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."
Over the past 25 years, Thulani has consulted with leaders from various sectors across the United States, and more recently, in West and Southern Africa. Leveraging individual and group partnerships, she has facilitated the development of innovative strategies, enabling organizations to navigate through periods of change and disruption.
As an organizational development consultant and leadership coach, Thulani specializes in guiding both senior and emerging leaders who aspire to lead with mindfulness and inner wisdom. She assists clients and their teams in building the internal capacity to respond mindfully to disruption, change, and uncertainty. Viewing organizations as complex, living organisms, Thulani brings a systems-oriented perspective to her work.
Creating Inclusive and Collaborative Environments
She is deeply committed to guiding organizational leaders and their teams to foster a work climate that promotes psychological safety, trust, respect, and collaboration. As a seasoned practitioner in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Thulani guides leaders in creating workplaces that intentionally encourage a sense of belonging, enabling all members to thrive.
As a veteran facilitator, Thulani is dedicated to creating interactive and experiential learning opportunities that stimulate dialogue, encourage self-reflection, and catalyze individual and group transformation.
Author and Guide in Contemplative Leadership
In 2022, Thulani authored “An Invitation to Contemplative Leadership,” providing leaders with tools and practices to cultivate greater self-awareness and resilience during times of uncertainty, crisis, and adversity. She is currently working on a book about Ubuntu leadership, a South African philosophy that underscores collective decision-making, consensus-building, and the well-being of the organization as a whole.
Thulani has had the privilege of helping leaders and teams of all different sizes and shapes. Some of her clients include:
Transnet: Johannesburg, South Africa
At Transnet SOC Ltd, a leading South African rail, port, and pipeline company headquartered in Johannesburg’s Carlton Centre, Thulani was tasked with facilitating a training session for their senior leadership team. Drawing upon the principles from her book on mindful leadership, she delivered a customized training program aimed at enhancing their leadership capabilities.
Avencion: Lusaka, Zambia
Avencion, a consulting firm based in Lusaka specializing in data analytics, digital health, strategic partnerships, public health, leadership, and training development, invited Thulani to facilitate a team-building workshop. She engaged their team of over 20 employees with an interactive presentation on mindful leadership and stress management, contributing to their team cohesion and personal development.
Recovery Education Collaborative: Boston, MA
Thulani consulted for 1 year as lead consultant for the Recovery Education Collaborative (REC) in Boston, MA. The REC is dedicated to providing culturally responsive and comprehensive instruction for the Massachusetts substance use peer support workforce. In her role, Thulani was responsible for strategic planning, project oversight, workplan development, and leadership team consultation. She led the development, implementation, and promotion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practices, ensuring that REC fostered an inclusive and welcoming environment for all stakeholders.
In 2023, Thulani DeMarsay established the Sankofa Institute for Collective Well-Being, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential support to individuals and communities navigating trauma recovery and addiction. Her commitment extends to communities in Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia, where she actively contributes to fostering wellness and recovery among those in need.
As a dedicated educator with a proven track record in developing innovative curriculums and lesson plans for a diverse adult student population, Thulani serves as a Senior Faculty Member at Cambridge College in Boston, MA where she teaches the following courses:
At the University of Massachusetts, Boston, she taught in the Addiction Counseling Education Program (ACEP).
Thulani has also developed the following courses:
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.
In the wake of current national events, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where conversations about race and equity have gained newfound urgency. The challenges we face today reveal ongoing biases, exclusion, and marginalization. It is imperative to acknowledge and address these issues, recognizing that real progress requires a reevaluation of our core values. This is a time of momentum, a moment to confront entrenched disparities within organizations, and we are committed to going above and beyond in this endeavor.
With organizations increasingly acknowledging the importance of DEI, we recognize our vital role in facilitating these conversations. As DEI experts, we aim to lead by example, becoming a model for transformative organizational change. Our commitment extends beyond rhetoric; it’s a dedication to fostering genuine, lasting transformation in the quest for greater equity and inclusion.
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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