Sharon Hurley Hall never set out to be an activist. But when the world shifted in 2020, so did she.
A lifelong writer, Sharon had built her career as a journalist, educator, and content expert. But after the murder of George Floyd, something clicked. “That moment was the catalyst for me using my voice and sharing the thoughts I’d previously kept private,” she says. And while being publicly vocal doesn’t come naturally to her as an introvert, writing has always been her power. So she leaned in.
What began as a few reflections shared on Medium quickly evolved into something bigger. She launched her anti-racism newsletter later that year. “Nearly five years on, it’s still going,” Sharon says. “The remit has broadened to include sharing excellence and joy, and inspiring others to awareness and action.”
Today, she’s an anti-racism author, activist, and educator, using her platform to drive meaningful conversations and support others who want to make a difference without compromising who they are.
For Sharon, introversion isn’t a label to fix or a trait to overcome. “I don’t see my introversion as a superpower, but I don’t see it as a deficit either,” she says. “It’s just part of who I am and a part I appreciate.” That self-awareness helps her make smart decisions about where and how to show up, protecting her energy while staying engaged.
In fact, she credits the deep thinking that comes with introversion as a major strength. “It’s been a huge advantage throughout my life,” she says. Whether she was lecturing a room full of undergrads or writing for a global audience, her thoughtful nature has helped her connect, educate, and lead with impact.
…I’ve learned to manage my energy instead of hiding from possibility.
Sharon’s best advice for others is to do it anyway.
“As an introvert, I know how easy it is to turn down opportunities because they sound exhausting,” she says. “But I’ve learned to manage my energy instead of hiding from possibility.” Looking back, Sharon never imagined she’d be speaking at conferences, sharing her voice online, or leading a newsletter with 5,700 subscribers. “But it was possible because I said yes to the right things.”
And that mindset has brought her pretty close to her dream life. “I’m doing work that has meaning and impact,” she says. “I have close family and friends. And I spend most of my time in the beautiful Caribbean.” Sounds like a dream that’s not only possible but already unfolding.
To learn more about Sharon Hurley Hall, visit her website and find her on LinkedIn.
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