Guided by Heart,
Driven by Expertise.

THULANI DEMARSAY, PHD

FACILITATOR - CONSULTANT - COACH - AUTHOR

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."

About Thulani

Empowering Leaders, Transforming Organizations

With over 25 years of experience as an Organization Development Consultant and Leadership Coach, I have partnered with leaders from diverse sectors across the United States and West and Southern Africa. By leveraging individual and group partnerships, I’ve facilitated the development of innovative strategies, enabling organizations to navigate through periods of change and disruption.

I specialize in nurturing both established and emerging leaders to guide with mindfulness and inner wisdom. Informed by the philosophy of Ubuntu, I believe in the deep interconnection of all things. This perspective fuels my systems-oriented approach, viewing organizations as dynamic, living organisms that thrive on synergy and cooperation.

I partner with clients to cultivate their teams’ inherent potential to navigate disruption, change, and uncertainty with mindfulness and adaptability. My commitment to fostering environments of psychological safety, trust, and respect is a guiding principle in my work, amplifying collaboration within teams.

Drawing from my extensive experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, I support leaders in shaping workplaces that intentionally promote a sense of belonging. By acknowledging the inherent worth and contributions of all team members, I believe we can create spaces where everyone thrives and the organization flourishes as a whole.

In January 2023, I published my book, “An Invitation to Contemplative Leadership.” This work provides leaders with tangible tools and practices designed to nurture self-awareness and resilience in the face of uncertainty, crisis, and adversity. Alongside the book, I offer specialized courses and retreats on contemplative leadership, further empowering leaders to navigate their roles with mindful acuity.

Currently, I am writing a book on Ubuntu Leadership. This South African philosophy underscores the importance of collective decision-making, consensus-building, and a holistic approach to organizational health.

MY PRACTICE AREAS INCLUDE: 

  • Facilitation 
  • Organization & Leadership  Development 
  • Strategic Thinking Partnerships
  • Leadership Coaching 
  • Change Management
  • Visioning & Strategic Forecasting 
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Transnet:  Johannesburg, South Africa
Transnet SOC Ltd, a prominent South African rail, port, and pipeline company headquartered in Johannesburg’s Carlton Centre, sought my expertise in facilitating a training session for their senior leadership team. Drawing from the principles outlined in my book on mindful leadership, I delivered a tailored training program aimed at enhancing their leadership capabilities.

Avencion: Lusaka,  Zambia
Avencion is a consulting firm based in the capital city of Lusaka, specializing in data analytics, digital health, strategic partnerships, public health, leadership, and training development. I had the privilege of being invited to facilitate a team-building workshop for their 20+ employees. During the workshop, I delivered an engaging and interactive presentation on mindful leadership and stress management.

Recovery Education Collaborative: Boston, MA

The Recovery Education Collaborative (REC) is an organization dedicated to providing culturally responsive and comprehensive quality instruction for the Massachusetts substance use peer support workforce, community-based organizations, and stakeholders involved in recovery support services.

As the lead consultant for REC, I provide strategic planning, project oversight, workplan development, and consultation with the leadership team. I lead the development,  implementation and promotion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practices, ensuring the organization fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for all stakeholders. 

 

 

I have had the privilege of helping leaders and teams of all different sizes and shapes. Some of my clients include:

  • Bay State Community Services
  • Boston Medical Center
  • Boston Public Health Commission
  • Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools
  • Mass General Brigham
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  • Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills
  • University of Massachusetts, Boston
  • University of Rhode Island
 

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in leadership and organizational development from Cambridge College in MA. I earned a master’s degree and PHD in human development from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, Ca. My dissertation explored how organizational leaders apply contemplative practices in the workplace to build resilience.  

CERTIFICATES  

  • Introduction to Gestalt, Gestalt Africa
  • Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University
  • Media, Technology and Innovation, Fielding Graduate University 

The tense state of affairs across the country has illuminated the need to elevate conversations about race, contributing to a surge in DEI initiatives. This push, while integral to the progress of both cultural and professional life in America, comes with its own blind spots. New challenges have emerged that reflect deepening expressions of exclusion, marginalization, and bias. In many instances, biases remain unexplored, unidentified, and unchecked. We believe this time calls for deep change and a re-evaluation of our highest values. There is strong momentum now to confront disparities and inequities still entrenched in many organizations. We want to bravely strive to take this work further and deeper.

Companies are publicly recognizing the importance of DEI and taking more action than ever before. As a result, industries across the country are calling upon consultants and coaches to help lead organizational change initiatives. DEI professionals play a crucial role in facilitating difficult conversations about race and equity, and we are essential to helping to reshape more equitable and inclusive organizations. As experts in DEI, we aspire to walk our talk and become a model company that inspires transformation at the deepest level of organizational change.

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