This week on The Reinvention Game, I had a conversation that left me deeply moved. It's the kind of story that lingers — not because it's polished or rehearsed, but because it's real. It's raw. And it's exactly the reminder many of us need right now.
Meet Sandra Zumstein — a Swiss-Bolivian free diver, a former visual merchandiser, a solo traveler, a soulful adventurer. Sandra's story is about transition, yes, but it's also about identity, resilience, listening to your gut, and the beautiful, terrifying freedom of starting over.
A few years ago, Sandra was living what many would call "a good life": a promising corporate career, a shiny Mercedes, an apartment of her own. But something inside her didn't align. So she quit it all. No grand plan. No clear destination. Just a pull — towards the ocean, towards herself.
She thought she was chasing waves to surf. Instead, she found herself sinking—literally—into the silent, sacred depths of freediving. And it changed everything. She's lived nomadically ever since, in Bali, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.
She's swum with humpback whales and taught others how to find their breath and their strength underwater. She's navigated not just physical depth, but the inner kind: facing fear, letting go of control, redefining success, and discovering who she is outside of society's expectations.
One thing that struck me most was that Sandra didn't wait until she had confidence. She just moved, and the confidence came through the movement.
You will not know your plan. You will not know where you go. Just do one step at a time... Life will lead you wherever you have to go.
We talk about:
The quiet agony of being in a life that looks good but feels wrong
The role of culture and identity in shaping who we become
Feminine energy, leadership, and what business taught her about presence
How fear isn't a stop sign, but an invitation
Letting go of needing to be "prepared" and trusting the flow
Why uncertainty is not the enemy — but the doorway
Sandra reminded me — and maybe she'll remind you too — that sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is simply choose ourselves.
photo by @zimydakid
Want to connect with Sandra?
She's truly one of a kind.
🌊 Follow her on Instagram at @sandra_zumstein — for daily life as a modern mermaid, behind-the-scenes travel, and glimpses into her deeply mindful world.
You can also find her writing here on Substack, where she shares stories, reflections, and the truths that don't always fit in an Instagram caption:
🧜♀️ And! If you've ever dreamed of learning freediving, Sandra is hosting her first retreat in Bali, October 2025. Learn directly from her in the water, in community, and in one of the most magical places on earth.
If this episode resonated with you — if it made you think, breathe a little deeper, or dream a little wilder — I'd love to hear from you.
Tell me what part of Sandra's story spoke to you. Your messages genuinely make my day.
🌟 Leave a review for The Reinvention Game wherever you listen — it helps so much in helping others discover these stories. Every kind word you share sends ripples further than you know.
🎙️ Share this episode with a friend who's standing on the edge of their own next chapter. You never know whose life it might shift.
Thank you for being here. You're a vital part of this community, and I'm so grateful we're in this together.
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