A Journey of Reinvention, Storytelling, and Continuous Growth

Emily Goldfischer reflects on a career shaped by unexpected pivots, deep curiosity, and a passion for elevating women’s stories in hospitality. She describes starting at Cornell intending to study natural sciences before switching to the hotel school, influenced by her brother and family ties to the university. After graduation, she entered public relations during a recession, joining KWE Associates and later working for Loew’s Hotels. A move to London for her husband’s job prompted another transformation, becoming a journalist while raising two young children.

Five years ago, Emily founded Hertelier after noticing that women were making major strides but their stories were not being widely told. She taught herself website building, SEO, hosting, Canva, and digital strategy while interviewing more than 300 women. Emily shares that risk-taking has fueled every chapter of her journey, saying she focuses on the upside rather than the downside and relies on optimism. She believes setbacks are learning opportunities, not failures, and continually refines Hertelier based on audience response. Reading remains central to her growth, and she highlights books and ideas that shape her leadership perspective.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “I’m a huge fan of [this podcast].”
• “I try to always be very optimistic.”
• “A failure is just an opportunity to learn.”
• “I love to read… reading leads you to growth.”
• “You have to overcome those biases.”

Closing Reflection

Emily’s reflections show how reinvention becomes possible when guided by curiosity, optimism, and the willingness to try. She demonstrates that confidence grows through experimentation, learning new skills, and embracing risks that open unexpected doors. Her belief in storytelling as a tool for empowerment highlights the importance of sharing diverse voices. Emily encourages others to learn continuously, overcome biases that hold them back, and stay open to growth at every stage. Her journey reminds listeners that meaningful impact is built step by step, shaped by passion, purpose, and persistence.