can help you navigate your own caregiving journey with renewed hope and purpose.

In this episode of the Million Dollar Flip Flop podcast, Rodric Lenhart sits down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue — former gymnast, TV anchor, tech leader, and now a motivational speaker. 

Nina shares her journey of navigating major life transitions, from sports to media to tech, and how each chapter prepared her for the next. 

With her insights on resilience, adapting to change, and playing the long game in life and business, Nina’s wisdom offers a powerful message for entrepreneurs balancing success with personal growth.

What You Will Hear In This Episode:

How to turn life’s unexpected shifts into new opportunities for growth

The value of resilience, adaptability, and coachability in both business and life

Why life is long, and how to play the long game with health, wealth, and relationships

Nina’s personal strategies for preparing mentally and physically before big events

The importance of stepping back and assessing your goals to align your life with your true purpose

Quote:

"Life is long…whatever you’re going through now can just be a bad chapter, not your whole story."

— Nina Sossamon-Pogue

On this week's episode of Next Level Minds, I had the opportunity to speak with Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is an inspirational thought leader who reframes resilience and empowers audiences to create successful futures.

With a background as a former USA gymnast, Emmy-winning television news anchor, tech executive, and now a sought after speaker and author, Nina shares a unique framework for resilience and emboldens audiences to envision their futures in new and innovative ways.

Nina’s experience as a communicator powers her ability to share her framework for handling a challenge.

She’s had her own success, now she is passionate about other people’s success.

Nina left her role as a Vice President at a publicly traded SaaS company to embark on a mission to empower hardworking individuals to thrive through tough times.

Drawing from her own experiences of success and failure at the highest levels of sport, television, and corporate America, Nina researched other high achievers to understand why some businesses and individuals thrive during adversity while others get stuck or fail.

Her findings culminated in her first book, "THIS is Not The End," in 2019 and then the creation of her science-based, stoic philosophy-infused resilience framework: Resilience Route Navigator.

Nina now dedicates herself full-time to writing, speaking, and sharing her message of resilience. Her dynamic blend of experience, science, and stoicism is igniting people around the globe to achieve new levels of success.

We discuss business, entrepreneurship, sports, overcoming setbacks, and many more exciting topics!

In this episode, Nina Sossamon-Pogue shares her journey from news anchor to tech storyteller, offering insights on the "Achiever Success Cycle" and the "KEY Framework" for effective communication and overcoming challenges.

Happiness Solved with Sandee Sgarlata. In this episode, Sandee interviews Nina Sossamon-Pogue. Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a sought-after speaker, two-time best-selling author, and podcast host. Hers is an extraordinary journey through Elite Athletics, Television News, and Corporate America, that defies the ordinary. Leaving home at age 13 to train, Nina made the USA Gymnastics team, and graced magazine covers as an Olympic hopeful alongside Mary Lou Retton but failed to make the Olympic team. Later, competing for SEC powerhouse LSU, Nina suffered an injury that ended her Gymnastics Career. The moment became a catalyst for an esteemed 20-year career as an Emmy award-winning journalist and News Anchor. Ever evolving, a transformative life event led Nina into a new path from TV to Tech and into corporate leadership. As a celebrated executive, she navigated the intricacies of a highly successful IPO. Now, a resilient powerhouse, Nina has conquered life’s obstacles with grace and shifted her focus to creating success for others. Drawing on her extensive experience in communications, corporate leadership, and resilience research, she helps individuals and organizations thrive through challenges and change to reach new levels of success.

For today's Crucial Conversation I am joined by Nina Sossaman-Pogue, public speaker, best selling author, and success coach to discuss the following:

- The High Achiever's Success Cycle: Understanding and Mastering it
- Self Discovery and How to Translate your Inherent Strengths to a Career
- How to Manage Stress and Overwhelm
- Embracing Change and Syncing with Life's Seasons

I had so much fun recording this episode. Instead of talking AT you, Nina and I share personal stories, reflections, and insights openly to connect with you and empower you on your journey. Yes you are going to learn a lot during today's episode... but more importantly, I trust that you will feel deeply connected to your potential and inspired throughout this Crucial Conversation.

“And to my framework that I offer folks is, what is that? How do we always find a path forward? What do we do when these things hit? How do we keep moving forward when we just feel like, ‘I just can't flippin do this anymore. It is just too much.’” -Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former USA gymnast turned Emmy-winning news anchor and tech executive, shares her powerful story of resilience and transformation. She explores pivotal moments in her career, from overcoming gymnastics injuries to transitioning between vastly different industries, offering strategies to navigate change with purpose. Nina introduces her 'this' concept for categorizing challenges and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in managing stress and thriving through adversity.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How to turn adversity into growth opportunities

Practical strategies for handling life & career transitions

The 'this' concept for breaking down & managing challenges

Tune in to discover actionable tools for transforming challenges into stepping stones and confidently embracing life's uncertainties.

Episode Highlights:

Precap

Context, Setting, Introduction, and First Rapid Fire Round

Who is her guiding voice?

Nina’s success mantra - Top 3 things that have contributed to her success

How did she navigate from elite gymnastics to corporate leadership?

Her Resilience framework and how it applies to today's high-stress corporate world?

How has vulnerability played a role in her growth as a leader?

