Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Harst
Christy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Christy Harst and I am voice over actor, mom, and creator of the Building Doors campaign.
You’ve heard my voice on the World Series, Monday Night Football, and the NBA Finals as the voice of a major US streaming service as well as on dozens of networks as the national voice of John Deere.
For years, I’ve been trying to break into male dominated sports voice over promo, but despite top-notch training and creative marketing, I made little headway.
During an online workshop with a prominent promo talent agent, I asked what my chances were to voice a promo for male dominated sports. She was honest: not so much. She explained that while there are opportunities for women in male sports promo, they are few and far between. She urged me to make my own path.
If there isn’t even a door for me to knock on, how can I get in? Frustrated, disappointed, and quite frankly angry I knew I had a choice to make. Either I give up on my goal of voicing for male dominated sports, or I build the door for not only me but for all women in my industry to have greater access to these opportunities.
So, on March 1, 2024, I launched the Building Doors campaign. I collaborate with female voice actors from around the world to voice ads traditionally done by men, encouraging brands and agencies to embrace gender diversity.
Building Doors isn’t about taking jobs from men—it’s about equity. My goal is to see 50% of male-dominated sports promos voiced by women. This won’t happen overnight, but I’m committed to making it a reality.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth. Growth is inherently uncomfortable—it pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to face challenges that often feel personal. When you choose to speak out about something you believe in, especially if it challenges the status quo, you will inevitably rub some people the wrong way. I’ve learned to develop a thick skin, but it’s still an ongoing process. Negative comments, criticism, and even outright attacks are part of the journey. I’ve had someone steal my intellectual property, received messages comparing me to a cat, and endured men questioning whether my gender is the real reason I haven’t booked male sports promos—or if I’m simply not talented enough.
It’s easy to internalize these moments, but I constantly remind myself that the way people respond says more about them than it does about me. Their words reflect their insecurities, biases, or discomfort with change—not my worth.
One quote from Dr. Gabor Maté deeply resonates with me:
“Scientists looked at over 2000 women over a 10-year period. Those women who were unhappily married and didn’t express their feelings were four times as likely to die than those women who were also unhappy but did express their feelings. The issue wasn’t unhappiness; the issue was authenticity, self-expression. It’s frightening. We live in a society that is very much dependent on roles, and roles depend on how other people see you. Society punishes us for being authentic.”
This quote underscores why I keep going despite the discomfort. Speaking out and being authentic isn’t just about advocating for change—it’s about staying true to yourself and refusing to let societal expectations dictate your life. Yes, it’s difficult. Yes, it can feel lonely. But the alternative—sacrificing your voice and authenticity—is far worse.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional voice-over actor specializing in a wide range of genres, including medical eLearning, commercials, and corporate narration. My career has allowed me to lend my voice to brands, telling their stories in ways that connect with their audiences. While I’m deeply passionate about voice-over, I’m also committed to making a difference in the industry, particularly when it comes to equality in male-dominated spaces like sports promo.
That commitment inspired me to launch Building Doors, a campaign dedicated to empowering women in voice-over and advocating for gender diversity in roles traditionally voiced by men. Through this campaign, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented female voice actors, creating opportunities for them to voice ads that challenge industry norms. I’ve also initiated conversations with major brands—Valvoline, SportsNet, & Cleveland Cavs to name a few—about the importance of diversity in voice-over.
What sets me apart is my willingness to tackle the uncomfortable truths in our industry. It’s not just about voicing scripts but about using my voice as a tool for change. I’m most proud of the Building Doors campaign because it’s not just a personal achievement—it’s a movement that’s creating opportunities for others. I’ve combined my experience in VO with a passion for advocacy, proving that you can use your craft to make an impact beyond the microphone.
At the heart of everything I do is a belief that authenticity and persistence can open doors—not just for myself but for the next generation of voice actors. Whether it’s behind the mic or building a campaign for change, I’m dedicated to leaving the industry better than I found it.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of kindness. Kindness costs nothing but can change everything—it’s the bridge that turns professional connections into lasting relationships and transforms challenges into opportunities for collaboration. It creates a ripple effect that not only impacts those around you but also comes back to you in unexpected and rewarding ways.
I’ve also learned the value of always being yourself. When you stay true to who you are, you naturally attract people who appreciate you for exactly that. They won’t ask you to change or be something you’re not; instead, they’ll support and celebrate you for being authentically you. Those are the people worth having in your corner, both personally and professionally.
Finally, I believe every decision you make to advance yourself should include a decision on how to be of service to others. Success is most meaningful when it’s shared. For me, this means using my journey as a voice actor to create opportunities for others through initiatives like Building Doors. By lifting others as I grow, I ensure that my success leaves a lasting impact beyond myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buildingdoorsvo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingdoorsvo/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildingdoorsvo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christyharstvo
- Other: https://www.christyharst.com/
