Shannon L. Sinnett
Shannon Sinnett is a dedicated leader, Pastorial counselor, and entrepreneur committed to empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. With a career spanning over three decades, she has built and led multiple organizations, including Reformation Counseling, Mentoring & Educational Services, where she provides life coaching, mentoring, and educational programming designed to break limiting mindsets and cultivate personal growth. Shannon’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, discipline, empathy, and influence, guiding others with clarity and purpose while fostering high-performance teams even in complex or uncertain situations. Throughout her career, Shannon has demonstrated a passion for creating opportunities and building resilience in others. She has led diverse initiatives in counseling, workforce development, and community engagement, focusing on communication skills, emotional wellness, identity development, financial education, and trauma-informed support. Her work at STEAM Academy, True Hire, and her own businesses has helped countless individuals overcome personal and professional challenges, teaching them practical skills and guiding them toward independence and self-sufficiency. Shannon is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership Ministry from Christian Bible Institute, as well as Graduate-level coursework completed in Counseling at Malone University. Her extensive experience in talent management, relationship-building, and organizational development is complemented by her entrepreneurial background, having successfully scaled service-based businesses while mentoring young professionals and community members. Committed to lifelong learning and impact-driven leadership, Shannon continues to inspire others through her advocacy, mentorship, and development of programs that equip individuals to thrive in all areas of life.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the God-given abilities I have been entrusted with and the discipline developed through faith and education. While natural talent laid the foundation, my education refined my skills, strengthened my character, and provided the structure needed to pursue my goals with purpose. It is through God’s strength and guidance that I am able to grow, lead, and positively influence others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to take care of myself first so that I can effectively take care of others. Prioritizing my own well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally—ensures that I have the energy, focus, and resilience to support my colleagues, clients, and team members at the highest level.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to focus on learning continuously while establishing and maintaining clear boundaries. Understanding your limits, protecting your emotional well-being, and defining professional roles are essential—not only to serve others effectively but also to ensure that you do so without compromising yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges and opportunities in my field is recognizing that education, mentoring, and leadership are only effective when individuals are emotionally and mentally ready to receive them. We can teach, guide, and invest in people consistently, but when barriers such as trauma, fear, mistrust, or unprocessed experiences are present, information alone cannot produce transformation.
True growth often requires patience and discernment understanding where a person is in their journey and meeting them at that stage. Many individuals must move through real-life experiences and unfolding events before they reach a place of receptivity and reflection. This reality challenges leaders to shift from simply delivering information to building trust, fostering relationship, and creating safe spaces for understanding to develop over time.
The opportunity lies in learning to pace leadership and communication appropriately combining education with empathy, timing, and relational awareness. When we honor readiness, growth becomes sustainable, learning becomes meaningful, and individuals are empowered to internalize what they’ve been taught and apply it in lasting ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are leading by example, integrity, and excellence anchored in humility and honesty. I believe leadership should never be about authority or status, but about service, responsibility, and character. Love is central to how I engage with others, balanced with truth, accountability, and ongoing self-evaluation.
I am committed to continual growth both personally and alongside others approaching every relationship with respect and equality. I strive to lead in a way that uplifts, empowers, and creates space for learning, never placing myself above anyone, but walking with others as we grow together.