Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, with over 30 years of global sports industry experience, this podcast isn’t about quick fixes or empty talk. It’s a platform for authentic, purpose-driven conversations that go beyond the game to explore how sports can drive positive, actionable change.
Born from a passion for impact, Pre-Zero Sports Talk dives into today’s most pressing themes: performance and well-being, leadership, innovation, coaching, community impact, sustainability, regenerative agriculture, governance, geopolitics, and more. Each episode cuts through the noise and greenwashing, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives.
This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues — stories that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark transformation. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, business leader, or someone who believes in the power of sport to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, inspires, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in shaping a cleaner, safer, and more connected world — one episode at a time.
Pre-Zero Sports Talk
From Setback to CEO: Kandace Kalin’s Playbook for Rebuilding After Loss
In 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 Loss
03:11 Overcoming Personal Tragedy
05:13 Lessons from Synchronized Swimming
07:19 Transitioning from Athlete to Entrepreneur
14:24 Challenges and Triumphs in Business
22:15 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
29:36 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
33:38 Making a Difference Through Sponsorships
35:50 Balancing Parenting and Career
38:05 Teaching Resilience to Children
41:58 Future Goals for O2 Sports Insurance
44:52 Lightning Round: Quick Insights
47:50 Reflections on Resilience and Legacy
Topics Covered
- Athlete to entrepreneur transformation
- Women in the sports business
- Mental health and workplace culture
- Leadership and resilience
- Parenting and purpose
- Female CEOs in insurance
- Sports career transitions
- Building mission-driven companies
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