The Narrative Enneagram’s Professional Certification Program was a profound and life-changing experience for me. While the students come from a variety of geographical and professional backgrounds, many expressed similar sentiments during our recent graduation ceremony. One person in particular was Tamar Zanaty, who took the time to write a lengthy letter of appreciation to the TNE faculty.

“The journey has been nothing short of life-changing. Your depth of knowledge, practical experience, and unwavering commitment to the Enneagram were evident in every phase of the certification process. Each of you brought a unique flavor of compassion and professionalism to the table, making the learning experience rich, meaningful, and profoundly impactful.”

Tamer came to the Professional Certification Program after nearly 15 years of studying and working with the Enneagram, including a stint as the Vice President of the International Enneagram Association. I was curious to learn more and recently had the pleasure of an extended conversation with Tamer to inquire further about his Enneagram journey. Tamar’s insights about the Narrative’s signature method of teaching through sharing stories really resonated with me. He said the panel method “respects the multilayered nature of humanity and respects the human experience in a subtle, impactful, and transformational way.” Beautifully said!

Tamer resides in Cairo, Egypt. He first heard about the Enneagram in 2011 when he was tasked with guiding leaders of a large communications company, each individual a “star” in his own right, but who now needed to work together collaboratively to become a “star team.” Serendipitously, Tamer had recently enrolled in a ten-day leadership workshop that included a half-day presentation on the Enneagram. He was intrigued by the concept and researched where he could learn more. 

At the time, Mario Sikora was offering a two-part certification program in Egypt. He completed this work, and continued a year-long across-the-globe informal mentorship with Mario that provided Tamer’s foundation as an Enneagram teacher and coach. He used his Enneagram skills in his work with the 13-member “team of stars” for two years and successfully completed the strategic plan with which he had been tasked.

This experience inspired him to exit his corporate job to pursue a career of bringing the Enneagram to others. In 2014, he began working with his teacher and mentor and joined Awareness to Action. Tamer spent around a decade with Awareness to Action, at the same time doing important work in the International Enneagram Association (IEA).

When I asked Tamer how he found his way to the Narrative’s programs, he mentioned that he had set a development plan for himself to improve his knowledge and skills. Attending The Narrative Enneagram’s Professional Certification Program was first on his list based on a solid reputation, including being an IEA Accredited School with Distinction. His experience exceeded his expectations. In his letter of appreciation to the faculty, he writes,

“I am deeply grateful for TNE’s rigorous and deeply thoughtful certification process. It is a testament to decades of accumulated wisdom blended seamlessly with a commitment to professionalism and compassion. Every element—the slides, workbooks, videos, audio recordings, practicum assignments, and more—was crafted with such care and precision that it made this journey not just educational but also inspiring and transformative.” 

Tamer’s testimony speaks volumes. He came to The Narrative Enneagram after working with Awareness to Action for some ten years, serving as the Vice President of the International Enneagram Association, attending workshops with Russ Hudson, and even hosting Dr. Jerry Wagner as a dinner guest in his home! He knows what he’s talking about when he offers such glowing accolades.

Currently, Tamer is working to incorporate panels during the instruction offered by his recently created company, Leading the Future. Enneagram panels center lived experience of type, and are a signature part of the Narrative Tradition created by our founders Helen Palmer and David Daniels. Tamar honed this skill during the practicum and emphasized the benefit of practicing with feedback from a coach:

“The practicum, in particular, was an essential part of this journey, providing a hands-on experience that helped me apply what I learned in meaningful ways. Your work has empowered me not only to learn but to embody and share this profound system of growth and awareness. As a coach and teacher, I’m grateful to have this understanding under my belt as I serve clients.”

In addition to Tamer’s gratitude for the caliber of the instruction, Tamer is grateful for The Narrative Enneagram’s scholarship program. He says that without it, he would not have been able to attend. As he works with clients and teachers in Egypt, the Middle East and globally, he is able to use the skills he acquired at The Narrative Enneagram to transform the lives of people around the world in a tangible and meaningful way.

Contributed by: Theresa Branaugh
Theresa Branaugh is a retired high school English teacher, mother of two, and grandmother of four who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of 48 years. She will be finishing the teacher certification program with The Narrative Enneagram at the end of this year. When she is not facilitating various community interest classes and professional development workshops at her community adult school, she can be found exploring all things Enneagram—workshops, panels, books, and podcasts.