Nicole Hardy

About Nicole Hardy

I started out as a high school English teacher, but eight years in I ditched the sensible shoes and sweater sets and moved to a tropical island. There, I finished an MFA in creative writing, took up scuba diving and began my freelancing career. Eventually I moved back stateside, wrote and published three books, and began teaching creative writing. Since that first big swerve, I\'ve established a fulfilling career combining my expertise in writing, teaching, developmental editing, content creation, communications, and strategy. I\'m collaborative, analytical, and proactive. I\'m also experienced, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated. If we\'re talking tech, I thrive where creativity, learning, and communications overlap.

Experience

1. Internal Communications Specialist

   Microsoft

   Jul 2022 — Present

   I started as a Creative Strategist for Academy, a program that supported more than 20k sellers globally. We worked with leadership teams and key stakeholders to script and produce videos, podcast episodes, and infographics that empowered sales teams to deepen customer relationships and increase close rates. After that, I worked with a small team in the Business Applications space creating a video series called Inside the Win, and an accompanying audio Masterclass series featuring advice from top sellers in the field. Expanded the team’s list of assets to include two podcasts, a series of inspiring, informative video testimonials, and a regular internal social-media cadence. Sourced testimonials, conducted interviews, scripted videos & produced podcasts Hosted and edited podcast audio, rough cuts of videos Built relationships with stakeholders and other team members, resolved conflicting feedback, and consistently delivered on time

Education

• University of Washington Tacoma

  Master of Education - MEd

• Bennington College

  Master of Fine Arts - MFA