Reaching Minds - ‘Thoughts for your Life Journey’

Nita Sharma

Welcome to Reaching Minds – Thoughts for Your Life Journey, a podcast designed to spark curiosity and expand your understanding of the everyday moments that shape your path. Each episode delves into common human experiences, offering fresh perspectives that invite you to think deeper and see the world in new ways. From the seemingly mundane to the profoundly meaningful, we explore topics that ignite your interest and inspire reflection. Join us as we offer insights and thoughtful discussions to enrich your life journey and expand your mind, one thought at a time.

  1. The Human Edge in the Age of AI

    May 26

    The Human Edge in the Age of AI

    AI is transforming the workplace at extraordinary speed. But as organisations race to improve efficiency, automate systems, and increase productivity, an important question remains: What happens to the human being in the process? In this episode of Reaching Minds, I'm joined by board-certified neuro-radiologist Dr. Kavin Mistry to explore the human edge in the age of AI, and why the future of leadership may depend less on technology itself and more on how we protect and develop our uniquely human capabilities. Drawing from more than 20 years studying the brain and over 300,000 scans, Dr. Mistry shares fascinating insights into how modern life, digital overload, distraction, and outsourcing our thinking to technology may be reshaping the brain itself. Together, we explore: • The neurological impact of AI and constant digital engagement • Why some people age mentally faster than others • The trade-off between convenience and cognitive capacity • The importance of deep work, mastery, and focus • Why innovation requires uninterrupted thinking • The danger of outsourcing too much of our mental processing • How organisations can empower both AI and humanity simultaneously • Leadership presence, storytelling, emotional intelligence, and human connection • Dr. Mistry’s HUMAN framework: H – Here (presence) U – Undistracted M – Meaningfully Driven A – Aligned with Others N – Never Forgotten This is a thought-provoking and timely conversation about the future of work, leadership, innovation, and what it truly means to remain human in a rapidly changing technological world. If you’re interested in AI, leadership, neuroscience, workplace culture, human performance, or the future of organisations, this episode offers powerful reflections and practical insight. Connect with me : Nita Sharma Official Website

    37 min
  2. Navigating Redundancy as Introverted Leaders

    May 12

    Navigating Redundancy as Introverted Leaders

    Redundancy, restructuring, uncertainty, and the changing world of work are realities many people are now facing, yet the emotional and psychological impact is often overlooked. In this episode of Reaching Minds, Anita is joined by coaching psychologist, executive leadership coach, and founder of 'Abounding Solutions' - Carol Stewart. Together, they explore how modern organisations are navigating redundancies in an era shaped by economic instability, AI, and constant organisational change, and why many workplaces still fail to recognise the human impact behind the process. Carol shares powerful insights into:• The psychological effects of job loss and restructuring• Why redundancy can mirror the stages of grief• The impact on employees left behind after organisational change• Challenges faced by introverted leaders and people from the global majority• The role of visibility, networking, and sponsorship in career progression• Age, gender, and intersectionality in today’s workplace• How fear and uncertainty can affect confidence and decision-making• Practical ways individuals can regain clarity, resilience, and direction during career transition This is a thoughtful, honest, and deeply relevant conversation about identity, work, security, and what it means to navigate uncertainty in today’s professional world. Whether you are personally experiencing change, supporting others through it, or leading within organisations, this episode offers valuable reflections and practical insight. Connect with Nita:Nita Sharma Official Website

    33 min
  3. The Strategy You Can’t See: Why Subjectivity Matters - with Joseph Pritchard

    Mar 30

    The Strategy You Can’t See: Why Subjectivity Matters - with Joseph Pritchard

    In this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey, we explore a powerful and often overlooked question: What if the key to better strategy is not just thinking, but understanding how we experience the world? I am joined by Joseph Pritchard, founder and partner at Zetetic, who works with CEOs to build long-term business value by integrating subjective insight with objective analysis. Together, we unpack the role of subjectivity, and how our nervous system processes what we see, hear and feel. This has a profound impact on communication, decision-making and strategic outcomes. In a world driven by data and logic, Joseph offers a different perspective. Sustainable success is not built on analytics alone. It comes from understanding the deeper human drivers behind behaviour and choice. In this conversation, we explore: Why strategy often breaks down at the point of execution How differences in perception create misunderstanding in teams The role of the nervous system in shaping our experience Why more thinking does not always lead to better solutions How accessing emotional and non-verbal intelligence can unlock new insight The importance of trust, rapport and curiosity in meaningful conversations This episode invites you to reflect on how you think, how you communicate, and how you make decisions, both personally and professionally. Sometimes the answers we are searching for are not external.They are already within us, waiting to be accessed. If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing and sharing it with others.

