Carrie Porter
Carrie Porter is an experienced retail leader, servant leader, and author with more than two decades of experience in the retail and pharmacy industry. Currently a Store Manager with Walgreens, Carrie leads teams of 25–30 employees at high-volume locations, focusing on operational excellence, patient care, and people-centered leadership. A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a master's degree in Management, she is known for creating positive, growth-oriented work cultures grounded in teamwork, accountability, and optimism. Her career has also included coaching collegiate women’s basketball and founding a successful small business, reflecting her passion for leadership development both on and off the court. Beyond her corporate career, Carrie is a writer, blogger, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping others navigate life’s challenges with resilience and faith. She is the founder of Optimist Life Management and the author of four books, including her most recent release, You Can’t Outwork Grief: My Journey Through the Wilderness. Written during a deeply personal season of loss following her mother’s passing, the book explores grief, leadership, and healing with honesty and compassion. Carrie’s writing and speaking center on work–life balance, emotional health, and the importance of creating space for stillness and restoration—especially for high-performing leaders. Carrie’s leadership philosophy is shaped by lived experience, faith, and service. After serving as a Walgreens District Manager in East Texas, she chose to step back into a Store Manager role in 2025 to prioritize healing, family, and well-being—modeling courage and self-awareness in leadership. Whether managing teams, mentoring others, or sharing her story through writing, Carrie Porter remains committed to uplifting people, fostering peace of mind, and reminding others that success is not measured by busyness, but by purpose, growth, and compassion.
• PTCB Certification
• University of Phoenix- Master's
• Walgreens National Feedback Forum Alumni 2025
• Toastmasters International - Afterburners Club District 25
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for helping people live more optimistic lives, even through grief and challenges, and to my determination to overcome obstacles—like being a teen mom—while returning to school, earning my Master’s degree, and building a thriving career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “You can and you will—never give up and always keep pushing forward—but allow yourself the time you need to grieve and grow,” which guided me when I stepped down from a District Manager role and eventually led me back to writing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead by example, take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally, and show that you can make a difference and be successful while overcoming challenges and inspiring those around you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge—and opportunity—in my field right now is balancing the demands of leading a full-time store, pursuing my writing, and being fully present for my sons, my family, and my faith.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are compassion, support, and using my experiences to help and uplift others.
