A day in the life | Sharon Gordon

Sharon Gordon is the founder of SG Web Craft, which combines nearly four decades of experience in education and information technology.

After starting her career as a legal secretary and PA, she transitioned into IT training, delivering services across the globe in countries like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait, Moscow, and Riyadh. In 2009, Sharon established SG Web Craft with the goal of offering personalised training solutions.

Her mantra, “learning must be fun, accessible, and easy to understand for it to be of true value to the learner,” reflects her commitment to engaging and effective education.

Beyond training, Sharon provides consultancy, accreditation, tailor-made sessions, custom learning videos, quick guides, and web design services, all aimed at empowering individuals and businesses to leverage technology efficiently.

What’s the first thing you do when you start your workday?

My workday starts with boiling some ginger to make my morning tea.  I’ll add some lemon or lime and some of my vitamins to start my day.  I sometimes do a short meditation too.

How do you plan or structure your day to stay productive?

As I have two jobs, I look at both of my schedules and fit everything in. 

I’ll do all my 9 to 5 work during the day and my own business stuff gets done after that. If something urgent comes up for my business, I find a gap to tackle it between tasks. It’s a juggling act at times! It’s a juggle at times!

What’s a typical morning like for you?

A typical morning starts with reviewing emails from the past day or two and creating a to-do list. I note what needs a response or action. If an immediate reply is required, I’ll do it there and then.

What’s the most important task or decision you handle daily?

Gosh, that’s an interesting question. 

Balancing my business with a full-time job is a constant juggle.  For me, an important decision I make daily is how much time am I going to be able to spend working on my business once I’ve finished my day job and that will depend on how tired I am.

How do you balance working in your business versus working on your business?

I always find this question interesting and confusing and to remember what each of these means.  For me, there isn’t a real balance as such.  I work on what needs to be worked on at the time to ensure what needs to be done, gets done.  It’s never an even balance.  I find myself doing a lot more in my business than on it sometimes and vice versa.

What tools, apps, or routines help keep you organized?

The tools that keep me organised are my laptop, mobile phone and emails.  That way I am able to keep up to date with correspondence, phone calls etc.  

Apps that keep me organised are my Microsoft 365 subscription, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram.  I’m able to keep in touch with contacts, networks, reply to messages on the go, see what’s going on with my LinkedIn and basically keep up to date with what’s going on.

How do you handle challenges or unexpected disruptions during the day?

I try to handle challenges calmly, and most of the time that works. 

With unexpected disruptions, again, I strive to remain calm and look at the situation from a place of clarity.  I’ll look at what the best and worst outcome of a challenge or unexpected disruption and work towards achieving the best outcome for my business and me.  If not, I’ll accept the situation and move on.  The lesson learned will be noted, as there is always a lesson to learn at these times.

What role does networking or relationship-building play in your daily routine?

Both of these are very important and necessary in my business or any business for that matter.  By networking, both online and in person, it builds relationships with people who may need my services or know of people who need my services. 

It’s also great to have the support of people who are in business too and understand what I’m experiencing and can give their advice and support and vice versa from me.

How do you wind down and separate work from personal time?

My wind down time is to spend time with my grand children and catch up with my daughters and friends via WhatsApp or meeting up.  Going for a meal, drinks or a trip to the theatre or just having a long chat on the phone is great wind down for me. 

I also have a personal trainer who puts me through my paces with weights and exercise.  That is a very necessary and important part of my routine.

I also love to listen to music and watch movies or series on TV.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to follow a similar path?

I’d say, just do it!  Excuse the pun.  If you feel you can make a difference and the passion you feel is palpable and real, to you, do it!  There is always someone out there who is looking for the service you offer.  You just need to find them and connect with them.