Executive Coaching & Workplace Psychology
— Grounded in Science, Focused on People
Busara Consulting brings together applied psychology and real-world leadership expertise to help individuals, teams, and organisations perform at their best.
Whether you’re navigating a leadership transition, developing your team’s potential, or driving cultural change across your organisation — we offer rigorous, psychologically-informed support that creates lasting results.
Applied Psychology in the Workplace
Busara — a Swahili word meaning ‘wisdom’ — was founded on a simple belief: that the most effective workplace change comes from understanding people, not just processes.
Led by Dr. Zahra Shariff, a Chartered Psychologist and HCPC-registered practitioner, Busara applies evidence-based psychological frameworks to the real challenges leaders and organisations face every day.
Zahra holds a Doctorate in Organisational Psychology and brings over 15 years of experience spanning the NHS, government, social enterprise, and the private sector. Her practice integrates psychodynamic theory, systemic thinking, and coaching psychology — giving clients a depth of insight that goes well beyond conventional leadership consultancy.
Busara also works alongside Renée Mann (Chartered MCIPD), an experienced organisational consultant with 15+ years across HR, transformation, and culture change.
Together, we partner with organisations big and small — from ambitious SMEs to major public sector bodies — offering bespoke support that is rigorous, human, and genuinely effective.
Achieving results through meaningful conversations
We create a safe space, where people can talk openly, and facilitate self-discovery, so the answers and solutions come from within. This is the most powerful way to learn and develop – and embed any changes that are needed.
Meet Dr. Zahra Shariff
I founded Busara because I believe the most powerful changes in organisational life happen when people are truly understood.
My background is in psychology — specifically organisational and occupational psychology — and I hold a Doctorate alongside postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and coaching. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
What this means in practice: I don’t just coach from instinct or experience alone. I draw on a rigorous academic grounding and a broad clinical understanding of human behaviour to help leaders and teams make sense of patterns, unlock potential, and create change that sticks.
Over the past 15 years I have worked across the NHS, government departments, charities, social enterprises, and corporate organisations. I am also a mother — which gives me a deeply human perspective on the pressures of modern working life.
Professional development, leadership and executive coaching, along with cultural and organisational change management
Are you a business or charity wanting to assess and improve your performance or structure?
Are you experiencing organisational issues such as burnout, retention, stuckness or collaboration?
Would additional support for your leaders positively impact their effectiveness and maximise their potential?
Strengthening connections, collaboration and creativity at work
Busara is a Swahili word that means ‘wisdom’. Through facilitated dialogue, we support individuals to access their untapped inner wisdom and transform how they think and how they work; equipping everyone with the confidence and tools needed to make an impact, no matter what their role.
Each session is tailored to meet the organisation or individual’s specific needs. We deliver the safe space, mentally and physically, to enable open dialogue; always working in partnership and always being consciously inclusive.
Our bespoke sessions help people feel freer, more creative, and able to interact differently with colleagues.
How We Can Help
01
Executive & Leadership Coaching
One-to-one executive coaching for leaders who want to think more clearly, lead more effectively, and grow — personally and professionally.
02
Workplace Psychologist
Structured programmes and bespoke support to stretch high-potential leaders and build long-term leadership capability across your organisation.
03
Management Coaching
Facilitated sessions that improve team dynamics, strengthen collaboration, and help groups move through conflict or change with clarity and confidence.
04
Team Coaching & Facilitation
Strategic consultancy to assess, redesign, and embed a workplace culture that aligns with your values and drives sustainable performance.
05
Leadership Development Consultant
Evidence-based DEI consultancy and facilitation that moves beyond tick-box compliance — helping organisations build genuinely inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive.
Making a Difference Across the UK
We work with a wide range of organisations — from growing SMEs and social enterprises to NHS trusts, government departments, and large corporates. We also support individual leaders and professionals at all career stages.
If any of the following resonates, we should talk:
- You’re a senior leader who wants to perform at a higher level — but isn’t sure what’s holding you back
- Your team is capable, but something isn’t clicking — there’s friction, disengagement, or a persistent performance gap
- Your organisation is going through change and you need expert support to make it land well
- You want to build a more inclusive, psychologically safe culture — and you want it done properly
Strengthening Connections, Collaboration and Creativity at Work
We work with individuals and teams to uncover the insight that is already within them — and to create the conditions where lasting change becomes possible.
Our sessions are bespoke, confidential, and grounded in evidence. People leave feeling clearer, more capable, and more connected — to their work, to their teams, and to themselves.