Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sara Goscha. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sara , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome has shadowed much of my professional life—from my early days in government work and consulting to my role on the national team at a Fortune Five healthcare company supporting twenty-eight health plans. Working primarily for Medicaid and Medicare populations, I have always been driven by a deep personal connection: my own experiences growing up poor.
My childhood was defined by hardship. After my parents’ divorce, my mom thrust my sister and me into a life of poverty. We lived in a tiny trailer where metal would fall off the frame, went without heat, and learned early on to huddle in our ratty sleeping bags by the stove for a few meager moments of warmth. I was eight and my sister five when we made do with government cheese, canned peas, and the occasional food stamp—our connection to a world that often overlooked us. These experiences formed the core of who I am. They weren’t just hardships; they were the crucible in which my resilience was forged.
Despite the weight of my past, I advanced in my career, each step a testament to determination and grit. Yet, with every achievement, the old voice of self-doubt grew louder. The day imposter syndrome hit me head-on was during a boardroom meeting at my corporate job. One by one, the room filled with introductions boasting Harvard MBAs and PhDs. As I listened, a familiar thought thundered through my mind: “What are you doing here?” I had attended Kansas State University—a respectable institution, but not one of the elite—and suddenly, my achievements felt diminished in comparison.
In that moment of quiet despair, I leaned over to a wise friend seated beside me and whispered, “I don’t belong in this room.” His response was both gentle and revelatory. “The thing is, you belong even more because you have lived experience, and that is priceless. We can roll out all the programs and innovations we want, but it’s you who tells us what will work because you know what it’s like. You bring a perspective no one else in this room ever could—they’ve never known poverty, never known hunger.”
That conversation sparked a turning point. I began to see my background not as a blemish or a liability, but as a vital strength. Soon after, while co-authoring a training on the power of personal narrative at work, a female executive remarked, “I would have never thought that about you.” In a burst of candor, I responded, “Oh, it doesn’t say ‘Poor White Trash’ on my forehead,” a quip that both disarmed and illuminated the situation. I had found my voice.
Today, I stand firm in the truth that my lived experiences—those moments of hunger, cold, and the struggle for survival—are my superpowers. They have enriched my understanding, fueled my empathy, and provided a lens through which I see the world with unmatched clarity. Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t an overnight transformation; it took years of inner work and the courage to embrace every facet of my identity. Yet, in doing so, I transformed that nagging doubt into a beacon of hope and resilience.
This is not just my story—it is a testament to the power of owning one’s past. There is beauty in the scars of our history, and in every sunrise, there lies the promise of a new beginning. Embracing who we are, with all our struggles and triumphs, allows us to pave the way for a future where our experiences empower not only ourselves, but also those who follow in our footsteps.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I left corporate life to launch my own healthcare consulting company, and these past 10 months have been nothing short of transformative. I’ve had the privilege of consulting with a wide spectrum of organizations—from large, established healthcare companies to innovative startups led by passionate entrepreneurs. I’ve shared spaces with the richest venture executives and sat down with recent graduates who are eager to change the world with fresh ideas. Yet, I’ve remained committed to one core principle: every project I take on must have a clear, tangible benefit for those who need it most—the poor and the aged.
This mission is deeply personal. I see the faces of those I helped during my early career as a frontline child welfare worker when I envision the impact of my work. It’s this connection that fuels my passion and guides every decision I make. I’m proud to have aligned myself with organizations like CHIEF, WBL, and HLWF, which are dedicated to empowering women executives and ensuring that leadership reflects diverse, lived experiences.
Currently, I’m excited to be working on a groundbreaking project in the northeast United States, aimed at identifying the social determinants of health (SDOH) for Medicaid members and addressing the factors that impact their healthcare outcomes. This project embodies everything I stand for—leveraging deep, real-world insights to create meaningful change.
Alongside my consulting work, I’m writing a book—a blend of memoir and non-fiction—that charts my journey from poverty and trauma to success and happiness. Through my story, I hope to inspire others, showing that no matter where you come from, there is a pathway to a brighter future.
This is more than a career for me; it’s a calling. I work with a fierce commitment to ensuring that every initiative I’m involved in uplifts the communities I’ve always cared about. Every meeting, every project, every conversation is a step toward a more equitable, compassionate healthcare system—and a testament to the power of turning lived experience into lasting impact.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Passion for Learning:
I’ve always been driven by an insatiable curiosity—eager to learn, unafraid to make mistakes, and committed to trying again until I got it right. At times, this passion verged on obsession because I was determined to perfect my craft. I believe that every error is a lesson, a stepping stone toward mastery.
Compassionate Leadership:
Throughout my career as a team leader, I made it a priority that everyone felt part of something bigger than themselves. Even when my passion came off as direct, my aim was always to show genuine care. Early in my government career, my first 360 evaluation revealed that colleagues saw me as “passionate” and recognized my strong drive—a reflection of my commitment to leading with both heart and purpose.
Unyielding Drive:
That drive—to push forward, to act decisively—has been essential. I’ve learned that the decisions we make have real impacts on the people we serve, and sometimes that requires a direct approach. When you’re fueled by passion and understand the stakes, you learn that waiting isn’t an option.
For those just beginning their journey, here’s my advice:
Embrace a mindset of continual learning—don’t fear making mistakes, as they are invaluable stepping stones. Cultivate a leadership style that balances high standards with empathy, ensuring that every person you work with feels valued. And finally, harness your drive to make impactful decisions, always mindful of the people who depend on you. These qualities, nurtured over time, can transform challenges into strengths and propel you toward lasting success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Partnering and collaborating with others has been a cornerstone of my success. I’m a firm believer that no one has all the answers, and I’ve grown stronger by working alongside people who bring their unique strengths and perspectives to the table. I’m looking to connect with individuals who are open to big ideas—people eager to join forces to create meaningful change. Whether it’s co-authoring thought pieces, building new product offerings, or brainstorming innovative solutions, I value the insights that come from diverse viewpoints.
I also love sharing my journey through podcasts and public speaking, aiming to inspire others to chart their own path to greatness. If you’re passionate about making this world a better place and have a perspective that can complement or enhance mine, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out via my website or connect with me on social media—let’s explore how we can make a difference together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carrollmanagementconsulting.com
- Instagram: @saragoscha
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/✨sara✨-goscha-70620bb7
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
