More than two decades ago, Klemmer changed Kimberly Zink’s life – so much so that she now serves as the leadership development company’s CEO. As a single mother facing nearly $100,000 in debt, she also battled a life-altering health crisis when a brain tumor consumed years of her life. Refusing to let her circumstances define her, Kimberly discovered Klemmer’s transformational leadership training—a turning point that ignited profound personal growth. What began as a lifeline became a lifelong mission. Today, she leads with passion and purpose, helping others unlock the same breakthroughs that changed her life.
Rooted in the principles of late-founder Brian Klemmer, author of The Compassionate Samurai, the company equips individuals to lead with forgiveness, courage, and compassion. Through Klemmer’s trainings, Kimberly learned to live a quality-driven life rather than one dictated by circumstances. She discovered how to navigate conflict with confidence, build meaningful relationships, and embrace an intentional, purpose-filled path.
Today, Kimberly Zink is not only one of the Lead Facilitators at Klemmer, but also one of just 11 certified facilitators of The Samurai Game® in the United States. Driven by a deep desire to give back, she dedicates her life to empowering others to overcome adversity and step boldly into their potential—just as she gets to do. Her leadership continues to carry forward Brian Klemmer’s vision, helping thousands live and lead from the inside out.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
One of my favorite sayings is, “This is my normal Tuesday!” I feel what makes me productive is staying in connection with the team. Delegation of projects makes life doable.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I was told that God has all I need and when I get out of the way, everything can come to pass. I stay in curiosity and keep the end in mind.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I do a gratitude list daily for the last 20 months. It is hard to have a bad day when I can come up with 10 things I am grateful for each day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell the younger Kimberly to connect to humanity instead of being afraid of it. Make friends and connect.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I like Vegemite. It is from Australia and yummy.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Balance on one foot and then the other while you brush your teeth each morning.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I breathe. I breathe a lot. Ground and center and, when able to, walk around. Going into an empty room and simply expanding.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Be willing to do whatever I was told and follow through. Learn even when I don’t like how I get to learn. Use the tools we are teaching at Klemmer.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
My biggest struggle with my career was allowing myself to get out of balance at home. When my head wasn’t in the right place, I wasn’t the best version of myself. When I realized how imperative balance is, it has allowed me to be a better CEO.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google suite. It keeps it all in one place for the most part.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Most recent is the Anxious Generation. Helps people understand.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Chosen.
Key learnings
- Staying connected with your team and delegating projects makes work easier and keeps productivity flowing.
- Creating a daily gratitude list makes it hard to have a bad day and helps keep your mindset positive.
- Commitment to continuous leaning and following through with what’s asked of you helps you grow and lead better professionally.
- Having faith and staying curious while keeping the end goal in mind helps ideas come to life naturally.
- You already have the best business idea inside you—believing in yourself is what helps bring it to life.