Cinderella Had a PR Plan (She Just Didn’t Know It).

Season 3 of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life continues its journey through the winding paths of ambition, reinvention, and—let’s face it—the delightful chaos of figuring life out. Episode 7 introduces us to the indomitable Darlene Fiske, a woman whose career reads like a love letter to storytelling, luxury travel, and, occasionally, trying to convince clients that, no, not everything belongs in Vogue.

“I help brands manage their reputation,” she says, effortlessly summing up a career that spans two decades, two companies, and countless well-placed narratives. The owner of The Fiske Group and co-founder of Swell the Agency, Darlene has built a career on the delicate art of crafting stories that resonate, not just with consumers but with the ever-elusive, attention-deprived media world.

Yet, this wasn’t the original plan. Because, if you must know, the original plan involved being Cinderella. Yes, that Cinderella.

We’ve all had our childhood dreams, some just had better branding.

Eventually, the real world called, and journalism answered. A degree from the University of Texas, a job in property management that made her question every life choice, and then, fate—or at least a classified ad in an actual newspaper—led her to a place that would define the next three decades of her life: Lake Austin Spa Resort. “Resort scheduling. Lakeside environment. Event planning,” the ad read. It sounded promising, but what it turned out to be was a job answering phones in reservations. Hardly the glamorous entrance into PR she’d envisioned, but let’s be honest, every great story starts with a plot twist.

She took the job. And then she did what smart people do—she paid attention. She listened, observed, and learned what truly mattered to high-end clientele. She figured out what made a story sell and how to craft a narrative that didn’t just talk at people but with them. A decade later, she was running the show as Director of Sales and Marketing, hiring PR firms and building the very relationships that would eventually launch her own business.

So, when the moment came to leap, she did. And The Fiske Group was born.

Now, nearly 20 years in, Darlene has mastered the alchemy of PR—part strategy, part magic, and a lot of patience. “Clients often come to us saying, ‘We should be in Vogue.’ And I have to say, ‘Well… let’s dissect that.’” Like a couture fashion designer, she tailors each media plan, aligning clients with the right outlets, the right audience, and the right moment. And when it works?

Of course, not every day is a Vogue feature. There are crises to manage, clients to ground, and, sometimes, a very necessary reality check. The pressure never really leaves. “Every day, I worry that I could get fired,” she admits. It’s the push-and-pull of being your own boss—freedom wrapped in a constant hum of responsibility.

But in between the media strategies, the client calls, and the moments of PR-induced whiplash, there are the things that truly matter—like balance. Like remembering that life isn’t just a relentless pursuit of success but also a series of moments—working in a community garden on Fridays, taking a step back from the digital vortex, or simply embracing a little stillness.

In a world that increasingly trades nuance for noise, Darlene is determined to tell stories that cut through the clutter, stories that matter.

And then there’s the broader conversation about wellness—one that Darlene and her agency have been deeply engaged in. Wellness, once synonymous with spa days and green smoothies, has evolved into a $5.6 trillion global economy encompassing everything from biohacking to mental health retreats. The modern wellness movement is not just about looking good but about a fundamental shift in how we live.

The good news?

People are waking up. There’s a surge in eco-conscious resorts that integrate nature into the experience, workplaces implementing mental health programs, and even wellness-based real estate developments—places built to encourage human connection and well-being. But for all the progress, there are still gaps. Many wellness practices remain inaccessible, reserved for the privileged few who can afford luxury retreats and personalized nutritionists. The challenge now is to democratize wellness, making it something everyone can integrate into their daily lives, not just those with deep pockets.

So, what can we do better? Slow down. Learn how to disconnect without guilt. Eat food that nourishes rather than depletes. Move our bodies with joy instead of obligation. Spend time in nature, not just for the Instagram moment but for our own sanity.

And perhaps, in doing so, we might find something even greater—clarity.

Clarity that allows us to see the small, seemingly trivial childhood dreams we once held, not as distant fantasies, but as blueprints for what we are meant to do.

Mid podcast Natalie made an astute observation—Darlene, in many ways, had indeed become Cinderella. Not in the fairy-tale sense of glass slippers and grand balls, but in the way she had carved out a life where she gets to tell stories, create magic, and influence the world around her. Because at its core, wellness is not just about self-care; it’s about living a life aligned with what truly fulfills us.

Perhaps childhood dreams hold deeper truths than we realize, guiding us toward what we are meant to do.

Now let me ask you, If you could shape the narrative of your own life, the way PR shapes a brand, what would your story be? And more importantly—who’s writing it? Will you give space to your inner child?

Listen to Darlene's Fisk episode: Crafting Stories, Building Brands, and Living with Passion.

Darlene Fiske is a seasoned public relations and brand strategist with nearly two decades of experience in luxury travel, hospitality, and wellness industries. She is the founder of The Fiske Group, a PR and marketing agency specializing in high-end travel, resorts, and lifestyle brands, as well as the co-founder of Swell the Agency, which focuses on wellness-driven businesses. Darlene’s career began at Lake Austin Spa Resort, where she honed her expertise in storytelling, media relations, and brand development before launching her own agency. A master at crafting compelling narratives, she helps brands shape their public image, secure high-profile media placements, and connect authentically with their audiences. Passionate about the intersection of wellness and communication, she continues to influence the evolving landscape of mindful living and hospitality.

Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program

Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.

Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.

This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.

If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com

Stay connected with us for the latest updates and stories of impact. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to be part of a movement that’s setting new benchmarks for success and collaboration.

But why stop at following? Dive deeper into our ecosystem by signing up on our website today. Your expertise could be the beacon that guides a young mind towards their calling, or perhaps, you’ll find the mentorship you’ve been seeking to catapult your ideas into reality.

Together, let’s create a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and success.