We were lucky to catch up with Carole Fisher recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carole, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
The truth is I never really ‘overcame’ imposter syndrome because, in many ways, I think it’s just a constant we face as part of growth. Some days I feel less confident, some days I feel more capable—but no matter what, I’m always willing to make a mistake and learn from it. I’ve found that action is the best antidote. The more I focus on doing the work instead of questioning whether I belong, the quieter that little voice of doubt becomes.
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’ve never done things the conventional way. My career wasn’t built on credentials or checking the right boxes—it was built on impact, authenticity, and the belief that our greatest challenges can become our biggest opportunities.
I started out as a high school dropout from a once-prominent family that lost its standing and wealth due to my grandfather’s addiction struggles. He owned the Philadelphia Eagles, but gambling, alcoholism, and personal demons took everything. That legacy could have defined me—but I refused to let it. Instead, I built a career transforming organizations into “Best Places to Work” and creating teams where people felt safe bringing their whole selves to work. I believed then, as I do now, that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about being real.
That belief was put to the test when my personal life unexpectedly became public through hosting The Girlfriends podcast. My first instinct? Step back. I worried that my personal struggles would overshadow everything I had built. But I quickly learned that authenticity isn’t a liability—it’s a superpower.
Now, as President of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), I have the privilege of helping healthcare leaders and organizations across the country thrive. I work alongside mission-driven leaders who are reshaping advanced illness and end-of-life care—ensuring that patients and families receive compassionate, high-quality support when they need it most. My focus is on empowering healthcare organizations to lead with purpose, innovation, and people-first values.
Beyond my work at NPHI, my mission is to help leaders own their stories, embrace their challenges, and use them as a competitive edge. Whether I’m speaking on stage, coaching executives, or sharing insights online, my message is the same: You don’t have to edit your story to be successful. You just have to own it.
Today, I’m honored to be a voice for the underestimated—for those who feel unheard or overlooked. As a Global Ambassador for NO MORE, I advocate for those who have faced adversity, using my platform to amplify their stories and push for change. Whether I’m behind the microphone, in the boardroom, or standing alongside those fighting to be seen, my purpose remains the same: to create a world where every voice matters.
And for those navigating leadership, reinvention, or just figuring out what’s next—I’m here to help. Because real leadership isn’t about hiding the hard parts. It’s about showing up, owning your journey, and leading with authenticity.
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?
1. Resilience: Turning Setbacks Into Stepping Stones
Success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it. Every challenge I faced shaped the leader I became.
Advice: Embrace setbacks as lessons, not roadblocks. Growth happens in the moments you push forward.
2. Authenticity: Owning Your Story
I once believed success meant hiding struggles. Instead, being real became my greatest asset.
Advice: Stop waiting to be “ready.” Lead with who you are—people connect with authenticity, not perfection.
3. People-First Leadership
The best leaders don’t climb alone—they lift others. Success is built on trust and shared purpose.
Advice: Invest in relationships, not just networks. Leadership is about empowering others, not just advancing yourself.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause, take a breath, and remind myself that I’ve faced challenges before—and I’ll get through this too. I focus on what I can control, break things into smaller steps, and lean on the people I trust.
My advice? Don’t push through alone. Ask for help, take a break when needed, and remember that overwhelm is temporary. You’re stronger than you think.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolefisher.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroleafisher/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carole.fisher.7509
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolefisher/
- Twitter: https://x.com/caroleafisher
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.