What is the role of storytelling in her talks, and why does she believe it's so effective in driving organizational behavioral change?

Witty Answers to the second rapid-fire round of questions

In the world of startups and corporate environments, what’s one overlooked element of success that you believe deserves more attention?

Trivia about three less-known facts about the Emmy Awards

Resilience is more than just bouncing back from hardship—it’s about personal growth and strength in the face of challenges. Whether dealing with family struggles, health issues, or workplace stressors, resilience can be developed and nurtured over time. In this episode, we are joined by Nina Sossamon-Pogue, an expert on resilience, who shares practical tools to navigate adversity and thrive despite life’s toughest moments.

What Is Resilience?

Defined by the American Psychological Association as the ability to adapt well to adversity, trauma, or stress.

Resilience includes personal growth through life’s challenges.

Factors influencing resilience: outlook, engagement, and specific skills.

How to Build Resilience

Four core components: connection, wellness, healthy thinking, and meaning.

Like a muscle, resilience strengthens with intentional effort.

Guest Feature: Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Motivational speaker, author, and expert on resilience and mental wellness.

Former USA gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, corporate leader, and best-selling author.

Shares her journey of navigating highs and lows and the science-backed strategies she uses to thrive.

Part One.

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.

Today, in part one of our conversation, we’re diving into Nina’s journey. Her training, her triumphs, and her setbacks. Then, tomorrow, 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.

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.

00:00 Introduction to Nina Sossamon-Pogue

02:27 The Journey of a Navy Brat

04:56 The Pressure of Competitive Gymnastics

10:21 Transitioning from Gymnastics to Journalism

13:39 Finding Identity After Injury

17:09 The Start of a Journalism Career

20:08 A Memorable Live Reporting Experience

21:35 The Emmy Experience: Validation and Triumph

24:06 From Journalism to Tech: A Calculated Pivot

27:30 Navigating Corporate America: A New Perspective

31:24 IPO Journey: Learning and Responsibility

33:32 The Importance of Coachability in Success

37:33 Empowering Others: Workshops and Keynotes

39:30 Books and Legacy: Crafting Your Next Chapter

40:56 Reflections on Life: Success and Kindness

Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former US gymnast and Emmy-winning news anchor turned tech executive and keynote speaker, shares her journey of overcoming setbacks and redefining success. She introduces powerful concepts like the "reverse resume" and "timeline thinking" to help high achievers navigate life's unexpected turns and build resilience.

00:38- About Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Nina is a keynote speaker and an author.

She's the founder of NSP Communications.

She has been a gymnast for the US, an Emmy-winning news anchor, and a tech executive.

In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Nina Sossamon-Pogue shares her multifaceted journey from being a U.S. gymnast to a successful journalist, and then transitioning into the tech industry.

She discusses the challenges she faced, including injuries and career setbacks, and emphasizes the importance of resilience, storytelling, and mindset in navigating life's transitions. Nina provides valuable insights on identifying personal skills, the significance of positive language, and the necessity of building a supportive network. She also introduces her framework for resilience, TIPS, and encourages listeners to envision their ideal life and take proactive steps towards it.

Takeaways

Nina emphasizes the importance of resilience in navigating life's challenges.

She encourages listeners to identify their skills and how they can transfer to new opportunities.

Storytelling is a crucial skill in business and personal branding.

It's essential to visualize what you want your life to look like.

Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires a mindset shift.

Understanding the phases of life can help in managing expectations and experiences.

Creating a personal timeline can provide clarity on past experiences and future goals.

Positive language can significantly impact your mindset and how others perceive you.

Building a support network is vital for success and personal growth.

Nina's TIPS framework offers a structured approach to overcoming challenges.

On today’s episode of the Entrepreneur Evolution Podcast, we are joined by Nina Sossamon-Pogue. Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a sought-after speaker, two-time best-selling author, and podcast host. Hers is an extraordinary journey through Elite Athletics, Television News, and Corporate America, that defies the ordinary. Leaving home at age 13 to train, Nina made the USA Gymnastics team, and graced magazine covers as an Olympic hopeful alongside Mary Lou Retton but failed to make the Olympic team. Later, competing for SEC powerhouse LSU, Nina suffered an injury that ended her Gymnastics Career. The moment became a catalyst for an esteemed 20-year career as an Emmy award- winning journalist and News Anchor. Ever evolving, a transformative life event led Nina into a new path from TV to Tech and into corporate leadership. As a celebrated executive, she navigated the intricacies of a highly successful IPO. Now, a resilient powerhouse, Nina has conquered life’s obstacles with grace and shifted her focus to creating success for others. Drawing on her extensive experience in communications, corporate leadership, and resilience research, she helps individuals and organizations thrive through challenges and change to reach new levels of success.

Today on The Sales Life, it is my pleasure to bring on Nina Sossamon-Pogue. Nina is a Emmy award winner. Author. Speaker.

And just an overall bad-ass, resilient individual. In episode 589 back in October of 2020. I read her book, This Is Not The End, and did an episode about needing a script for what she calls "This" moments.

This moments are catastrophic situations that arise in your life. They are situations that felt like there's no coming back from.

Nina writes, "There was this before. And there will be a, this after. "

She is a living testament of going through not only life altering, but could have been life ending moments and not only surviving, but thriving on the other side.

