In this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey, I’m joined by my colleague and friend Jackee Holder to explore the transformative power of journaling as a reflective practice and life companion.

Journaling is often seen as a simple habit, yet in this conversation we uncover how expressive and reflective writing can become a profound tool for healing, self-understanding and personal growth. Jackie shares her own lifelong relationship with journaling, tracing it back to childhood, and reflects on how writing has helped her navigate trauma, creativity, leadership and identity.

Together, we explore how journaling helps us work beneath the surface, giving voice to what sits in the subconscious, allowing unprocessed emotions to be acknowledged, and supporting healthier endings, clarity and renewal. We discuss how journaling doesn’t require perfect language or polished sentences, and how drawing, poetry, letters and colour can all become meaningful forms of expression.

This episode also looks at journaling in professional contexts, particularly in leadership, coaching and organisational life, where reflective writing can help people slow down, make meaning, and show up with greater presence and compassion.

As we look ahead to 2026, Jackie also shares what she is being called to create next, including new work through the School of Journaling and a forthcoming book.

This is a thoughtful, generous and deeply human conversation for anyone curious about reflection, creativity and the power of writing to support a more conscious life.

In this special 52nd episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey, I take a moment to pause, reflect and look back on the conversations that have shaped the podcast over the last year and a half. Joining me is Heather Kelly, who has been a valued part of the journey, co-hosting episodes and supporting the growth of the podcast behind the scenes.

Together, we explore the origins of Reaching Minds - beginning with the very first episode on endings - and the fears, hesitations and unexpected encouragement that helped bring this podcast to life. We talk about the guests who have inspired me, the topics that sparked curiosity, and the global perspectives that have enriched these conversations.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What motivated me to start the podcast

• How intuition guides the themes and guests I choose

• Reflections on memorable episodes, including the surprising popularity of the one on shame

• What podcasting has taught me about authenticity, courage and curiosity

• How I see the next phase of Reaching Minds unfolding

This episode is both a celebration and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has listened, shared and grown with me. I hope these reflections offer you insight, inspiration and a moment to pause in your own journey.

Explore more episodes and resources at: www.nitasharma.com

Welcome to Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey.

In today’s episode, we explore the discipline and philosophy of Action Learning Questions - what they are, why they matter, and how this approach helps individuals and organisations navigate challenges that don’t have straightforward answers.

Action learning was originally shaped by Reg Revans and grew out of scientific inquiry, experimentation, and a willingness to work from a place of “not knowing”. Today, the methodology remains highly relevant. We live in a world saturated with quick fixes and instant expertise, yet many of the issues leaders face are not puzzles with predefined solutions. They are complex, multi-layered problems influenced by social, technical, economic and cultural realities.

To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Dr Richard Hale, co-founder of Know Will Do Action Learning Network and creator of the Action Learning Question approach. Richard has spent more than 25 years developing and implementing this methodology for governments, global organisations, and business schools. He has published widely in the fields of learning relationships, coaching, mentoring and organisational development, and brings a rich historical and practical perspective to this conversation.

Together, we look at:

• Why action learning is essential for tackling today’s intractable problems

• The difference between puzzles and problems

• The courage required to say “I don’t know” in professional settings

• The value of multiple truths and diverse perspectives

• The role of knowledge mapping (sky, ground, underground)

• How organisations such as the Civil Service have used Action Learning Questions to drive real change

• The personal capabilities people develop through this work, including deeper listening, reflective practice and working constructively with uncertainty

• Why sponsorship and alignment with real business challenges are vital for success

Richard also shares the evolution of the Postgraduate Certificate in Action Learning Facilitation, a unique qualification accredited through York St John University, and the importance of creating facilitators who can mobilise, catalyse and sustain learning across organisational systems.

This is a rich, reflective and practical conversation for anyone working in leadership, coaching, development, systems change or organisational transformation.