Meet Stephanie Hardy

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Hardy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I have learned to be successful as the only Black woman in a room by using it as motivation to deliver. You have to use your differences as your superpower. When it comes to your identity, you may have a different viewpoint than the next person. Use that as an asset.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the host and creator of The Hardy Wrestling Podcast and its other shows that cover professional wrestling from the honest and positive perspective of Black women wrestling journalists. The first show covers news and gossip within the wrestling landscape, holds interviews with personalities, creators and athletes and recaps weekly wrestling shows. The second show, HWP Xtra, is geared towards specific matches, moments and events and the third show, Steph & Kat Talk WOW serves as a post-show for an all-female wrestling brand called WOW (Women of Wrestling) Superheroes. I co-host all shows with Bianca Addison and Katrina Storm.

I also serve as a contributing writer for Daily DDT, a blog site ran by the Fansided brand that holds space for various opinion and interview pieces in all fandoms including professional wrestling. I have written nearly thirty pieces over the course of two years. I have also dabbled in color commentary work with various independent wrestling promotions such as Spartan Wrestling and The Belladonna Division in Gadsden, Alabama and at Battle Club Pro in Brooklyn, New York.

The most exciting part of what I do is knowing that people actively seek to hear my voice and view my content. There are times when it really catches me off-guard, but I’m so grateful that people like what I have to give as a creator. Traveling is also another exciting part too because I love the adventure and meeting people I’ve connected with online.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that were and are the most impactful in my journey are resilience, courage and kindness. My advice for anyone who is starting out in their journey is to have an open mind to differing points of view and the people who have them (kindness), never be afraid to try something new or test yourself in the moment (courage) and feel your feelings, but when you get tired of it, bounce back to who you are (resilience).

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle that I am currently facing is feeling like I’m not doing enough in comparison to others. I’m trying to trust that the next assignment or goal will reveal itself in the right time for me. I’m also struggling with putting myself first and I’m building the courage to rise up for me.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

Highlighter Series
What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Leadership Development
Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,