I was really drawn to this book because, I'd too had my dark moments. Bankrupt. Demoted. Divorced, & suicidal thoughts.

I had these thoughts and moments and they seemed like the absolute worst moments.

After I published the podcast, Episode 589, she, and I started communicating, but couldn't get together, but finally the stars aligned and we were finally able to make this happen.

The conversation was so good, I never even got to my notes, but maybe that's the mark of a great conversation. Much like enjoying dinner with a good friend, the conversation just takes flight. And that's exactly what happened in this conversation.

Nina shares not only a bit of her past, but also shares a piece of herself of how she was able to pick up the pieces of her life and create a new masterpiece.

Resilience" isn't even a strong enough word to describe Nina Sossamon-Pogue although that's probably the word that she would use the most. She's proof that no matter what you're going through in life, there is another side.

If you handle it right and you attach the right language to it, your THIS will make you better.

I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is the CEO of NSP Communications. Nina is a respected keynote speaker on Resilience, Adversity, and Achievement.

Her research about resilience includes writing about how highly successful individuals and companies get from adversity to achievement.

Nina is the bestselling author of This is NOT the End: Strategies to Get Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life.

Nina expertly blends big data, current events, and brain science research into an energetic multi-media stage performance to help organizations strengthen their workforce in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.

Additional facts about Nina, include, she has been a world-class athlete, an accomplished journalist, and a technology executive.

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is sought after speaker, hyper-growth tech executive, USA Gymnast, and Emmy-winning television news anchor. She is the author of This is Not the End: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life. Nina shares her proven approach to handling life’s hardships, so you can control your own destiny.

Nina has enjoyed success at some of the highest levels of sports, television, and corporate America. She also endured painful public failures and devastating life events. She is often asked how she managed to rebuild and find new levels of success, after her lows. So, she developed a framework anyone can implement, to leverage adversity, and achieve success.

Nina spent 20+ years as a television news reporter and anchor, followed by 12 years on the leadership team of a technology company, during its highly successful IPO.

In each chapter of her life, Nina faced tremendous adversity, including an injury that ended her athletic career, and a very public layoff from her dream job. At the peak of her journalism career, Nina had to rebuild her life once again. After a devastating car accident, she found herself at the center of a story gripping the headlines. Amid the darkness, Nina developed a proprietary model to harness adversity and strengthen resilience.

Nina brings a wealth of experience and passion to everything she does. She inspires you to examine your future in a new way. With a proven framework to conquer adversity, she teaches you how to overcome challenges of all sizes. This knowledge allows you to gain strength from each obstacle, on your way to success.

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is known as an expert on resilience and with good reason. She has enjoyed success at some of the highest levels of sports, television, news and corporate America, and at the same time, endured failures, traumas, including a devastating car accident that put her at the center of a major news story. Through it all, she developed resilience and a framework to not only help herself, but others as well, to move more easily through whatever their “this” tragic moment is.

“…The words I was using in my head were so, so important, because what happens in your head, comes out of your mouth and becomes your story. That piece of it was really important…”

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is helping others to build resilience through her podcast, books and the work she’s doing now in the world at ninasossamonpogue.com

Triumph Over Darkness with Best Selling Author Nina Sossamon-Pogue (Revisited)

This episode, initially released in 2021, stands out as one of my absolute favorites. Nina's book has become my ultimate go-to, personally revisited numerous times. I consistently recommend it to others as an excellent resource when navigating life's inevitable challenges and triumphs.

In this episode, I speak with a former member of the USA Gymnastics team, Emmy-winning television news anchor, former executive at a high-growth tech company during its IPO, and best-selling author Nina Sossamon-Pogue.

When your dreams are taken away from you, it's hard to figure out what comes next. Nina talks about helping people come out of their darkness to live the life they want to live. How can you move on from "this"? This question spurned into a powerful episode of Judging Meghan that will steer anyone through the mess of uncertainty.

Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a truly inspiring woman, a best selling author who brings us just the perfect book, a tool kit of sorts to help navigate life at any time, and is so ideal for the time we ALL are living in currently. The Book-- This is not the End: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life. couldn't be more perfect than if Nina had a crystal ball to know we would need it now. This is a unique and succinct guide with Nina using personal life experiences most of which I think we can all relate to in some way. Big takeaways--This too shall Pass. Where do we see ourselves in 5 years? Be aware of the words and stories we tell ourselves. Think Resilience!

The MAP boys sit down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue A former world-class gymnast and award-winning television personality, who is also a best-selling author and keynote speaker on Resilience, Adversity and Achievement. She has written two books, “This is Not the End”- Strategies to get you through the worst chapters of your life - and -“But I want Both” – The Working Mom’s Guide to Creating a Life She Loves.

Nina talks about her life being the result of the plot twists of her unique life story and shares the tips and tricks you can use to get you through your own THIS in life. THIS is all of the different life challenges and obstacles -- some THIS's are bigger than others.

Most people have difficulty living their lives after surviving horrific events. Because of this, they feel hopeless and disengage from people. These reactions are the exact opposite of what they should be feeling and doing. Instead of being negative, they should be hopeful and communicate with family and friends. Nina Sossamon-Pogue, the author of This Is Not ‘the End’: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life, shares some tips about living our lives through hard times. She also talks about some insights from her bestselling book that you can use now. Learn how you can still live your life to the fullest even when times are hard.

