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.

Welcome to this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey. Today, we will be exploring what happens when leaders overuse their strengths, and how personality and persona shape that dynamic—and what the impact of this can have on self and on others. We also look into of leaders recognising when they overuse their strengths, potentially leading to negative consequences

About Joseph Ogbonna

Joining me today is my very good colleague, Joseph Ogbonna. Joseph is a leadership and executive coach, a PCC with the ICF, and an FRSA. He treasures wisdom and has expertise in mind-shift strategic thinking. Joseph also has a special interest in African affairs and the movement of our bodies. Joseph, welcome—and thank you for being here.

Questions we pose in the podcast:

• What do we mean by strength?

• We often talk about ‘playing to our strengths’—but Joseph, what do we actually mean when we say a strength can be overused?

• What are the positive trait (e.g., confidence, empathy, drive) becomes a liability when over-relied upon

• How does someone’s personality influence the kinds of strengths they lean on—and overuse?

• Mention assessments (like MBTI, Big Five, Enneagram) if useful

• How do you see persona shaping a leader’s behaviour over time?”

• What do you think the real consequences are—on individuals, teams, or culture—when leaders don’t notice they’re overusing a strength?”

• So how do we help leaders become more aware of when a strength is becoming a liability? What tools or practices help here?”

• Joseph, have you ever found yourself overusing a strength—even with the best intentions? What did that teach you?

• To our listeners—what’s one strength you might be overusing right now? And what would it look like to lead with more balance and intention?”

Resources:

https://www.talentsage.com/our-tools/the-5step-profile-report-tool/

https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/286556/ndys.aspx

https://www.hogandarkside.com/

https://inemmo.com/lumina-learning-psychometrics/lumina-spark-self-awareness-growth/

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/oct/09/book-authenticity-jodi-ann-burey

Welcome to the episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey. Today, we’re exploring a powerful and deeply personal theme — ‘Moment for M.’ As we will explore with our guest today.

It’s about what happens when we pause, listen inward, and make space for real change. We’ll be reflecting on the courage it takes to make intentional decisions, the strength it takes to walk away from what no longer aligns, and the transformative power of choosing authenticity over comfort. This episode is for anyone who’s felt the pull toward something more meaningful — who’s been at a crossroads, questioning, shifting, evolving. We’ll unpack the lessons, the struggles, and the breakthroughs that come when we finally decide to honour ourselves and step into a life that feels true. Let’s begin.

About Sonia Vora:

Sonia Vora is a cultural catalyst and visionary leader – these are the hallmarks of her journey from a child of immigrants to a transformational executive experienced in optimizing organizational effectiveness and igniting individual potential. Through a potent blend of analytical thinking and creative insight, she helps organizations navigate transformation on a global scale while building great cultures where every voice matters. She has led a Fortune 500 company's talent strategy , has been a speaker at high-profile events, where she has brought bring a powerful combination of business acumen, cultural intelligence and transformative vision.

Questions we pose in this podcast:

• Sonia, can you share a moment in your life when you realized you needed to make a change — a "Moment for Me"? What did that moment feel like, and what led up to it?

• Taking the leap to follow your passion is no small feat. How did you gather the courage to make that decision, especially when there were easier, more comfortable options available?

• We all know that personal growth often comes with a mix of excitement and fear. What were some of the hardest or most unexpected challenges you faced during your transformation?

• Transitioning into something new often means learning things about yourself you didn’t know before. Were there any surprising lessons you learned along the way?

• Staying aligned with your true self can be tough, especially when life throws challenges your way. What practices or mindset shifts have helped you stay connected to your core values throughout your journey?

• Making a big shift often involves overcoming fear. How do you know when a decision is coming from a place of fear, versus one of trust and intuition? E.g. choosing passion over a lucrative offer?

• How has creativity played a role in your personal growth and in finding alignment with your true self?

• For someone who might be standing at a similar crossroads, torn between the comfort of the known and the pull of their passion, what would you say to encourage them to make that leap?

Resources :

Contact me on Linkedin if you wish to explore what I offer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nita-sharma-cpcc-pcc-78b1a22/

If you interested in One-to-One coaching contact me through LinkedIn or through my website www.nitasharma.com

Welcome to this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey. Today, we're shining a light on the inspiring work of ReFAB Studio—a creative initiative that’s redefining sustainability in design. ReFAB specialises in upcycling designer fabric remnants from the interior design sector, transforming them into bespoke, eco-conscious lifestyle pieces and home décor. ReFAB’s mission is to go beyond beautiful products—they're also dedicated to upskilling local artisans, especially women from disadvantaged communities, empowering them with creative and economic opportunities. ReFAB studio’s defines ethos and wider purpose: finding meaning and delight in the age of waste.

