Guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, I believe in the transformative power of unity in leadership. It's through the intricate web of our interconnectedness that we catalyze sustainable organizational change."
I’m Thulani DeMarsay, and for nearly three decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of leadership development, contemplative science, wellness, and technology and innovation. Over the past 25 years, I have consulted with leaders from diverse sectors across the United States and, more recently, in West and Southern Africa. My mission is clear: to help leaders and teams maximize effectiveness while honoring well-being. I firmly believe that our ability to be effective is directly tied to our emotional, spiritual, psychological, and physical health.
I earned my PhD in Human Development, with a concentration in Technology, Media, and Innovation. My dissertation research focused on contemplative leadership, exploring how reflective practices such as mindfulness, meditation, silence, yoga, and other practices build resilience in leaders and help them thrive during times of disruption. My research revealed how these practices enhance decision-making, emotional intelligence, and organizational well-being, equipping leaders with the tools they need to navigate complexity and foster both individual and organizational resilience. My concentration further explored how organizations can leverage technology to advance their mission effectively.
I work with teams to create environments where innovation thrives alongside well-being. I specialize in helping leaders and organizations harness the power of technology to streamline processes, enhance efficiencies, and maximize human potential. By aligning technology solutions with purpose-driven strategies, I enable organizations to achieve sustainable change while maintaining a strong focus on balance and well-being.
Keynotes
During my travels to South Africa, I was deeply inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes our shared humanity and interconnectedness. Ubuntu teaches that collective well-being is the cornerstone of both individual and organizational success.
I see organizations as living organisms—when one part is not functioning well, it inevitably impacts the whole. This understanding informs my work with leaders, as I help them foster environments rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and purpose-driven leadership. By nurturing the health of every part of the organization, I empower teams to achieve their highest potential.
Thulani has had the privilege of helping leaders and teams of all different sizes and shapes. Some of her clients include:
As a person in long-term recovery from substance addiction for 29 years, I am deeply committed to creating meaningful change in the world. In 2023, I founded Sankofa Institute for Collective Wellbeing, an organization that provides high-quality education and training for communities of color in the U.S. and Africa impacted by addiction.
At the heart of this mission is a dedication to fostering healing, resilience, and transformation through culturally responsive programming. Sankofa Institute is my way of honoring the collective spirit of recovery while creating lasting change in the lives of individuals and communities.
Thulani has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in leadership and organizational development from Cambridge College in MA. She earned a master’s degree and PHD in human development from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, Ca. Her dissertation explored how organizational leaders apply contemplative practices in the workplace to build resilience.
An Evening with Thulani: Wednesday, February 28th
Time: 10:00 AM (EST), 1:00 PM (PST), 8:00 PM (SAST) Duration: 1 Hour
Location: NY, 222-3344
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