On today’s episode guest Nina Sossamon-Pogue talks about resilience in the face of adversity, lessons learned from her personal struggles. Nina is on a mission to use her life experiences to help others get through the difficult challenges and changes that inevitably come in life. Her passion is helping women who feel stuck in a place where they feel life will never be the same whether it’s due to divorce, trauma, losing a job, or any other life altering circumstances. Nina helps listeners to look at their life as a book with each day as a new, blank page to create the life story they want to have. She navigates us through the language we use, the themes we have or want, the vision of what those better days might look like so that we create a new script, a new outlook, a new perspective and a new life. Warning listeners against the dangerous game of comparison and “what-ifs”, Nina believes that learning to be happy with the choices we’ve made, adjust the now as necessary and make sure your future includes those things that bring joy and good times to the days to come. Remember that it’s always the hottest when we are in the fire, cooler days will come and the way we navigate the storms of life is setting the stage for how our future unfolds. If you or a friend are facing adversity, grab a cuppa something wonderful and gather some strategies to help you adapt and overcome in a way that sets your feet on a solid path. www.feminineroadmap.com/episode158/

“You can't ever go back. But you get to decide what pieces of you to take forward into the next part.” -Nina Sossamon-Pogue

There is no way to avoid adversity. But there is a way to navigate through it and use it to your advantage. Today, Shirley and Nina talk about how failures create the greatest successes. Nina shares her unique perspective on facing and conquering challenges and her method of Five-Year Thinking. She also addresses how we can narrow down our choices and be happy with the path we choose. Life is long. Whatever you are facing right now is just a fraction of your life. Learn from it and carry the lessons through the next chapter of your life. Never underestimate the power of resiliency. Tune in to today’s episode!

Host Cyrus Webb welcomes Nina Sossamon-Pogue on #ConversationsLIVE to discuss the reflection of her own life and the book THIS IS NOT THE END: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life.

In this episode, E.B. and Nina Sossamon-Pogue explore the themes of resilience, adaptability, and mental health. Nina shares her personal journey from being a U.S. national gymnast to a news anchor, discussing the challenges she faced, including trauma and public scrutiny. They delve into the importance of cognitive science in understanding mental wellbeing and the role of kindness in fostering resilience. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to be aware of their impact on others and encourages listeners to embrace their stories and find purpose in their lives.

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Armor, host Judd Shaw sits down with the multi-talented Nina Sossamon Pogue. As a former U.S. gymnast, Emmy-winning journalist, and now a sought-after speaker, Nina shares her personal journey through failure, resilience, and ultimately, reinvention. From her Olympic dreams to a career-ending injury and beyond, Nina's story is a testament to the power of persistence and inner strength. Tune in to hear her unique perspective on how to manage life's toughest moments and still find success.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Embrace Setbacks: Understand that failures are part of the journey and can often lead to even greater opportunities.

2. Redefine Success: What feels like the end may just be a pivot toward a new, more fulfilling direction.

3. Build Resilience: Finding small tricks or mental exercises, like Nina's finger counting method, can help you stay grounded during moments of fear and anxiety.

4. Surround Yourself With the Right People: Carefully curate your "circle"—those who support and uplift you during difficult times.

5. Own Your Story: Reframe your narrative by changing the language you use in your thoughts and conversations to create a more empowering outlook.

Taking that conscious pivot requires letting go. It comes with the understanding that you need to move on from certain parts of your life in order to step into a newer and truer path. Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a former TV News Anchor, Tech Exec, and member of the USA gymnastics team. These experiences helped shape her current career as a speaker and author with a fascination for Resilience & Success after Change. In this episode, she joins Adam Markel to share her amazing journey and how the failures that went along with the wins in her life became a resource to inspire others through speaking, podcasting, and book writing. At the heart of it, Nina tells us about the value of resilience, especially in a world that is fast-changing. She dives deep into the courage of taking a step back, of doing something greater. Tune in to this great conversation and gain insights on finding success even after pivoting.

Two amazing women; one amazing show! (Oh, yeah, and the great Scott Roeben, too ;) ) Up first, "Your Vegas Insider" answers the question we're all asking: When the heck can we go out again??!! Then, she's an artist, author, activist, and the inventor of the sports-bra! Lisa Z Lindahl joins us, then she's been a successful corporate executive, Emmy award winning News Anchor, a

Nina Sossamon-Pogue has a wealth of experiences behind her: She has been a member of the United States Gymnastics Team, a successful corporate executive, an investigative reporter, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor, and was voted Charleston’s Favorite News Anchor for 10 consecutive years. She has also flown through the eye of Hurricane Andrew, covered the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, experienced a life-altering injury, been downsized from a beloved job, gone through a divorce, and been a single mom. She talks about how she was able to overcome the unimaginable. She was the driver in a devastating accident in her co-anchor’s driveway—that crushed the skull of her friend’s baby boy. This led to despair and suicidal thoughts. But it also led to a miraculous full recovery for the baby and herself. Through this, she learned that everything in your life is just one chapter of your lifestory with a ton of blank pages ahead.

