Hello, I'm Shelley-Anne McMaster

Founder of McMaster Institute

I am a senior HR, Organisational Development, Culture, and Learning & Development leader and consultant with extensive experience partnering with all levels within organisations to bring about change.

My work focuses on aligning People Strategy to Business Strategy, embedding values-led cultures, strengthening leadership capability, and positioning learning as a strategic driver of performance and sustainability. I am recognised for translating strategy into practical, measurable outcomes and supporting leaders to embed behaviours that enable people to perform at their best.

I hold a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Liverpool, supported by a broad range of professional qualifications across HR, organisational development, learning, coaching, and skills development. I have worked with organisations such as MTN, Discovery, ABSA, Nedbank, Outsurance, Glenrand MIB, Emergence Growth, ITU, Netcare Head Office, Procera Group, Ombudsman for Banking Services, and NFO, as well as numerous small and growing businesses.

My experience spans diverse industries and operating contexts, which I see as a key advantage: while markets, regulations, and structures may differ, people do not. This cross-industry perspective allows me to identify patterns, challenge assumptions, and apply proven principles of leadership, culture, and capability in ways that are both contextually relevant and commercially grounded.

I have undertaken extensive work in Zambia and across other African regions, operating within diverse cultural and market environments. In addition to my professional work, I actively support volunteering and social impact initiatives, contributing my expertise to mentoring, skills development, and community-focused programmes. I am known for my values-led, disciplined approach to building sustainable organisational effectiveness through leadership, culture, and learning.