Christie Hardwick
Founder, Spirited Contribution
After 22 years moving up the ranks of the corporate world, Christie Hardwick had gained professional status, but she felt something missing. So she left her position as vice president of human resources at Silicon Graphics to pursue a vocation that would fill her spiritual longing. Now Hardwick, 49, is a certified minister and the founder of Spirited Contribution, a coaching company to assist executives in becoming leaders who promote and foster passionate, inspired contributions from people they guide.
Hardwick’s interest in creating fulfilling atmospheres informed her efforts as the founding chair of greatschools.net, a nonprofit Web site that grew into a definitive guide to the nation’s public schools. Hardwick also uses her voice to inspire listeners on the airwaves—she released a full-length CD of her original soulful songs, titled Keep the Lights On, in 2004. “There’s an expression I love,” she says. “‘As you are lifted, others are lifted.’” —LF
What Do You Think?