Stephanie Szostak, known as Szostak (pronounced show-stack),is a multifaceted individual who has made a name for herself as an actress, author, and advocate for mental wellness.
Born in France, Szostak initially pursued a business degree and played varsity golf at the prestigious College of William & Mary. After several years working at Chanel in New York City, she took a bold leap and transitioned into the acting world at the age of 29.
Her early success in the entertainment industry included a notable role opposite Meryl Streep in the hit film The Devil Wears Prada. Szostak has since appeared in a range of projects, including the ABC series A Million Little Things, Iron Man 3, and Dinner for Schmucks.
As Szostak's career continued to flourish, she grappled with Impostor Syndrome, a common phenomenon that can plague individuals who feel like they're not good enough. This experience prompted her to focus on her mental fitness and develop a daily practice to cultivate a resilient mindset.
Szostak has written a book, Self!sh: Step Into a Journey of Self-Discovery to Revive Confidence, Joy, and Meaning, which guides readers in creating their own Personal Playbook for life. This tool helps individuals cultivate a resilient mindset and empowers them on their unique journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth.
Committed to promoting mental health awareness, Szostak donates half of her book proceeds to Give an Hour, a mental health organization dedicated to providing free mental health services to those in need.
Throughout her journey, Szostak has remained dedicated to living authentically and being an outsider, refusing to conform to societal norms. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not solely defined by external validation, but rather by one's ability to embrace their true selves and find meaning in their life's work.