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.
This offering is where organizational wellness meets measurable, lasting results. We care deeply about the work we do—and about the people and organizations we serve. That’s why we intentionally track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of every engagement. Using a range of assessment tools and feedback methods, we measure growth over time—not just in performance metrics, but in the overall health, well-being, and cohesion of teams.
The most meaningful indicator of success? When individuals and organizations feel stronger, more connected, and more aligned with their mission. Our goal is always sustainable transformation—not surface-level change.
This offering supports leaders and teams in cultivating a more intentional, balanced relationship with technology. Using a mindfulness-based approach, we help individuals engage with digital tools in ways that reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster presence. With a doctoral concentration in media technology and innovation, Dr. Thulani DeMarsay brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes modern work and well-being. She has led technology initiatives across mid-sized and large organizations to help them better serve their mission—while also witnessing firsthand how constant digital engagement can lead to overload and disconnection.
Through this work, we guide teams in rethinking their digital habits, using tech more mindfully, and creating a culture of clarity, focus, and purpose.
We see energy and flow as essential for sustainable, effective leadership—and for how individuals show up in every aspect of life. This offering is grounded in the science of flow by Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and the research of Dr. Jim Loehr, co-author of The Power of Full Engagement. It’s inspired by the idea of the “corporate athlete,” acknowledging that today’s leaders often work long hours with increasing demands, yet struggle to maintain energy and focus over time.
Combining insights from elite athletics and human performance science, we offer practical tools to assess personal energy, recover effectively from extended effort, and create the conditions for deep flow. Leaders gain strategies to stay clear, grounded, and resilient—no matter what the pace of life requires.
Led by certified integrative health coaches, this offering provides personalized, holistic support to nourish the body, restore vitality, and sustain high energy levels. Rooted in the principle of bio-individuality, we partner with individuals and teams to co-create nutrition and lifestyle plans tailored to their unique needs and leadership goals. It’s not just about what’s on your plate—it’s about cultivating the energy, mental clarity, and resilience needed to lead with presence, focus, and strength.
This offering provides individualized support designed to meet each person or team exactly where they are. We begin with a guided visioning process to clarify your desired outcomes and long-term goals. From there, we work collaboratively to co-create a personalized wellness plan that supports your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Whether in one-on-one sessions or group settings, our coaching is rooted in a holistic, client-centered approach that honors each person’s unique path.
The result is sustainable growth and meaningful change aligned with what matters most to you.
our approach to Stress Resilience and Emotional Mastery empowers individuals to stay grounded and clear-headed even in the most demanding situations. Participants learn to regulate their nervous systems, manage emotional triggers, and cultivate presence under pressure. Through mindfulness-based practices and science-backed techniques, we guide people to transform stress into strength—fostering calm, confident decision-making, emotional intelligence, and a deeper sense of inner stability.
This offering is ideal for teams and leaders who thrive in fast-paced environments but seek tools to prevent burnout and sustain well-being.
Kamogelo, based in Pretoria, South Africa, is a vibrant and solutions-driven professional who brings enthusiasm, adaptability, and a human-centred approach to his role at Thulani Consulting Group. As the Executive Assistant, he plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly, supporting both the administrative and strategic needs of the team. His calm presence, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex logistics make him an essential part of the organisation.
He is also a skilled technical producer for online events, using a variety of platforms and digital tools to deliver well-coordinated and engaging virtual workshops. Beyond the screen, Kamogelo is an insightful facilitator, passionate about creating spaces for reflection and growth, and supporting teams through behaviour-focused interventions that improve how people connect and work together.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography and Anthropology, along with an Honours degree in Environmental Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. His academic journey deepened his interest in how people navigate and shape the environments they’re part of—insights he continues to apply in his work every day.
With over two decades of experience, Octavia is a dynamic force in the realm of transformational learning, guiding individuals and organizations toward deep self-awareness, healing, and authentic growth. As a seasoned facilitator, she has masterfully led personal development and self-discovery workshops across South Africa and the United States, empowering individuals to reconnect with their essence and embrace their full potential.
With a strong foundation in business development and strategic facilitation, Octavia bridges the worlds of corporate leadership and deep inner work. Her expertise lies in crafting innovative programs, developing strategic objectives, and aligning organizational structures with human-centered growth.
As a senior facilitator at the Sankofa Institute for Collective Wellbeing, Octavia curates and leads healing circle gatherings, fostering spaces where personal evolution and collective healing intersect. She is also a visionary leader in corporate wellness, having served as Head of Wellness & Spirituality within multi-billion-dollar organizations. In this role, she has spearheaded initiatives that cultivate a culture of holistic well-being, integrating psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellness into the corporate fabric.
Having studied under international pioneers in energy work and human consciousness, Octavia brings a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. As a counsellor, strategic facilitator, and life coach, she helps individuals and organizations uncover the emotional, psychological, and physical roots of dis-ease – guiding them toward transformation, balance, and true empowerment.
Octavia’s mission is clear: to create meaningful change by helping people and organizations unlock their full potential, fostering healing, and cultivating a life and workplace rooted in authenticity, wellness, and purpose.
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.
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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