Nelisha Wickremasinghe

With over 30 years of experience in human development, she brings a rare synthesis of psychotherapeutic insight and management expertise to her work with individuals, teams, and global organisations.

Nelisha holds multiple advanced degrees, including postgraduate qualifications in psychology and family therapy, a Master’s in Public Sector Management, a Master’s in Psychoanalytic Clinical Practice, and a Doctorate in Organisational Change.

Working at the intersection of psychotherapy and leadership development, Nelisha has supported complex change initiatives and leadership growth in organisations such as Merck, Pearson, Nuvia, Serco, Nielsen, Lloyds Banking Group, Aviva, National Grid, and the National Trust. Her approach integrates neuroscience, developmental psychology, and systems thinking to foster resilient, relationally intelligent leadership in volatile and uncertain environments.

In addition to her role at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Nelisha is an associate at Ashridge Hult Business School and the founding director of The Dialogue Space, a consultancy offering deep development processes for individuals, families, and organisations. Her previous experience includes leading an award winning organic food business and holding clinical and management roles in the mental health and social care sectors.

Nelisha is the author of two acclaimed books:

• Beyond Threat — which explores the unconscious drives shaping our workplace behaviour
• Being with Others — which examines how our threat responses compromise trust, openness, and relational integrity in both personal and professional life.

Her thought leadership has been featured in Management Today, Forbes, Fast Company, and she is a contributor to Psychology Today.