Kimberly C. Paul

Kimberly C. Paul is a storyteller, author, and end-of-life advocate whose career spans the entertainment industry and the national conversation about death and dying. After graduating from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, Paul began working on the set of Saturday Night Live, casting for CBS daytime programming, and freelancing for several production companies in New York City, where she developed an interest in the creative process of storytelling.

Early in her career, Paul discovered her passion for engaging audiences while working on the sets of Saturday Night Live and CBS daytime dramas. Her transition to hospice care, where she worked for nearly two decades, led her to speak publicly about death and dying. As vice president of outreach and communications for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Paul implemented award-winning marketing strategies to share real stories about end-of-life care and the importance of making every moment matter. During her 18-year career in hospice, her work encouraged many individuals to document their personal plans before facing a life-ending health crisis. The stories she heard from patients deepened her commitment to helping others understand the value of life through the lens of end-of-life experiences.

Paul seeks to change the way people approach end of life, leveraging her background as a storyteller. She is the host, producer, and creative director of the podcast "Death by Design," a show that features a range of guests and covers topics such as pre-planning, discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones, and exploring alternative options for those facing serious illness. Each episode includes insights from professionals in hospice and palliative care, as well as artists and individuals sharing personal experiences with death and dying.

Paul has presented at symposiums on hospice and end-of-life planning at national, state, regional, and local levels, addressing a variety of topics related to death and dying. Her TEDx Talk, "Who's That?" challenges audiences to confront and discuss the reality of death. Following the publication of her book "Bridging the Gap," Paul began speaking across the United States, traveling in an RV and sharing her message in a unique way.

In "Bridging the Gap," Paul encourages readers to rethink their understanding of death and adopt a new perspective when facing the end of life. The book invites readers to move beyond cultural taboos and design their own end-of-life experience to reflect their values and personality. Colleagues recognize Paul as a thought leader in end-of-life care and advanced directives, noting her impact as a public speaker and advocate for open conversations about death and dying.