In recent years, ReFAB has expanded its impact by running hands-on workshops with students from leading institutions, including the Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion (UAL), and Morley College. These sessions invite the next generation of designers to engage directly with the challenges—and opportunities—of sustainable design and circular fashion.

As ReFAB beautifully puts it on their website:“Our pieces are designed to spark joy in your everyday life—whether that’s a one-of-a-kind treasure that instantly makes your house feel like a home, or a stylish accessory that helps you fall in love with a well-worn outfit all over again.”

About Rewati Prabhu

In this podcast, we pose the following questions:

• What does ReFAB Studio stand for—not just in name, but in its mission and values?

• Rewati, where did the original idea for ReFAB Studio come from? What sparked the journey?

• ReFAB is part of your wider philanthropic work through the Kartik Prabhu Foundation. Can you tell us a bit about that connection?

• Can you walk us through some of the key projects that have emerged since ReFAB began—from its early days to now?

• What have been some of the most rewarding moments—and some of the biggest challenges—you’ve faced since launching ReFAB Studio?

• What kind of impact do you think ReFAB has had in the communities and areas you've focused on so far?

• What’s next for ReFAB—and for you personally—in this journey?

• What keeps you going? What continues to motivate and inspire you?

• Do you have a motto or guiding principle that you live by?

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

https://refabstudio.org/

https://kartikfoundation.org/

www.nitasharma.com

Contact me on Linkedin if you wish to explore what I offer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nita-sharma-cpcc-pcc-78b1a22/

If you interested in One-to-One coaching contact me through LinkedIn or through my website www.nitasharma.com

I am joined by Rewati Prabhu who is the Founder and Creative Director of ReFAB Studio, an architect-urban designer and social entrepreneur with over 25 years of expertise. She has worked in exciting master planning projects in the USA, UK, Africa, Middle East and India. Rewati breathes sustainability into all her projects big and small whether it’s designing a new city, regenerating a neighbourhood or repurposing an existing building. Apart from this work, she has been involved in supporting youth- led social enterprise through the Jagriti Yatra, a program she co-founded 15 years ago, and which remains the largest enterprise training program of its kind in the world.

Welcome to our episode of ‘Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life’s Journey’ podcast, the show where we will dive deep into the stories, ideas, and people reshaping how we live and work. Today, we're talking about something that touches so many of us — parenthood. But this isn’t just about parenting tips or bedtime routines. My guests today are the brilliant co-authors of The Parenthood Advantage, a powerful book that flips the script on how we view working parents. We will be exploring fresh, meaningful insights about parenting, professional life, and personal growth

We'll talk about the untold strengths parents bring to the table, why society still undervalues them, and how we can build a world that supports, not sidelines, the people raising the next generation.

Whether you’re a parent, thinking about becoming one, or just want to rethink how we define success — this conversation is for you. Let’s dive in."

About Mark Kaplan and Mason Donovan

Mark Kaplan and Mason Donovan are Managing partners of The Dagoba Group, a global Consulting firm advancing inclusive leadership, employee well-being and organisational culture. Mark and Mason have also co-authored The inclusion dividend. Their work has also been featured by the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. Mark and Mason live in New England. USA.

In this podcast we pose the following questions:

• What inspired you to write The Parenthood Advantage? Was there a specific moment or experience that triggered the idea?

• What is the core message or thesis of the book—and why do you think it’s important now?

• Can you share a story of a parent whose journey exemplifies this “advantage” mindset in action?

• What are some overlooked skills that parents naturally develop that transfer to leadership or team settings?

• What was the most surprising or unexpected thing you discovered during your research or writing process?

• What myths about parenthood do you feel most urgently need to be dismantled?

• Have you had listeners or readers share how the book changed the way they view their own parenting journey?What advice would you give to a parent currently feeling like they have to choose between being great at home or great at work?

• If you could see one major shift in how society supports or values parents in the next 5 years, what would it be?

Resources

https://theparenthoodadvantage.com/book/ - The Parenthood Advantage: Building Corporate Cultures That Value Working Parents (Oct 2025)

The Dagoba Group

Author of:

The Golden Apple: Redefining Work Life Balance for a Diverse Workforce

The Inclusion Dividend: Why Investing in Diversity and Inclusion Pays Off SET for Inclusion: The Underlying Methodology for Achieving Your Inclusion Dividend