Stephanie Hirst talks radio, overcoming life challenges and channeling self-belief
In this episode of the Jobs for Women podcast, host Zoe Haydn Jones interviews Stephanie Hirst, a renowned radio DJ, about her journey and experiences in the industry. Stephanie shares her story of realising her gender identity at a young age and the challenges she faced in pursuing her career.
One key takeaway from the episode is Stephanie’s determination to follow her passion for radio despite societal expectations and the advice she received from a GP. She emphasises the importance of doing what is best for oneself and not letting others dictate one’s path.
Another takeaway is Stephanie’s openness about her gender transition and the impact it had on her personal and professional life. She discusses the fear of losing everything that society projected onto individuals who transitioned, but ultimately found empowerment in sharing her story and educating others.
The episode also touches on the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, as Stephanie’s mother taught her. Stephanie reflects on her career and the desire to be a good person, rather than succumbing to the egos often associated with the industry.
Overall, this episode highlights Stephanie Hirst’s inspiring journey, her resilience in pursuing her dreams, and her commitment to being true to herself. It serves as a reminder of the power of authenticity and the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment in the workplace.
Highlights from the podcast
- Stephanie Hirst started her career in radio at a young age through work experience opportunities.
- She gained valuable knowledge about the radio industry by working in various departments such as news, promotions, and sales.
- Stephanie emphasises the importance of understanding how a business works as a whole, not just focusing on one aspect.
- Despite the obstacles, Stephanie pursued her passion for radio and became a successful DJ.
- Stephanie knew from a young age that her gender was wrong and struggled to verbalise it.
- Stephanie was aware of the societal perception that transitioning would result in losing everything.
- Stephanie’s mother taught her the importance of treating others with respect and not being egotistical.
- Stephanie achieved great success in her radio career, becoming one of the biggest commercial radio DJs in the country.
- Stephanie’s gender identity struggle persisted as she got older, and she couldn’t ignore it anymore.
- Companies can support individuals going through similar struggles by creating a supportive environment and encouraging open communication.
- Understanding and empathy are crucial in supporting individuals facing personal challenges.
Connect with Stephanie Hirst
You can connect with Stephanie, find out more about her work, and hire her for speaking events here.
Follow Stephanie on Instagram here.
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