I really needed a lesson in resilience and a motivation boost this week and looking at Jim Joyce's hair - he did as well! On today's #TheShot of #digitalhealth therapy, we got through the week with Nina Sossamon-Pogue whose career took her from being a gymnast, news anchor, health tech exec and now an amazing book writer and speaker.

20 Mic Drops in 20 Minutes

20 speakers. 60 seconds of advice. Infinite insight.

GUESTS + KEY INSIGHTS:

[7:13] - Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Resilience speaker & performance expert

“When doing a virtual gig, you want to be able to have a tight enough shot where they can see your eyes and you can connect, but you want to also be able to bring the energy like you're standing on a stage. Instead of sitting down where you can lose some energy or standing up, where you may move around too much and lose that tight shot, plant one butt cheek on that stool and plant that opposite foot firmly on the ground.”

Nina Sossamon-Pogue‘s dreams of going to the Olympics was crushed due to a career ending injury. She went on to become voted Top News Anchor for 9 years straight, but was suddenly fired just to clear the books. Getting her bearings again she became top news anchor in another market, yet it came to a halt after tragically running over a little boy.

You may have had it bad, but Nina Sossamon-Pogue has had it worse. Yet she didn’t let ”THIS” moments end her. Nor should you.

How do you recover from “THIS” moments in your life? 1) You have to face to world. 2) You need a script.

In this episode of the Million Dollar Mastermind podcast, host Larry Weidel is joined by Nina Sossamon-Pogue, Founder of NSP Communications, Keynote Speaker, Author, USA Gymnast, and Emmy-Winning News Anchor. Nina reflects on her journey from a Navy brat with a passion for gymnastics to facing challenges after an injury cut short her college career and Olympic dreams. She highlights the launch of her "Now What" workshop, aimed at building resilience and navigating tough times. Nina also shares her transition into the tech world, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, asking questions, and adapting to new opportunities.

A former member of the USA Gymnastics national team, Nina began her career as a news anchor at WCIV, Charleston's ABC affiliate, where she earned an Emmy Award for Best News Anchor in the Southeast and was named Charleston’s favorite news anchor for four consecutive years by The City Paper. In 2007, Nina transitioned from TV to tech, joining the leadership team at Benefitfocus, where she helped lead the company through its hyper-growth and played a key role in their 2013 IPO listed in Forbes' top 10 IPOs of the year.

Nina is also a published author with two books focused on resilience. Her first book, THIS is Not The End: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life, offers guidance on overcoming adversity. Her second book, But I Want Both: A Working Mom's Guide to Creating a Life She Loves, was written in 2020 during the pandemic to support working mothers in balancing career and family. Nina also sits on several non-profit boards and is an Executive Advisor with the Alzheimer’s Association.

In this episode of the Million Dollar Mastermind podcast, host Larry Weidel is joined by Nina Sossamon-Pogue, Founder of NSP Communications, Keynote Speaker, Author, USA Gymnast, and Emmy-Winning News Anchor. Nina reflects on her journey from a Navy brat with a passion for gymnastics to facing challenges after an injury cut short her college career and Olympic dreams. She highlights the launch of her "Now What" workshop, aimed at building resilience and navigating tough times. Nina also shares her transition into the tech world, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, asking questions, and adapting to new opportunities.

In the first part of this episode, Nina discusses her early life as a Navy brat, moving frequently and discovering her passion for gymnastics. By age 13, she moved away from home to train at an elite center, which shaped her independence, discipline, and drive. Nina competed internationally, even rooming with Mary Lou Retton, but missed qualifying for the 1984 Olympics. Followed by a knee injury that ended her college gymnastics career, she left struggling with identity and purpose.

On the show today is the brilliant Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a multifaceted leader who has excelled across diverse fields - from gymnastics to broadcasting, corporate leadership, and authorship. .

In our conversation, we delve deeply into the true essence of resilience through Nina's extraordinary life experiences. Nina has a special gift to blend personal story, scientific research, and stoic philosophy. She presents a fresh perspective on what it means to be truly resilient. Rather than offering simple platitudes, Nina provides actionable strategies for embracing change and overcoming adversity, drawn from her own journey of transformation.

Her story begins in the world of elite gymnastics, where she trained and competed alongside Olympic gold medalists Mary Lou Retton and Bart Connor. Despite being widely projected to make the 1984 Olympic team, Nina faced her first major setback when she failed to qualify. Rather than letting this define her, she channeled her passion for the sport into earning a full scholarship to Louisiana State University. However, fate had other plans, and a severe knee injury brought her gymnastics career to an abrupt end.

What followed demonstrates the very essence of resilience that Nina now teaches. She successfully pivoted to broadcast journalism, where her dedication and talent led to her winning an Emmy Award. Building on this success, she then transitioned into corporate leadership and became a best-selling author, each step of her journey informing her unique perspective on resilience.

Throughout the episode, Nina weaves together several core themes that challenge conventional wisdom about resilience. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in both success and struggle, integrating personal experiences with research-based insights. Her approach balances stoic principles with emotional intelligence, offering practical tools for maintaining course in high-stress environments. What makes her message particularly compelling is how she presents complex ideas about resilience in ways that are both accessible and actionable. 

I hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks for listening. 

