Sharon Hurley Hall: a Black Citizen of the World Shares Insights on Anti-Racism and Honoring the Humanity in Others

In this episode, Sharon Hurley Hall (she/her) - a Black, British-born, Caribbean-Raised woman - shares stories about her own experiences with racism living in different parts of the world. She discusses her journey over time to unpack the hurt and find the words to speak about it with power and impact. Sharon chooses to not allow anger and pain to define her - and refuses to inflict the same pain on others. Instead, she journeys towards purpose-driven work, empowering others through learning experiences anchored in awareness and action. The conversation highlights examples of workplace discrimination, as Sharon offers important takeaways on how to sensitively and effectively support those who face it. Sharon ultimately offers a hopeful outlook on the power of community and collective action and “a world where everyone's humanity is valued.”

Sharon Hurley Hall is an author, educator and anti-racism activist who is on a mission to help create a world where everyone can thrive. Her work includes Sharon's Anti-Racism Newsletter, the SHHARE anti-racism community, support for introverts - and various courses based on over three decades of experience with writing and educating.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Sharon and Shanti: 

• Hearing Sharon describe how we’re all like drops of water, and the hope that we will eventually form “a mighty river washing away all these inequalities that we hate.”
• Discussing that allyship is not about perfectionism: we have the opportunity to own and learn from our mistakes and ask how we can make things right.
• Recounting when Sharon’s college roommate said, “I don’t think of you as Black at all. I think of you as white,” and how a young Sharon was caught off guard and struggled to process the hurt.
• Exploring the nuances of allyship, including opportunities for it to unfold in simple, powerful, non-confrontational ways.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast & find me to share your key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com 

CONNECT WITH SHARON HURLEY HALL
Work with Sharon!
Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter
Book: I'm Tired of Racism
SHHARE Anti-Racism Community
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Courses

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 3:44 Professional Highlights
• 4:47 Personal Interests and Hobbies
• 6:08 Sharon's International Upbringing as a Black Woman
• 7:15 Early Experiences of Racism - Trying to Process Feelings and Find Her Words
• 13:49 Choosing a Path Not Defined by Anger and Pain
• 16:48 Career Pivots in Response to Workplace Racism and George Floyd's Murder
• 23:41 Finding Her Words & Purpose - Creating Shared Experiences Rooted in Awareness and Action
• 26:19 Allyship in the Workplace - Including Powerful Actions We Can Take in the Moment
• 30:27 Avoiding Saviorism
• 32:45 Allyship: Overcoming Fear of Stepping in & How To Handle Mistakes When They Happen
• 35:14 Music Share: A Double Dose of Hope
• 36:44 Hope Continued: Finding Equality Through Our Shared Humanity
• 38:17 Where to Find and Connect with Sharon
• 38:53 Thank You and Final Thoughts