From battling imposter syndrome to mum guilt, Fran Fisher, Care Services Regional Director for Bupa UK, tells all about taking on a top role in the care sector and explains her personal passion to promote women’s and trans rights.
I remember watching the TV show Bones when I was younger and loved the neurodivergent representation in Emily Deschanel's character. It was her straightforward, no messing around character that I loved. I related to this as, despite being a social butterfly, I can also be quite direct and blunt at times. I also admired her as she was so career driven and science-y
That's what encouraged my career ambitions as a young girl. I'd always been a bit of a Wednesday Addams as a kid and was obsessed with murder/crime shows. At first, I wanted to become a pathologist and then that quickly changed to a doctor. I worked in a lab whilst studying for my chemistry degree when someone said I’d make a good nurse. Apparently, I had a strong balance between being caring and knowing my stuff when it comes to medicine. So, at 21 I went off to study nursing in Edinburgh.
During my degree, I did a placement at a care home, which is when I decided this was where I wanted to work. I love making social connections and found that the care home environment offered me autonomy and growth. That was over 10 years ago and I haven't looked back since. Soon after I started at the care home I embarked on a one-woman mission to change perceptions in the care sector. I even wrote a blog for the National Care Association on why we are so much more than nurses and a role in care is nothing to be ashamed of.
Fran receiving her Bupa award
Imposter syndrome still lingers
Although I plan to achieve a lot more, I am proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. I'd set myself a goal to become a Regional Director at 40. I'm seven years ahead of that goal now, but imposter syndrome still lingers in the back of my head. It's completely irrational – I know it is, but I can't help but feel that women are much more susceptible to it than men, which is frustrating.
It helps to have other incredible women around me who are working to make a difference in their fields of work. It's crazy to think of how things have changed so much over the years. Mum was a stay-at-home parent, whereas I went back to work one month after having my boys, Oliver and Teddy, aged nine and seven (the mum guilt was real).
Fran with her mum
Using my voice to raise awareness
Nowadays we're applauded for working and being career driven but for mum's generation it was the norm to be a housewife. We've come a long way but some of the struggles remain. And that doesn't just go for women alone. I'm a huge advocate for trans rights and will always use my voice to raise awareness of the issues as much as I can.
One of my biggest hopes for women is for us to have to have safer spaces. Safer spaces at home, on the streets, in social settings. I want women of all ages to love and respect themselves – emotionally and physically. Body image is a huge problem in society and we must teach people of all genders that a woman's body is her own and not something to be sexualised.
Fran with her children
Being Oliver and Teddy's mum is the best job in the world. From a young age, I've taught them to respect women, especially women of colour. One of their favourite bedtime books is about Rosa Parks and her story. When the book arrived, I realised I accidentally ordered a German version. I did offer to buy it in English, but they insisted that we read it in German. So now not only do they know all about Rosa Parks but they've learnt a few German words along the way – Duolingo eat your heart out.