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of severe accidents, injuries involving young individuals, and mentions of suicide and self-harm related to these events. While these topics are integral to the conversation, some listeners may find them distressing. If you wish to avoid these sections, please skip from 17:46 to 25:06. What happens when your life takes an unexpected, tragic turn? How do you find the strength to move forward? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Bill Sherman speaks with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former elite gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, and tech executive turned resilience expert. Nina shares her harrowing journey through public failures, personal tragedy, and how she turned pain into purpose. Nina's story is one of extraordinary highs and devastating lows. She opens up about missing her shot at the Olympics, a career-ending injury, and an unimaginable accident that left her questioning whether she could go on. Yet, through it all, she found resilience—a word she embraces as the ability to adapt positively, no matter what life throws your way. This episode isn't just about overcoming adversity. It's about building thought leadership from lived experience. Nina reveals how she transformed her hardships into a framework for resilience, tested through years of research and personal reflection. From being the person everyone turned to during crises to becoming a sought-after speaker on resilience, Nina's path is both inspiring and instructive. Listen as Nina discusses her evolution from telling others' stories as a journalist to sharing her own. She candidly explores the challenges of defining her thought leadership, navigating the pressures of public failure, and staying authentic in an industry often driven by spectacle.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone grappling with failure, burnout, or the relentless pursuit of excellence. Nina's insights on resilience offer a guiding light for thought leaders and high achievers alike. Three Key Takeaways: • Resilience is built through facing and learning from failure. Nina’s journey shows that setbacks, whether public or personal, can become catalysts for growth when we confront them head-on and adapt positively. • Thought leadership often emerges from personal experience and rigorous reflection. Nina’s hardships inspired her to develop a framework for resilience, demonstrating that impactful thought leadership is often rooted in lived experiences and deep introspection. • Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in thought leadership. By sharing her personal struggles, Nina highlights the importance of being genuine and open, which helps build trust and connection with audiences. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about adapting, growing, and finding strength in adversity. If you enjoyed the topics in this episode we recommend listening to Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier on Resilience Redefined. Both episodes highlight the intersection of mental health, professional reinvention, and the ability to thrive after setbacks.

We welcome Nina Sossamon Pogue, a former USA gymnast, Emmy award-winning news anchor, and bestselling author. The conversation centers around the theme of resilience, exploring how individuals can adapt to life's challenges and setbacks. Nina shares her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding resilience as the ability to adapt and grow stronger in the face of adversity.

She introduces her framework for resilience, known as THIS, which includes timeline thinking, identifying support systems, isolating challenges, and reframing self-talk. The discussion also touches on the significance of community support and the need to prepare for resilience as a muscle that strengthens over time. The episode concludes with insights on how to help the next generation develop resilience in their own lives.

In this conversation, Nina Sossamon-Pogue shares her insights on parenting, resilience, and navigating life's challenges. She emphasizes the importance of allowing children to fail in order to build resilience and discusses her own journey through difficult times, including a career transition and personal struggles. Nina highlights the significance of mental resilience, the need for support systems, and practical strategies for overcoming adversity. She encourages listeners to embrace their journeys and recognize that tough times are part of life, but they can emerge stronger from them.

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Nina Sossamon-Pogue is a sought-after speaker, two-time bestselling author, and entrepreneur whose journey through elite gymnastics, TV anchoring, and Corporate America from startup to IPO defies the ordinary. An Olympic hopeful on the USA Gymnastics team with Mary Lou Retton, an injury crushed her dreams before becoming a catalyst for a 20-year career as an Emmy Award winning journalist and anchor. Another transformative challenge led her to technology and a journey navigating startup growth to a highly successful IPO. Drawing on her expertise across communications, corporate leadership and resilience research, she now helps others conquer life’s obstacles to reach new levels of success. Author of This Is Not the End: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life and But I Want Both: A Working Mom’s Guide to Creating a Life She Loves, Nina also founded the innovative online coaching company Now What Workshop.

Key Takeaways

What Athletes Teach Entrepreneurs about Resilience: Athletes bring essential skills to business: persistence, discipline, coachability, and the ability to get up after a fall. These skills are game changers in entrepreneurship, where failure is part of the journey.

Past the Pain There’s Gain: From life-changing injury to horrific public tragedy, learn how radical changes in circumstance brought about by unexpected events or challenges can help us all emerge stronger, revitalized and thriving in life’s new chapters.

Adapting in Business: Sometimes external happenings like tariffs, recessions and pandemics force a change in business strategy and operations. Nina shares how her newly launched public speaking career got sidelined when Covid struck, and how she found the resilience to pivot quickly to grow an even bigger business.

The Now What Workshop: If you're in a "now what" moment, learn how Nina’s online coaching provides actionable strategies to help you navigate through crises and find paths forward, no matter the situation, so you do better than “bounce back” by growing stronger and more capable with each new hurdle.

I love this week’s interview on Beyond Better with guest, Nina Sossamon-Pogue. We had a real, raw conversation about resilience and mental health, drawing from Nina’s remarkable journey through elite athletics, television news, and corporate leadership.

After leaving home at age thirteen to train as a gymnast, she became a USA Gymnastics team member and later an SEC athlete at LSU, until an injury ended her gymnastics career. This injury was a catalyst for a twenty-year career as an Emmy-winning journalist and news anchor.

