Who We Are
Sharnet Gordon
‘’Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Leo Tze
Experience and knowledge were birthed during my journey through the school of hard knocks, part education, some learned knowledge, and a strong desire to make a difference through the development of people. In addition, an inner conviction to give a voice to the voiceless and acknowledging the silent screams of the invisible. The support of a praying mom and a wise spouse of 36 years, despite him being on the Autism spectrum were invaluable. Together we raised three incredible sons. We travailed the valley of deep grief when we lost our daughter to meningitis. A loss that changed our perspectives of life and its inherent value.
As a certified Life Coach, I learnt to apply in practice what would become a foundation, framework, and strategy to helping others see their own worth, develop their own unique qualities and confidence, as they become their very own agents of change. I am an ardent support, coach, and work with people of all ages. Young people coming of age and finding their own identity and purpose in the world. Parents navigating the unchartered landscape of responsibility while raising up another generation. Adults and young professionals entering different phases of their lives in their careers as well as significant transitions in their personal lives. Anyone with the strong desire and the staying power to develop and strengthen their existing qualities and cement new ones.
Through various work experiences in corporate HR Development and Training and constantly upskilling my key focus areas through the years, I’ve learnt the importance and value of practising and implementing basic pillars of good communication, empathy, understanding and listening skills. Acceptance, ingenuity in a creativity capacity, unconventional thinking and resourcefulness for problem-solving skills are important tools in my life’s toolkit.
These skills invite co-operation, facilitate a team synergy that fortifies positive wellbeing and productivity. Individuals are thus equipped with better stress management techniques, interpersonal and personal relations. It is imperative of being conscious of what drive motivate people as well as help them become aware of the opportunities around them daily.
As an HRD consultant, I am all about and for developing potential. Strengthened by my determination to initiate and bring about change, I ensure that people feel acknowledged, encouraged and trusted. Focusing on collaboration and transparency are some of my personal values.
As a Counsellor and S.B.S.T Coordinator for 12 years within a High School, working with teens, teachers and parents, I was able to help each role player navigate and seek other solutions to the various relational and behavioural challenges they encountered. Working very closely with the WC.E.D and SAPS and regional Social Workers on cases of discipline, abuse &neglect of physical, mental and sexual nature.
Being a parent encouraged me to complete Early Childhood Development training. This equipped me to run a small nursery for children aged 2- 4yrs old. I had the privilege of assisting young parents understand the importance of knowing the different developmental stages and the challenges that came with each specific age and how to address the issues they raised.
As a parent of three very different children (who are now all adults), I can relate to different concerns, stresses, doubts and worry of health and safety and the ever-evolving influence of the internet.
The challenging often frustrating dynamic of young adult children who still live at home as well as the dreaded empty nest syndrome.
From 2023 - 2025 I had the privilege of being the Kids Church Coordinator for children from playgroup age to Gr 7. It was and remains a special time. These age groups are so thirsty for knowledge and the understanding thereof. I’ve learnt much from the kids who are often under-estimated in their potential for learning and perception than they’re given credit for. These children have reawakened my joy in simple things, allowing a resurge of energy and sense of wonderment. They encourage a shift of perspective. Their inner resilience and ability to live in the moment is a skill.
Building awareness and helping others to grow the ability of overcoming bias, shift mental paradigms and invite different perspectives is what gets me up every morning.
Living intentionally as a life-long student of learning and remembering my “why” keeps my focus centred on living a life that says….
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference,”
I am excited to meet you where you are on this fascinating journey called life.
Sharn
Tamsyn Hopkins
Helping individuals discover their strengths, realign with their purpose, and build sustainable pathways to walk in their purpose is my passion.
My early years were not marked by conventional academic or leadership recognition; however, a love for music and sports cultivated strengths of resilience, creativity, and discipline. At the age of 16, I was introduced to a church which encouraged personal growth through leadership development. This environment ignited a lifelong commitment to personal development and helping others reach their potential. With a strong desire to learn and grow, I completed a Degree in Psychology and Theology. By the age of 20, I was appointed as Youth Pastor, where I began actively supporting teenagers and young adults through seasons of transition, healing, and growth. My work within the church extended far beyond traditional weekly services. My conviction that transformation happens by connecting with our Creator and with those around us, led me into intensive people development and community engagement. I was given many opportunities to work in schools and community initiatives that were transforming aspects of the community. I led and managed a volunteer team of 30 young adults working closely with teenagers in a high-risk community affected by gang activity, violence, and substance abuse. Our work focused on mentoring, counselling, family support, and personal development, with the core objective of restoring hope and rebuilding lives through consistent, relational engagement.
After seven years, I took a year to complete my Honours in Psychology and then transitioned into the role of Equipping Pastor for our church. My focus shifted to developing leaders and equipping individuals to live and lead with purpose. I desperately wanted to see change, wholeness, and restoration in people’s lives which ignited my passion for coaching and training. As our church had expanded into multiple African countries, I was able to do this in South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi and later Zimbabwe, teaching leadership development, team building, life skills, people development, counselling principles, and theological studies. Over the next decade, I played a key role in designing and implementing sustainable leadership and discipleship processes and structures in our church, including the establishment of small-group structures that fostered community, belonging, and leadership growth. I was also able to spearhead our Academy—now a two-year programme comprising six streams: Leadership, Cell Church, Counselling & Community, Theology, Biblical Studies, and Lifestyle Development, encompassing 45 courses. Each year, up to 130 individuals from churches and our community complete courses. We see miracles daily in our Academy as we see people being restored and rebuilding their lives.
In the last five years I was called to pioneer a church extension in Philippi, Cape Town—one of the city’s most challenging and violent communities. Entering a context marked by significant cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences required humility, adaptability, and deep compassion. Through intentional leadership, team development, and community engagement, I worked to build a sustainable leadership structure and a church that serves as a place of restoration and rebuilding. A key focus was raising and training local leaders and a lead couple to ensure continuity and long-term impact, a goal that was successfully realised. We were also able to purchase a building to house the many activities of our Church in that area.
Reflecting on 26 years in church leadership, I recognise that each season—while demanding—was instrumental in shaping my leadership, resilience, and coaching philosophy. Growth was never easy, but it has been profoundly meaningful and transformative.
A large part of my story of growth and resilience has come from a very close journey that I have had with physical pain and fatigue. At the age of 20, the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia totally challenged everything I did, believed and who I thought was. Although I still journey with a chronic illness, I am grateful that it no longer defines me but has shaped parts of me that would never have otherwise been shaped. It is ultimately, my story of determination, understanding, and victory.
Did anything resonate with you?
Let’s connect!