The tense state of affairs across the country has illuminated the need to elevate conversations about race, contributing to a surge in DEIB 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 and Thulani Consulting is bravely striving to take this work further and deeper.
DEIB initiatives have become increasingly important as we strive to build a more equitable and just world. Despite the controversy surrounding these initiatives, we recognize that DEIB efforts are critical for creating inclusive environments, reducing inequities, and fostering innovation and creativity.
Thulani Consulting is expertly skilled and dedicated to helping organizations build inclusive, equitable and diverse workplaces that foster belonging through mindful-inquiry. Our mindfulness-based approach requires self-reflection, an awareness of unconscious biases, and a willingness to learn and grow. By being mindful of our own attitudes and behaviors, we can create a culture that values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mindful DEIB involves not only understanding and acknowledging the experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, but actively seeking to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
A mindfulness-based approach to DEIB can bring several benefits, including:
INCREASED SELF-AWARENESS
Helps individuals become more aware of their own biases, assumptions, and reactions, leading to greater empathy towards others and a deeper understanding of the impact of our actions and behaviors.
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION
By learning to listen with an open mind and heart, we can better understand the experiences and perspectives of others and build more effective relationships and collaborations.
ENHANCED CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
Promote a culture of creativity and innovation by encouraging diverse perspectives and ideas. Tap into a wider range of perspectives and insights, leading to more creative and innovative solutions.
Increased engagement and retention
A mindful approach to DEIB can help create a workplace culture that promotes engagement and retention, leading to greater productivity and success for the organization.
Research has consistently shown that diverse teams and organizations are more innovative, productive, and profitable than homogenous ones. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, organizations can tap into a wealth of knowledge and creativity that would not be possible otherwise.
Assessments: We conduct DEIB assessments to help organizations identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. Our assessments include surveys, focus groups, interviews, and data analysis.
Visioning & Strategy Development: We work with organizations to develop a clear vision and strategy that align with their shared values and business objectives.
Training and Facilitation: We offer a range of training and education programs to help organizations build their DEIB capacity.
Coaching and Thinking Partnerships: We provide coaching and support to help leaders and team implement their DEIB strategies and initiatives. Our coaching includes guidance best practices, change management, and leadership development.
IMPROVED INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY
When individuals from different backgrounds collaborate, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, leading to more informed decision-making and problem-solving.
ENHANCED EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Create a culture of inclusivity and belonging, where all employees feel valued and respected for their unique contributions.
INCREASED ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF TOP TALENT
Attract and retain top talent from a wide range of backgrounds. When individuals feel that they can bring their whole selves to work, they are more likely to stay with an organization long-term.
BETTER DECISION-MAKING
Improve decision-making processes by bringing a variety of perspectives to the table. This can lead to more comprehensive analyses of complex problems, resulting in better decision-making outcomes that benefit the organization as a whole.
If you are interested in learning more about our consulting services, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
Please include your first and last name and share any thoughts you have about a future team training.
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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