Nina later transitioned into tech and corporate leadership, playing an integral role in a successful IPO. Today, she is a sought-after speaker, best-selling author, and podcast host who helps individuals and organizations thrive through challenges and change to reach new levels of success.

This was such an honest, valuable conversation. Don’t miss it.

Discover the keys to resilience and success with Megan Tobler and Nina Sossamon-Pogue in this empowering conversation for female entrepreneurs. Delve into their exploration of motivation, resilience, and the vital role of community in overcoming life's challenges. Nina shares her personal journey, emphasizing that success often follows failures and requires continuous growth. They introduce the transformative T.H.I.S. framework—focusing on timeline, humans, isolation, and story—to navigate tough times effectively.

Key takeaways include:

Motivation: Essential as a daily ritual for success.

Resilience: Learning and growing from setbacks.

Community: Vital support for entrepreneurial journeys.

Personal Success: Defining it for lasting fulfillment.

Life's Seasons: Embracing change and growth.

Join Megan and Nina as they reveal how embracing challenges and defining personal narratives are crucial for every aspiring female entrepreneur. Tune in and unlock your path to success today!

In this episode of The Start Build Grow Show, I’m thrilled to welcome Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former USA gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, and the author of THIS is Not The End. As a leader and resilience expert, Nina shares her unique framework for overcoming challenges, grounded in her diverse experiences in sports, television, and corporate America.

Nina dives into the heart of leadership, emphasizing how resilience and adaptability play key roles in navigating tough situations. Drawing from her own journey—leaving a high-powered corporate role to empower others—Nina talks about how true leadership is about facing adversity head-on, leading with purpose, and supporting teams through change.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting to build your team, this episode offers practical insights to elevate your leadership and thrive through challenges.

Imagine facing a defining moment where a lifelong dream slips through your fingers, yet finding the strength to pivot and redefine success. Meet Nina Sossaman-Pogue, affectionately known as the "resilience queen," as she recounts her journey from aspiring Olympian to esteemed news anchor, and beyond. Her insights on resilience, drawn from personal triumphs and setbacks, remind us of the extraordinary power to rise and transform the narrative of our lives.

Shifting gears in life can be daunting, especially when it means leaving behind a successful career. Join us as Nina shares her humorous take on navigating career transitions at 50, and how she embraced opportunities in the emerging digital landscape after her career in journalism came to an unexpected halt. Her story is a testament to the courage needed to venture into the unknown, showcasing that even after a celebrated career, there's always room for reinvention and growth.

In a world dominated by social media, the allure of comparison culture can be overwhelming. Listen as Nina and I unpack the pervasive issue of FOMO and the illusion of perfect lives online. Drawing from insights in "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers," we explore the absurdity of constant comparison and stress over imagined threats. Through metaphor and personal experience, we emphasize the importance of embracing our individuality and focusing on the present to break free from the cycle of envy and dissatisfaction.

Resilience isn’t just about getting back up - it’s about learning, adapting, and thriving. Nina Sossamon-Pogue joins us to share powerful insights on overcoming life’s toughest moments, shifting your mindset, and embracing challenges as part of your story. Tune in for a fresh take on resilience and personal growth!

Key takeaways to listen for 

The true definition of resilience and why it’s not just about “getting back up”

How to reframe adversity using the “reverse resume” method

The THIS vs. THAT mindset shift to break free from hardship

What to do when life throws you an unexpected plot twist

Practical exercises to strengthen resilience and move forward with confidence

Resources mentioned in this episode

This Is Not ‘The End’ by Nina Sossamon-Pogue | Paperback and Kindle 

But I Want Both by Nina Sossamon-Pogue | Paperback and Kindle 

About Nina Sossamon-Pogue 

Nina Sossamon-Pogue says she is the result of how she handled the plot twists in her unique life story. She has been a successful corporate executive, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor, and a member of the USA Gymnastics team. Candidly sharing the painful failures that accompanied her successes, she is the author of This is Not ‘The End, ’ Strategies To Get You Through The Worst Chapters of Your Life.

Nina lives in Charleston, South Carolina, and speaks throughout the US, inspiring audiences to envision their futures in new ways. She is an expert on resilience, researching and writing about how highly successful individuals and companies overcome adversity to achieve success.

Joe was a big tough college football player who's world changed when he was in a boating accident. Now he's a paralympian (Wheelchair Rugby). His path to becoming an elite athlete again, started with putting on one sock. Now married with 3 kids, Joe talks with Nina about the dark thoughts in the days, weeks and months after being injured.

Mary Kaye Holmes has been called the 'Comeback Queen". Molested, pregnant at 14, human trafficked, raped, incarcerated, beaten and feeling like she just 'sucked at life' - she survived and taps into that experience to help others through their toughest times. The international best selling author talks with Nina about her darkest moments, her 5 suicide attempts, and how thankful she is they were not successful.

Thomas Dixon says there was no drug he didn’t do when he was a young man. His experiences with addiction and incarceration are riddled with life lessons and what-ifs. The prominant political activist, recognized nationally for his work to end violence, talks with Nina about how he got the name ‘Slick Dixon’, why he was discharged from the military, and shares his feelings of self-hatred during his 30 years as an addict.

