“Carolyn Hardy’s personal story, illuminated with real life struggles and successes, is inspiration for anyone who dreams of their own business or has already taken the leap. Faced with a storm by changing economic realities and a real-life tornado, she offers the lessons for balancing aspiration and assessment and creating a culture to drive growth and success. As her book title says, it is indeed about stepping up and taking bold moves.”
—J. R. “Pitt” Hyde III, Founder AutoZone

“Carolyn Hardy’s book has great advice for budding entrepreneurs and for those who have already started their businesses. Much of what she writes reminds me of two key discoveries my dad, Kemmons Wilson, uncovered in his business career. He would have loved to have had the advice Carolyn offers before he started Holiday Inns and Holiday Inn Club Vacations. He was a man of action---‘Ready...Fire...Aim’ was his mantra. And one of his Twenty Tips is an important reminder to all----‘Remember that success requires half luck and half brains.’ Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing your discoveries in your book.”
—Spence Wilson, Sr., Chairman, Kemmons Wilson Companies, Chairman, Holiday Inn Club Vacations

“As an entrepreneur by trade, bold moves and big ideas can be the difference between success and failure. Step Out not only stresses the importance of enterprise leadership, it also provides an up front and honest blueprint on solving some of the most complex business problems alongside your most important asset—your people.”
—Randy Boyd, President, University of Tennessee System, Founder/Chairman, Radio Systems Corporation

“The overwhelming majority of minority-owned businesses are first-generation firms born from the passion of the owner and pure entrepreneurial grit. At the MMBC Continuum, we’ve found business owners embrace growth strategies presented by minority entrepreneurs that have survived the challenges of business ownership and experienced a level of success. Carolyn Hardy’s Step Out: Bold Moves for Business Growth offers actual strategies and insight that business owners can use as an additional resource.”
—Jozelle Luster Booker, President and CEO, The MMBC Continuum

“Carolyn Hardy, by definition, understands how to operate, lead and manage big organizations, supply chains and teams of people successfully. But what distinguishes her is the way she confronts adversity and turbulence in business which is to say, she does calmly, boldly and with an intention to grow. Step Out is a must read for these reasons—especially right now!”
—Harold Ford Jr., Former Tennessee Congressman, Chairman, Rx Saver, Managing partner, HFJ Ventures

“Step Out: Bold Moves for Business Growth by Carolyn Chism Hardy should be required reading for CEO's and others who want to be in the C-Suite. Ms. Hardy is a former CEO suite executive for billion-dollar companies. She now owns highly successful businesses. Carolyn knows how to lead people, launch companies that add value to society, and strengthen businesses endeavors by addressing problems business leaders face. Ms. Hardy uses her own stories to enlighten and inspire the reader, encourage beginners, and help others re-imagine their companies. I highly recommend Ms. Hardy as a person and her book for sage advice and clear direction.”
—Shirley Raines, President Emeritus, University of Memphis, Author, Leadership Consultant

“Carolyn offers a compelling and important read for business owners, one full of innovative ideas, real life examples, and practical recommendations for daily operations. There’s plenty to inspire business owners across the full spectrum of experience, from novice to the seasoned entrepreneur. If you’re committed to doing more with less, operating in the most efficient and effective manner possible, and making sure you innovate to stay on the cutting edge, set aside time to read and study Carolyn Hardy’s latest offering.”
—M. David Rudd, Ph.D., ABPP, President, The University of Memphis