Today Heather is sitting down with a close friend and actress, Stephanie Szostak. Her most notable projects include The Devil Wears Prada, Ironman 3, and A Dinner for Schmucks just to name a few. Over the past decade, she has played alongside Meryl Streep, Robert Downey, Jr, Jeff Bridges, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Matt Damon, Kevin Bacon, Ryan Reynolds, and so many more.
Embracing being an outsider has been part of Stephanie’s life from a very early age moving to America. Growing up, she struggled to keep up with humor, food, and other social aspects that were vastly different than what she was used to back home in France.
Rejection is a massive part of Stephanie’s work. Even now having worked with A-list actors, she has to overcome the challenge of failure. It’s easy to allow that failure to seep into crucial self-worth and force questioning of your own capabilities. At one point, Stephanie went over a year without a role, and when she didn’t land a French bartending role, it was a major blow. Eventually, she realized she had to focus on what she could control, and learn and grow, but on her own terms. She broke free of what others thought or wanted of her and became an authentic version of herself. Prepare and let go. That’s how things happen. If you can be authentic, that is a success.
Stephanie’s role in Iron Man three was the first time a director believed she had it in her to be a villain. The very thought of being the ‘tough guy’ struck fear. But, her husband reminded her that her vulnerability was tough. She went in with an open, curious, and humble mind. To prepare for it, she worked hard to shed her ‘girly’ feeling of her body and give her belief that she could be the character. Working with Robert Downey Jr., she says, is like dancing with a good leader–everything is easier. On top of that, she would dance and rap in her trailer before she worked. Even when facing disappointment as her role grew and was cut back, she learned to celebrate her effort over the outcome.
Every time she comes on to set, Stephanie says, there is some fear. It’s a challenge to have a new start and a new transition. When she was doing a movie with Kevin Bacon, Jeff Bridges., and Ryan Reynolds, she found herself alone with Kevin Bacon. After complimenting a difficult role Kevin played, he showed incredible vulnerability in sharing how nervous he was before starting a new movie. Even those who seem to be at the pinnacle of their craft face the same challenges.
Stephanie developed the 180 playbook in the wake of that moment. She went on a search for how to deal with those insecurities. She realized it wasn’t about fear or about performance anxiety, it was also about finding meaning and knowing what she’s about and what she can bring to the table. From there, the challenge became 1) how do you remember all this, and 2) how do you incorporate all these new practices into your mindset. Stephanie started making flashcards before she would go on set, which sparked the idea of developing an app that could bring motivation for the day and set you in the right frame of mind. It could help people in recovery or therapy, and those who are just trying to make a change.
Shifting gears entirely, Stephanie has had numerous love scenes with the likes of Ryan Reynolds and others. For her, she finds it easier as she’s French and having professional partners make a huge difference. It’s about knowing her boundaries. The unexpected thing that she’s found lovely, she says, is the connections and friendships she’s built. On top of that, playing a villain with Robert Downey Jr. was an incredible professional accomplishment.
Socials
@stephshortstak
What you’ll learn
On today’s episode, Stephanie shares with us how she overcomes rejection, failure, and challenges that put into question her self-worth. She discusses her process for prepping for a role with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and how she gets her mind in the right place every day.
81 - Building Human Hearts in 2023 with Dr. Doris A. Taylor
80 - Unlocking Confidence and Joy: Exploring SELF!SH with Stephanie Szostak
79 - Comedian Becky Robinson, aka Entitled Housewife Unplugged
78 - Unveiling AI's Ethical Challenges: Insights from Reid Blackman, Ph.D.
77 - Certified Organic & Clinically Proven Skincare - Unlock Your Glow with Irene Forte
76 - Elevate Your Path: Embracing Growth with Paratrooper Father Peter Pomposello
75 - The Benefits of Cold Plunging with Susanna Søberg
74 - Bone Broth Breakthrough with Dr. Kellyann
73 - Finding Joy in What You Do with Robin Hoffman Haack
72 - How to win with money! Featuring #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Financial Expert, Rachel Cruze
71 - 3 Steps to Creating a Non-Profit with Genevieve Piturro
70 - 6 Steps to Getting Published with Nicole Meier
69 - How to Persevere Through Dyslexia to Become Publisher of a Top New York Publication, with Elinor Tatum
68 - How to Become a Successful Sales Rep With Michele Romanello
67 - How To Choose The Best Preschool For Your Child with Linda Ensko
66 - Creating Viral Videos for Kids with Brecky Breck
65 - How to Follow Your Intuition to be Your Most Authentic Self "Soul Conversations" with Austyn Wells
64 - Catapult Your Influence & Personal Brand with Rory Vaden
63 - The Benefits of Yoga for Working Mothers by Rajashree Choudhury
62 - A Second Look at Life after Dying – the Story of Danny Bader and His Miraculous Journey
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Reaching your Goals
Insights@work
Business Dad
The Ken Coleman Show
The Cardone Zone