Beth Krom was a two-time mayor, running for congress when her son tragically died. It was a week before his college graduation, so her family’s graduation plans became funeral plans. On this episode her kindness and wit come out as shares the surreal moments after losing her son, how she resisted therapy, the inappropriate things people said to her, and having to deal with the narrative that was being written about his death.

The death of a loved one is a life-changing event and Meghan has had a lifetime of these events. She lost someone close to her as a toddler, a teenager, and a young adult. In this episode she talks with Nina about how she coped with loss and her continuous mental health journey with death. Her kindness and wit come through as she shares helpful insights on trauma, saying “when you are physically injured you go to physical therapy – so my brain is in physical therapy”.

Talking about Sexual Assault is difficult, but Survivor, Psychotherapist and Trauma expert Amy Carpenter literally wrote 2 books on talking about it. In this episode the creator of the Be Strong/Be Wise book series talks with Nina about the blame, shame, sexual ethics and how the conversation is evolving.

Heather thought that everything that went wrong in her husband's life was her fault. She spent years walking on eggshells and terrified something would set him off. Now a Registered Psychotherapist, with a training background in trauma assessment and treatment, she shares that experience with Nina. Tune in to hear insights into why people don't leave an abusive relationship, how her husband turned her family against her, how she finally left and how she healed.

Brian's coach saw him scratching his arm in an uncomfortable moment and asked him "how long have you had a death wish?". On this episode, author, lifestyle coach and body language expert Brian Johnson talks with Nina about his journey from being a high school kid who felt he had to work out be safe, to the college kid with a broken heart and a deathwish, then to an influential lifestyle coach and author. Tune for a reminder that if "you don't make time for your wellness you will make time for your illness",

In seventh grade Christopher went from middleclass to Living in his mom’s car with more than a dozen cats. On this episode he shares the moment he knew there were only 3 ways out for him - death, prison or make own choice. His story includes 2 suicide attempts and other bad choices. Now a Speaker-Author-Coach-Comedian, he’s called the ‘No Excuses Coach’ who (as he says) skips the self-help fluffy bullshit.

Queer interfaith minister and spiritual counselor, Erika Allison joins us to talking about coming out as Gay in the 90's in Texas, conversion therapy and identity harm. Reverend Erika is the author of the best-selling book ‘Gay the Pray Away’, A survivor of conversation therapy and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She is passionate about helping teens find spiritual liberation, restore belonging and heal from identity harm. In this episode Nina and Erika get into, "why can't hugs be first", when do you get to say 'I'm over this, and share strategies to go on when things get dark. A great episode for those in the LGBTQ+ community, anyone who is struggling to accept or just plain struggling.

Sometimes failures lead to the best parts of your life. Professional musician and successful songwriter and producer, Jonathon Mookie Morant shares his journey with the music industry and parenting. It was "part me leaving and part me being left by the music industry" that lead to the most important things in Morant's life. He talks with Nina about growing up bi-racial, his hunger for success, his kids, and his passion for gratitude. Sharing his thoughts on 'Whatever is facing you, keep going' and 'Worry is not your friend', He and Nina also talk about doughnuts, snorkeling and his time with Backstreet Boys.

Morant is a keynote speaker and inspirational leader. He has to his credit: 30 Million Units Sold-Gold & Platinum Songwriter/Record Producer, Publishing/Licensing Deals with: Universal/WarnerBros/Sony Worldwide/Interscope/Atlantic/BMG/ Dreamworks and more, and Movie Soundtrack Deals w/Disney and Buena Vista Inc. & Radio Disney.

With a background like that, Morant uses music analogies to empower audiences to continue moving forward in thier lives and to move forward in the discussion on race. The biracial child of a Jewish world-class cellist and a famous black Jazz musician, Mookie has 5 children of his own (the youngest diagnosed on the autistic spectrum) and devotes his work in this effort to their future.

Panic attacks can both mentally and physically shut you down. Ramses Rodriguez talks with Nina about being a young Puerto Rican kid (the chubby kid) being raised in a conservative family, so it wasn't until college that he came out as gay to his parents. Plagued by panic attacks much of his life, he got a Master of Science Degree in Developmental Genetics, and is now the CEO and Founder of Panic Freedom Academy.  In this episode, Ramses shares his struggle to figure out what was wrong with him, the missing pieces of the puzzle, some of his research, and some strategies from his two books. Listen to think outside the box and learn holistic modalities. Maybe you are an empath or an HSP (highly sensitive person), or maybe what you think is your problem, is not your actual problem! 

Sometimes being all you can be means listening to yourself. Sunshine Bella Goodman is a speaker and advocate for full acceptance. A powerful transgender woman coming into her own, living her most authentic life, she also helps others be all that they can be. On this episode she talks about moving to LA to go after her dreams and the struggle that followed. A master stylist and entrepenuer, she has good days and bad days and believes in showing up as your best self. She and Nina talk about a 'hella hot' women's march, soft serve ice cream, and some tips from Sunshine's first book. Sunshine also shares her thoughts on trusting yourself, talking to your parents and her message to keep going no matter what you are going through, "Through means there is another side, you have to believe the other side is going to be golden". Tune in to this fun conversation between friends and be ready to take a deep breath, to give whatever you are dealing with, some time.