Meet Paige Furin

We were lucky to catch up with Paige Furin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Paige, 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.

Truthfully, I don’t think I ever fully “overcame” it — and I’m not sure I want to. When I joined Winning The Fight, I had only been there a couple of weeks before Kathy O’Keefe, our founder, got sick. Not long after, she tragically passed away. I didn’t have the chance to truly get to know her or be mentored into the role. I was still learning the organization when I was asked to help lead it. I wasn’t sure if I could truly honor her legacy — I barely had time to find my footing before being handed something so meaningful.

Imposter syndrome hit hard, but one of my best friends shared something that shifted everything for me: we should embrace imposter syndrome. Feeling like you’re not quite “ready” means you’re evolving — growing into the next version of yourself. Even though I had years of experience supporting women in recovery, stepping into this new role at WTF still felt massive — because I cared so deeply about doing it right.

I’ve found that when I don’t feel imposter syndrome, it’s usually because I’m too comfortable. And comfort, for me, often leads to contempt. I get restless. I stop pushing. I’ve learned that I’m not meant to live a comfortable life; I’m meant to live a meaningful one. So now, when that self-doubt creeps in, I take it as a sign that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be: growing, stretching, and stepping into something bigger than I imagined.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the Director of Programs at WTF- Winning The Fight!, a nonprofit focused on substance use education, prevention, and support. But the truth is, I didn’t always know this is where I’d end up — I just always knew I wanted to help people. My whole life, I felt like I didn’t belong. I wanted to save the world (as cliché as that sounds), but I never knew how or where I fit in. I was searching for purpose in all the wrong places — and for a long time, that led me down some dark paths.

Getting sober in November 2018 changed everything. It didn’t magically fix my life, but it gave me clarity, direction, and the ability to finally become the person I had always hoped I could be. That’s when things started to click. I found recovery, I found community, and eventually, I found WTF — and suddenly, I wasn’t just surviving anymore. I was using my story to help others find their way too.

What makes WTF so special is that we lead with lived experience. We don’t sugarcoat the realities of addiction, but we also don’t shame people for struggling. Whether we’re in schools talking to teens, training someone on how to use Narcan, or walking alongside families who are grieving, we show up with compassion, truth, and hope.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding our reach across Texas — getting our programs into more schools, hosting more community events, and continuing to break down the shame and stigma around substance use. One of our biggest events of the year, Stompin’ the Stigma 5K, is coming up on October 4th. It’s not just a fundraiser — it’s a day where survivors, families, and advocates come together to honor the ones we’ve lost and fight like hell for the ones still here.

I used to think I didn’t belong anywhere. Now, I know I was just waiting to become the person who could create belonging for others.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things have made the biggest impact in my journey: resilience, humility, and the ability to truly listen.

I started learning these long before my time at Winning The Fight — especially during my years working in women’s recovery spaces. That chapter of my life taught me what it really means to lead from experience, to hold space for people in the rawest parts of their lives, and to stay grounded even when everything around you feels heavy.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about showing up when you’re exhausted, uncertain, or afraid. There were so many moments in early recovery and leadership where I felt like I was drowning in self-doubt. But every time I made the choice to stay, to keep learning, and to trust the process, I built a little more strength.

Humility was another huge one. I used to think being in charge meant knowing everything — but I quickly learned that true leadership starts with admitting what you don’t know. I had to lean into the discomfort of asking for help, being corrected, and learning from the people around me. That humility carried over into my work at WTF, and it’s still something I practice every day.

Listening — really listening — might be the most transformative skill I’ve developed. Whether it’s sitting with a student, a parent in pain, or someone in active addiction, I’ve learned that presence matters more than the perfect response. People just want to feel seen. And when you listen well, you earn the trust that makes real change possible.

For anyone who’s early in their journey — whether it’s recovery, leadership, or just figuring out who you are — my advice is this: don’t rush your growth. The best things come from the hard, uncomfortable moments. Ask questions. Stay teachable. Let people pour into you. You don’t have to be perfect to be impactful — you just have to be willing.

And if something scares you? Good. That means you’re getting close to something powerful. Back in sober living, I used to say this all the time during Life Skills group — probably to the point where the person who nominated me for this interview is rolling her eyes right now — but it’s true: the best things in life are right on the other side of fear. I’ve found that to be true every single time.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

This past year taught me how to truly recognize and stand in my worth. For a long time, I thought being humble meant staying quiet, playing small, or not asking for too much. But I’ve realized that knowing your value and advocating for yourself isn’t arrogance — it’s alignment.

There were moments that challenged that belief. I made tough career decisions, took risks, and faced some unexpected losses. But even in the uncertainty, I found clarity. I started trusting that I bring integrity, heart, and experience to every space I walk into — and that I don’t have to prove it to anyone who can’t see it.

It’s been a season of learning to take up space with confidence and ask for what I deserve — not just professionally, but personally, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wtf-winningthefight.org
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wtfwinningthefight
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/winningthefight
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-furin-97459a74

Image Credits

Ashley Duncan Photography
Pixel Perfect Rose
Cross Timbers Gazette