About us
McMaster Institute is a consultancy focused on People & Organisational Development, Leadership, and Culture, all Aligned to Organisational Strategy
We drive people strategy through the integrated application of HR practices, Organisational Development, and Learning and Development, building leadership capability at every level of the organisation. Our work shapes values-driven cultures where strategy is translated into behaviour, accountability, and sustainable performance.
- Level 4 BEE Contributor
- SETA Accreditation #: ETDP10046
Shelley-Anne McMaster
Founder | Senior HR, OD and L&D Consultant
Shelley-Anne is a senior HR, OD, and L&D consultant with an MSc in Human Resource Management (University of Liverpool) and extensive executive and consulting experience across diverse industries and African markets. She specialises in, people strategy, culture transformation, leadership behaviour, and learning as a strategic driver of sustainable performance, bringing a cross-industry perspective that recognises a simple truth: while organisations differ, people do not.
Our History
In 1995, Shelley McMaster embarked on a journey driven by her deep compassion for humanity and her desire to make a positive impact on people's lives across various business domains. This noble pursuit led her to join a consultancy firm, where she could actively contribute to bringing about meaningful change. Assisted by Hazel Jackson, the owner of Attitudes - The Right Approach, Shelley faced her initial significant challenges head-on, starting with Bankfin and later MTN RSA. Despite Hazel Jackson's eventual departure to Dubai, Shelley persevered and steadily expanded her clientele.
To accommodate the inclusion of additional associates into the team, Shelley decided to rename her venture as McMaster Institute, signifying a collective effort to inspire others and effect transformation in every facet of organisational life. At the core of McMaster Institute's ethos lies the fervent desire to motivate individuals to take proactive measures, thereby catalysing behavioural changes and facilitating organic growth within their respective organisations. A crucial aspect of our approach hinges on the empowerment of those whose lives we touch, as we strongly encourage them to share the valuable lessons they have learned with others.
Through this philosophy of knowledge dissemination, McMaster Institute aims to create a ripple effect, where the insights and experiences gained by individuals serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth within a broader community. By fostering a culture of shared learning and empowerment, we aspire to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and organisations alike.
Our Vision
To be recognised as a leading partner in developing leaders, shaping culture, and enabling organisational change through memorable people experiences.
Our Mission
To partner with organisations to equip and develop leaders, shape high-performance cultures, and deliver the full spectrum of HR and people solutions through memorable, life-changing learning experiences. We focus on teaching how to think, not what to think, building meaningful client relationships and translating people strategy into measurable organisational performance, sustainable growth, and positive social impact.
Our Values
We are purpose-driven, relationship-centred, collaborative, principled, and committed to enabling meaningful transformation through people.
Purpose-Driven Impact & Innovation
We are driven by purpose and guided by innovation. Creativity, passion, and individual gifting are intentionally harnessed to create meaningful, practical solutions that deliver real organisational impact. We innovate not for novelty, but to solve real people and performance challenges.
Trusted Relationships (Our Reputation)
Relationships are the foundation of everything we do. We build long-term, trusted partnerships based on credibility, respect, and consistency. Our reputation is earned through the quality of our work, the integrity of our relationships, and the outcomes we help our clients achieve.
Collaboration & Teamwork (Two by Two)
Meaningful transformation happens through collaboration. We work “two by two” - partnering closely with our clients, our associates, and each other to co-create solutions that are grounded, relevant, and sustainable. We value collective strength over individual heroics.
Integrity & Transparency (Nothing Is Hidden)
Integrity underpins our work and our relationships. We operate with honesty, transparency, and courage - even when conversations are difficult. “Nothing is hidden” means addressing real issues, speaking the truth with care, and acting consistently with our values.
Make a Difference (Enable Transformation)
Integrity underpins our work and our relationships. We operate with honesty, transparency, and courage - even when conversations are difficult. “Nothing is hidden” means addressing real issues, speaking the truth with care, and acting consistently with our values. We exist to make a difference - not just to deliver services. Our work enables real transformation in people, leadership, culture, and organisations. We measure success not by activity, but by lasting change, capability built, and impact sustained.
Operating Principles
How McMaster Institute Partners With Clients
We work with a carefully selected network of associates who are passionate, creative, and uniquely equipped to fit each client’s context, culture, and needs.
We build sustainable relationships with all stakeholders to create meaningful impact – for both the organisation and the individuals within it.
We take time to analyse organisational, departmental, and individual needs to ensure solutions are relevant, practical, and effective.
We believe meaningful change is possible and achievable when work is approached with commitment, capability, and clarity.
We aim to exceed client expectations in timing, quality, and reliability — without compromising depth or integrity.
We only do work that is genuinely in the best interest of the client and within our capacity to deliver well
If the fit is not right, or the work will not deliver meaningful return on investment, we will not proceed.
Where appropriate, we act as a doorway to complementary HR, OD, culture, and learning initiatives that strengthen overall impact.