HELLO
Sharon Hurley Hall
She/Her
Meet the Leader
Sharon Hurley Hall is an accomplished author, educator, and anti-racism activist with over 30 years of experience as a journalist and writer, having penned influential works including I'm Tired of Racism: True Stories of Existing While Black and Exploring Shadeism. As a certified diversity and belonging facilitator, she has launched significant initiatives such as her widely-read Sharon's Anti-Racism Newsletter and the SHHARE anti-racism membership community, combining personal narrative with data-driven insights to spark important conversations about racial equity and inclusion. With MA degrees in Media and Cultural Studies and Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Sharon continues to mentor introverted founders and leaders whilst providing practical tools and strategies for meaningful anti-racism work in both professional and personal contexts.
Restorative Leadership Interview Questions:
Question 1: What helps you stay creatively courageous when the world feels threatened/like it’s on fire?
Even when things seem to be falling apart, I know I'm part of a bigger picture, and I have a deep commitment to playing my part in it. I am buoyed by the feedback from my 5700+ anti-racism newsletter readers, who let me know my work matters. I'm also inspired by the consistent, committed and collective actions of the SHHARE anti-racism community.
As someone who has lived in the UK, France and the Caribbean, and with deep family ties in the USA, I believe that I have an often-unheard perspective on racism as a global system and structure. My aim is to help people envision solutions that uphold our common humanity and transcend borders.
Though I'm an introvert, I know that now is the time to use my twin gifts - writing and teaching - to shine a spotlight on injustice and harmful systems, to encourage my readers and community to take action. The time to speak is now!
For people involved in creating a world where equality and access are the norm, there's no doubt that the context has become challenging around the globe. I don't want to let evil triumph because I said nothing. Instead, I want to be a light where I can - and every time someone says my work has made a difference, that keeps me motivated when things feel hard.
Question 2: Describe a time when your imagination helped you move from fear into action.
I'm an ideas person, and have no shortage of imagination. I rarely let fear or uncertainty stop me. But as a leader, I've learned to check in with trusted peers to refine my vision. For example, before launching the SHHARE anti-racism community in 2024, I was thinking of creating a course. But I talked to someone further along the path who helped me to see the vision behind my vision. It turned out what I was really building was a community, with accountability, action and reparations built in. Sometimes you need that mirror to expand your own imagination. A more pivotal moment was deciding to stop writing about digital marketing (which I had done successfully for more than a decade) - and shift my focus completely to anti-racism and diversity work. It was a leap into the unknown, but it felt absolutely right. I have no regrets. That move brought freelance commissions in the new area, and eventually I shifted to consulting. My vision has always been to reach the people I can reach, so they can reach others, and that vision keeps me moving forward. Some time back I adopted the mantra "done is better than perfect", which is a great reminder to share things even before they feel finished - you never know who it might help.
Question 3: What does growth and holding space look like for you after a loss or rupture?
Doing this work takes an emotional toll. Like others, I've faced racist abuse because of it, and it hurts. But that's also helped me refine the practices that allow me to hold space for myself and others. One of those practices is intentional rest. I build in short rest breaks daily. I block off no-call days in my calendar. And this year, I even managed a mostly offline vacation. These breaks let me ground myself and find balance so I can come back strong. As an introvert, I have firm boundaries about how and when I show up, and when it's time for me to step back. I'm also a Reiki Master Teacher, and that keeps me grounded, too. In community, I hold space in different ways. Sometimes, it's a simple DM check-in. At others, it's being in a shared virtual space, where we can connect, vent or simply be. Deep listening is an introvert strength - and I rely on that to guide me to what's needed at any given time. One final thing: the stereotype of the strong Black woman or the woman who can do it all is very harmful. Part of my own growth in recent years has been giving myself permission to ask for help - and to accept it. I'm still working on this, but I've come a long way.
Question 4: How do you protect space for imagination in your team or community?
My core values are integrity, empowerment, transparency, and equality. I embody those values through writing, teaching, podcasting, public speaking and more. That attracts people who share those values into spaces I'm in.
I encourage imagination in a number of ways, sharing personal narratives, showcasing innovative solutions and inviting people to walk in others' shoes. Asking "what if we did it differently" is a core question - and you'd be amazed at the shifts that result.
In the SHHARE community, we all contribute to learning, and we share the shifts in our thinking in a dedicated channel. We imagine change, and we take practical action to make it happen.
Beyond the newsletter, I encourage critical thinking and reflection, and urge people to go beyond what they have taken for granted to examine new ways of seeing and being. For example,Our aim is to leave the world better than we found it by taking action where we can.
More recently, I've been teaching and mentoring marginalised and introverted folks (through courses and 1:1 sessions) to get their voices out s. Because if we're always hearing the same old narratives from the same people, what will change?
That's also why I keep speaking out, and why I urge others to do the same.
Question 5: What rituals or practices help you (and/or your team/community) name what hurts while still holding on to what’s possible?
Naming things so we can face them is a core part of my work.
In the SHHARE community, we talk about having a brave space, rather than a safe one, because nobody can guarantee safety. But we can promise to show up with care.
Each month, we show up for a check-in to see what's top of mind for community members. Then we talk things through. We practice active listening, reflecting what we've heard, asking for permission to offer solutions.
We allow space for mistakes. We assume - rightly - that everyone is there to learn and grow. And we focus on accountability rather than perfection.
Kindness, empathy, and a commitment to learning and growth. For me, that's the heart of being a leader.