Personal brand photo client| Karina McHardy, Author & Advocate for Neurodiverse Children & Their Families
When someone is described as a Unicorn in Health, you know they’re a one-of-a-kind human. Karina McHardy is exactly that. She’s a multi-talented medical professional, mother, and now, soon-to-be author. I was thrilled when Karina (a returning client) came to me for her personal brand photography session here in Auckland. This time, our goal was to capture the many sides of her story: the calm authority of her work and advocacy, the warmth of her family life, and the raw emotion of a woman chasing system level changes in a challenging environment.
It was such a privilege to photograph Karina again and to see how much confidence this shoot gave her. Not long after our session, she landed her first book deal, a milestone that feels all the sweeter knowing these images helped her show up and be seen for who she truly is.
I hope Karina’s story inspires you to see what’s possible when you take the plunge and invest in yourself.
Tell us a little about who you are
Hi! I’m Karina McHardy – a health professional and writer with a diverse career spanning clinical care, academia, health strategy, and global public health. I’ve contributed to major initiatives across the national health system and collaborated internationally with institutions like the University of Oxford and the World Health Organization.
Today, I channel my energy and expertise into outthinking rigid, outdated systems to improve care experiences and outcomes for neurodiverse children. I live in Auckland with my husband and our young twins. I’m most active on Substack (kmchardy.substack.com), where I share regular NeuroThrive posts, and on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/karina-mchardy-88106519), where I connect with others working to support neurodiverse children and their families.
What do you do?
I’m often described as a unicorn — not just because of my qualifications and diverse experience, but because of the trail I’ve blazed in the health sector and beyond. My career path is unique and constantly evolving, and I’ve decided to embrace that “unicorn” label as a symbol of the rare perspective and voice I bring.
I’m also a parent navigating the complexities of New Zealand’s health and education systems in search of meaningful support for my young son with additional needs. In early 2025, I launched NeuroThrive, a regular publication on Substack. Through raw, personal reflections, I share the often-overlooked realities of raising a neurodiverse child and the key lessons learnt along the way.
In both NeuroThrive and my upcoming book, All In: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism (due April 2026), I draw on my professional background and lived experience to challenge the status quo and explore what must change to create better experiences and outcomes for families like mine.
What inspired you to start NeuroThrive?
My passion runs deep because I have skin in the game. As a parent of a child with additional needs, I’ve experienced firsthand the common, systemic challenges that affect children’s lives and futures. I see the root causes, live with the wide-ranging effects, and understand what timely, accessible support means — and what must change to make it a reality.
I chose to write about my journey because caregiving can be isolating, and I know the power and comfort that comes from knowing you’re not alone. I’ve been inspired by the openness, courage, and insights of many families and individuals who have trusted me with their stories, and I hope that something in my story resonates with theirs.
Ultimately, my greatest hope is to help transform our support systems so that every child with additional needs can access timely, evidence-based care that empowers them to thrive in ways that are meaningful to them. Early intervention can be life-changing — not just for the child, but for their entire family.
Any books that have recently inspired or resonated with you?
Some recent reads that have really stayed with me:
- The Reason I Jump (Naoki Higashida) gave me a profoundly moving, inside-out perspective on autism that challenged and expanded my thinking.
- Becoming (Michelle Obama) reminded me of the power of resilience, grace, growth, and owning your story, even when the path is uncertain.
- And Untamed (Glennon Doyle) was a powerful call to break free from expectations and lead with truth and instinct — something that has resonated even more deeply since becoming a parent.
What’s the best business advice you’ve been given?
Some of the best advice I’ve received isn’t just about business; it’s about how we choose to show up in the world.I’ve learned that real change rarely begins with grand gestures. It starts in ordinary moments — when we choose to lead with thoughtfulness and compassion, ask better questions, and truly listen. That’s where trust is built and momentum begins.
I also believe we grow faster, stronger, and more sustainably when we grow together. Surrounding ourselves with people who lift others as they learn brings out the best in us. There is real strength in difference: in diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and ways of thinking. It challenges us, deepens us, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.
And when things get hard? Never waste a crisis. There’s always opportunity in challenge if we’re willing to look for it and brave enough to step into it.
“Never waste a crisis. There’s always opportunity in challenge if we’re willing to look for it and brave enough to step into it.”
What was your biggest challenge prior to doing your personal brand shoot with me? How did that make you feel?
The biggest challenge leading up to my personal brand shoot was figuring out how to share a story that’s deeply personal — and at times, extreme — in a way that felt relatable, authentic, and credible. I wanted my message to resonate, not just be heard.
Aimee’s images were instrumental in bridging that gap. Her ability to capture emotion, nuance, and strength gave my words the visual context they needed — creating a vital connection between my story and the people engaging with it. The shoot wasn’t just about photos; it was about building trust through imagery, and inviting others into something honest and human.
What’s changed since you had your Personal Brand Photoshoot?
After the shoot, something shifted: I began to step into my story with greater confidence. It’s one thing to write about personal, vulnerable experiences; it’s another to be seen in them.
The process, and the stunning images that came from it, helped me embrace my own narrative with a new sense of ownership and clarity. Aimee’s professionalism, skill, and grace made what could have been a daunting experience feel not just safe, but empowering. Her work didn’t just support my story, it elevated it. The connection between my words and the visuals created a more authentic, resonant presence — something I’m truly grateful for.
Are there any specific business results that you attribute to your new branding that you would like to share?
Since the shoot with Aimee, I’ve experienced meaningful momentum, both personally and professionally.
Launching NeuroThrive has expanded my reach, with a growing subscriber base that allows me to connect with more families and practitioners.
Earlier this year, I signed a book deal for my debut, All In: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism, which will be released in early 2026. I continue to engage with parents and professionals alike, sharing my story and insights through a range of platforms. The images from the shoot have become a vital part of how I show up — visually aligning my message with the authenticity and intention behind it.
What would you say to somebody on the fence about booking a personal brand shoot?
If you’re thinking about booking with Aimee, be ready to show up fully — she has a rare talent for capturing your true story with professionalism and empathy. The images you get aren’t just photos; they become powerful extensions of your message and brand.
Get in touch with Karina
Substack kmchardy.substack.com
“The process, and the stunning images that came from it, helped me embrace my own narrative with a new sense of ownership and clarity. Aimee’s professionalism, skill, and grace made what could have been a daunting experience feel not just safe, but empowering. Her work didn’t just support my story, it elevated it. The connection between my words and the visuals created a more authentic, resonant presence — something I’m truly grateful for.”
Working with women like Karina is why I love what I do. Personal brand photography isn’t just about beautiful portraits — it’s about creating images that open doors, spark confidence, and reflect the real, layered story behind your business.
If you’re ready to step into your next chapter with a visual brand that finally feels like you, I’d love to help. Get in touch to start planning your personal brand photography session in Auckland and let’s create the kind of images that move your business — and your confidence — forward.