With Venom: The Last Dance topping box office charts this past week, there's no better time to dive into the man behind the symbiote—Tom Hardy. 

Hardy brings an unforgettable combination of strength, raw intensity, and a unique brand of charisma that captivates audiences everywhere.

Let's look at how we can learn from Hardy's approach to life and level up our aura this fall.

Own your flaws
Tom Hardy is no stranger to playing complex characters, but what makes him so relatable is how he leans into imperfection, on and off-screen. 

In real life, Hardy has been open about his struggles, from dealing with fear to overcoming addiction. Instead of hiding these parts of himself, he owns them—which makes him so powerful.

You don't have to be perfect to be confident. Maybe you're not as ripped as you want to be or don't feel charismatic, but once you start owning those quirks, you'll see how much power you have.

Stick to your guns
One of the reasons people admire Tom Hardy is because he doesn't compromise on his values. Whether in his personal life or roles, Hardy stays true to who he is.

In Venom, Eddie Brock is constantly tempted by Venom to cross lines, but he never lets the symbiote take full control. 

He draws boundaries, ensuring that no innocent lives are harmed. This lesson is valuable in sticking to your guns, even when life gets tough. 

This unwavering commitment to a moral code reminds us that real confidence comes from being firm in one's beliefs.

Roll with the punches
Life throws curveballs, and Hardy knows how to keep moving forward. From his unpredictable movie roles to real-life challenges, he’s always adapting and embracing the unexpected. 

Eddie Brock might struggle to control Venom’s chaotic power, but he keeps going, cracking jokes and making the best of it. 

Similarly, Hardy's career is full of unpredictable moments—from intense action films to quiet dramas—and he always finds a way to thrive. Sometimes, the key to confidence is learning to laugh off the chaos, adapt, and keep moving forward.

Get familiar with fear
Tom Hardy once described fear as an "old friend"—always present, lurking in the background, but something he's learned to live with and harness. 

His career and personal life reflect his intimate relationship with fear. Hardy has openly shared that fear has always been with him through reckless drinking days and as he faced personal battles. 

Instead of letting fear control him, he learned to sit with it and recognize that it comes and goes. 

The lesson here is simple: fear isn't something to avoid. It's a natural part of being human; the more familiar you become with it, the more you can use it to your advantage. Fear doesn't have to be your enemy—it can be your greatest motivator.

Embrace the anti-hero within
You don't need to be the typical "good guy" to be confident or liked. No one wants you to be a people-pleasing doormat. We respect people who stick to their values, stand up for themselves, and act authentically. 

Like Tom Hardy, you don't have to follow all the rules or fit into a box. 

Forge your path, be unapologetically yourself, and don't be afraid to shake things up. Confidence comes from living authentically, even if it's not what's expected of you.

So, how are you going to channel your inner antihero today? Embrace who you are, and let that be your source of unshakeable confidence.

- Forte team