Coach Iris Zimmermann

  • We cannot always change the established systems, but we can still create our own opportunities aligned with our strengths, values, and conviction.

    As a young athlete, I had every reason to decide the systems of fencing weren’t set up for someone like me to succeed. I was an American in a European-dominated sport, a female in a male-dominated sport, and an immigrant half-Asian kid in an elitist sport. The key wasn’t to prove everyone wrong, but to do everything I could to be the best fencer that I could be. The acceptance, the drive, and the belief in myself and my teammates was strong enough to help me become the first American fencer to win a World Championship title in any age or weapon category.

  • You can do hard things.

    If you want to manifest something, it takes work. Work has evolved from pure grind to understanding how you work, trust in yourself, belief in the process, and letting go of the outcome. Sustained success for your long term goals is much easier when done with someone in your corner.

  • Equity is not just about offering an open door, but putting in the work to provide a safe and connected space where everyone can have access to possibilities and opportunities.

    In my coaching, I believe in working with leaders to support behaviors that encourage equity and belonging. It also brings me incredible joy to see underrepresented women find their voice and power.

  • Everyone is a leader. Leadership allows us to make an impact and impression in the world. The work of leadership first begins within ourselves.

    I am very connected to the word leadership and have sought to lead in every place that I am part of - Captain of the Stanford Fencing Team, leadership roles in my professional life, leadership and founding roles in non-profits, and being a mother. When we are given an opportunity and the gift to lead, it is not because we want the final say or tell everyone what direction to go in, but it is because we are using our gifts to lift up the gifts of others. Strong leadership of self and of others is the foundation of true impactful change.

  • Ubuntu - taken from my time at Stanford where I heard it the first time and from the Zulu language roughly translated as “being self through others.” Or, through the humanism expressed in the phrase, “I am because of who we all are.”

    Fencing is an individual sport, but I could only break records because I had my teammates and coaches supporting me along the way. The truth is, life is way better when you are working with others because the people who love you and see you can enhance you, give you support, and tell you the truth when you need it. I am better because I have had others who have helped me along the way. Coaching is my way of Ubuntu - helping humans because I have been helped in so many ways.

Background

Career

Education & Training

Experience

  • 2013 United States Fencing Hall of Fame Inductee

  • 3-Time Div. I National Champion

  • 2001 NCAA Fencing Champion

  • 2000 Olympics, Sydney - Fencing

  • 1999 Senior World Championships - Bronze Medal (First American World Medalist)

  • First American Junior World Champion

  • First American Cadet World Champion

  • ICF certified leadership & performance coach (2021)

  • DISC certified (2022)

  • The University of Rochester, Simon School of Business - M.B.A.

  • Stanford University - B.A. Political Science

  • VP of Coaching at Valor Performance

  • Valor Performance Master Coach

  • Vice President of the United States Olympians & Paralympians Association

  • Co-owner with sister, Felicia, of the Rochester Fencing Club, which earned her the 40 Under 40 Rochester Business Journal award