    50 min
  4. How Neuroscience Shapes Us - with Christopher Samsa

    Feb 23

    How Neuroscience Shapes Us - with Christopher Samsa

    In this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey, we explore something that shapes every decision we make - our brain. I’m joined by Christopher Samsa, positive psychologist specialising in applied neuroscience and Professor of Executive Education at Hult International Business School. Together, we unpack how understanding the brain can help us lead with greater clarity, empathy and intention. Neuroscience can often feel complex or distant from everyday life. In this conversation, Chris demystifies the science and makes it deeply practical. We explore how our brains operate in either a “toward” (reward) state or an “away” (threat) state — and how those states influence our thinking, creativity, collaboration and decision-making. We also examine: How growth and fixed mindsets map onto brain states Why leaders struggle under pressure The neuroscience of habit formation and why change feels uncomfortable How implementation intentions (“if–then” plans) can support behavioural change The importance of self-awareness and feedback in senior leadership Why legacy thinking can shift how leaders show up The intersection of neuroscience and positive psychology The difference between happiness and contentment Chris shares practical insights for anyone navigating leadership, personal growth, or organisational change - and reminds us that growth is always possible when we understand how our brains are wired. This episode is for leaders, professionals and anyone curious about how to work with their brain rather than against it. If this conversation resonates, I’d love to hear from you.

    42 min
  5. Supervision as a Practice

    Feb 9

    Supervision as a Practice

    In this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey, we explore supervision as an essential yet often overlooked pillar of ethical, sustainable practice. When we work as coaches, facilitators or consultants, we are frequently the container for our clients’ complexity, emotions and organisational dynamics. But the question rarely asked is: who holds the space for the space-holders? I’m joined by Steve Hearsum, consultant, supervisor, coach and author of No Silver Bullet, a book that challenges organisations’ addiction to quick-fix solutions for complex problems. Steve is also a board member at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations and former Co-Chair of the Organisation Development Network Europe. Together, we unpack what supervision really is — and what it is not. We explore why supervision is more than a check-in or business review, how it supports ethical decision-making, protects against burnout, and helps practitioners work consciously with power, shame, projection and unconscious dynamics. In this conversation, we explore: Why supervision remains a blind spot in coaching and consulting The difference between supervision, coaching and mentoring Parallel process and unconscious dynamics in client work How supervision supports clearer boundaries and ethical practice Why supervision becomes more important, not less, as we become more senior What to look for in a supervisor who will challenge, not collude How supervision benefits not only the practitioner, but clients and organisations This episode is for practitioners who want to deepen their work, organisations who care about ethical practice, and anyone curious about what happens beneath the surface of professional helping roles.

    39 min
  6. Risk, Fear and the Undeterred Self - with Claudia Crawley

    Jan 26

    Risk, Fear and the Undeterred Self - with Claudia Crawley

    In this episode of Reaching Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey, I’m joined by Claudia Crawley, executive coach, mentor and award-winning author of Undeterred. Together, we explore how our relationship with risk, failure and fear can either limit our growth or become a catalyst for meaningful development. Claudia shares insights from her coaching work with women navigating leadership, visibility and progression, particularly Black and Brown women working within systems not designed with them in mind. We talk openly about fear of failure, imposter syndrome, mental saboteurs and the internal narratives that quietly hold people back from stepping into their full potential. This conversation also examines the wider organisational and societal context, including race and gender equity, allyship, code-switching, and the emotional labour of navigating professional spaces. Claudia introduces the success equation explored in Undeterred: determination, resilience, resistance, purpose and reinvention, and how these qualities support women to stay anchored in who they are while moving forward with clarity and confidence. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own relationship with risk and to consider what it means to become undeterred, not by ignoring fear, but by choosing growth anyway. If this conversation resonates, I’d love to hear from you.Explore more episodes and resources at www.nitasharma.com

    49 min
  7. Journalling as a Reflective Writing - with Jackee Holder

    Jan 5

    Journalling as a Reflective Writing - with Jackee Holder

    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.

    58 min

About

Welcome to Reaching Minds – Thoughts for Your Life Journey, a podcast designed to spark curiosity and expand your understanding of the everyday moments that shape your path. Each episode delves into common human experiences, offering fresh perspectives that invite you to think deeper and see the world in new ways. From the seemingly mundane to the profoundly meaningful, we explore topics that ignite your interest and inspire reflection. Join us as we offer insights and thoughtful discussions to enrich your life journey and expand your mind, one thought at a time.