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

Hi Jen, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

As an ex-public educator, I wholeheartedly recognize the shortcomings of our current education system. It’s time for us to have a honest conversation about the limitations we face and the transformational changes needed to create a truly empowering learning environment.

The truth is, our education system was built on an outdated model that aimed to produce compliant workers during the industrial revolution. But we can’t thrive in today’s world by adhering to an antiquated approach. We must dare to challenge the status quo and reimagine education as a platform that nurtures creativity, fosters curiosity, and celebrates vulnerability.

When we focus solely on memorizing facts and regurgitating information, we miss out on the essence of true learning. Our students deserve an education that goes beyond the surface level, that encourages critical thinking, and that inspires them to ask compelling questions. Wisdom is not about having all the answers; it’s about having the courage to explore the unknown and embrace the discomfort of uncertainty.

Let’s talk about the pressure we place on our students and teachers to perform well on standardized tests. This culture of high-stakes assessment creates a breeding ground for anxiety and stifles the joy of learning. We must acknowledge that true growth happens when we prioritize the development of essential life skills alongside academic achievements. Resilience, emotional intelligence, and effective communication are the pillars that support success in all areas of life.

And let’s not forget about the importance of vocational education. In our pursuit of academic excellence, we’ve often overlooked the immense value of practical skills. We need to embrace a holistic approach that recognizes the unique talents and passions of every individual. By offering comprehensive trade training, we empower students to explore diverse pathways and find fulfillment in fields that align with their authentic selves.

I do want to acknowledge the incredible dedication and passion of our teachers. They are the catalysts for change within our education system. But they too need support and the freedom to step outside the constraints of a system that prioritizes conformity over creativity. It’s time to create spaces where teachers can inspire, innovate, and guide their students towards their full potential.

Jen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jen Hardy, a Texas girl at heart, and I’ve had an incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation. As an ex-public educator and decorated state championship soccer coach, I excelled in those roles but felt a deep yearning to explore my true passion and purpose.

Through this exploration, I discovered that education and coaching were indeed my calling, but I knew there was a different avenue for me outside of public education. Over the past five years, I’ve dedicated myself to expanding my knowledge and skills through various subjects and modalities. I’ve delved into neuro-linguistic programming, timeline therapy, and hypnosis, constantly seeking new avenues for growth and embracing each “ah-ha” moment that comes my way. For me, learning is a lifelong journey, and I’m committed to continuously evolving as a true master.

One of my core beliefs is that our deepest desires lie in taking responsibility for our lives and acknowledging what we don’t know, that we don’t know. The power of awareness is the first step towards true empowerment, and I strive to embody this mindset in everything I do. It fuels my dedication to personal growth and compels me to share my knowledge and experiences with others.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I’ve co-founded a nonprofit organization called Dangerously C.U.T.E. with my family. Our mission is to disrupt the cycle of violence and disempowerment against women and girls by teaching them to be their own first line of defense. This cause is incredibly close to my heart, and I’m wholeheartedly committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by such issues.

During my leisure time, you’ll often find me engaging in activities that bring me joy and connection. Whether it’s playing soccer, painting, going for walks while listening to audiobooks, or spending quality time with loved ones, these moments hold immense value to me. I also nurture a deep passion for travel and food, as they provide enriching experiences and allow me to explore different cultures.

As a passionate educator, coach, and lifelong learner, I’ve discovered that my true purpose lies in empowering others through education and personal growth. I’m on a mission to awaken women from the illusions that confine them, releasing the grip of the past and guiding them fearlessly into their innate power and authentic selves. My vision is to inspire women to awaken their inner fire, rise above limitations, and courageously step into their power. With passion and purpose as their driving forces, they can make a meaningful impact, attracting abundance and joy into their lives.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This story actually ties into my previous story about the lesson I had to unlearn. After embracing the realization that my worth extends beyond my professional roles, I made a bold decision. I left my teaching and coaching positions to pursue my true passion, which led me to start and run Dangerously Cute.

When we received the official papers in March 2020, I was filled with excitement and optimism. I believed that Dangerously Cute would go national, even global, and that we would change the world. However, after a grueling yet successful first year, I found myself feeling burnt out, frustrated, and stressed. The initial excitement had faded.

It was during a conversation with a friend that I received a much-needed wake-up call. They helped me realize that as much as I enjoyed my new venture, my true calling was in coaching and educating. The thought of admitting that I was wrong and potentially disappointing others terrified me. But I had already built a supportive community around me, and I knew I had to confront my fears and be true to myself.

With a mix of nerves and relief, I gathered all my volunteers for a call and honestly shared my thoughts. It was scary and vulnerable, but it was also incredibly liberating. A weight was lifted off my shoulders. And to my surprise, the impact on my coaching business was immediate. That same week, I signed up five new clients into a program I had been building.

Over the last two years, I have had to pivot and shift in various ways, and I’m still doing it now. Resilience has become a necessary skill, one that requires vulnerability and leaning into your fears.. I’ve come to understand that being authentic to yourself is what truly matters and paves the way for success with purpose.

In embracing my authentic path as a coach and educator, I have found fulfillment and renewed passion. I’ve learned that it’s okay to change direction, to acknowledge when something isn’t aligning with your true self. It takes courage to confront your fears and be vulnerable, but the rewards are immeasurable.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was, “Be so valuable they can’t afford to lose you.” You might be thinking, why would you “unlearn” this? This is a good lesson! While I do believe bringing value, commitment, and passion to what you do is important, I don’t believe we need to be needed to have value. Who we are is valuable in and of itself.

For the longest time, I held onto this lesson tightly. I believed that my worth was directly tied to my role as a teacher or a coach. I felt that if I wasn’t indispensable in those roles, I would lose my sense of purpose and identity. But this belief left me feeling unsure of who I was outside of those titles. What did I bring to the table in a relationship or in life if I wasn’t defined by my profession?

It took time and introspection for me to realize that what I do is not who I am. I had to learn that my true worth lies in my inherent qualities, my values, and my unique perspective on the world. I discovered that even if I’m not fulfilling a specific role, I still have so much to offer.

This realization has guided me in my coaching and educational programs, where I have supported many women who have faced the same struggle. I encourage them to embrace their authentic selves, to recognize their worth beyond their roles, and to cultivate a strong sense of self that transcends any external expectations.

So yes, bringing value to what we do is important, but we must remember that our value extends far beyond our professional contributions. We are valuable simply because of who we are, and that is a lesson worth embracing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thejenhardy.com
• Instagram: the_jenhardy
• Facebook: Jen Hardy
• Linkedin: Jen Hardy
• Youtube: Coming Soon!
• Other: Dangerously C.U.T.E. – www.dcwsd.org and IG- dcwsd_satx

Image Credits
Aby Romero