Brave Conversations.
Real Impact.
Deftable leads bold, human-centered engagements that bridge divides and build capacity for transformative change.
When the stakes are high, the language matters. Deftable helps leaders and communities navigate complexity with courage, compassion, and clarity. Whether you're building inclusive cultures, addressing conflict, or investing in your own growth—this is where the real work begins.
About Deftable
You want to change the world. That starts with the way we talk to each other.
Deftable is the work of Zitty Nxumalo, Ph.D.—an experienced facilitator, speaker, and coach who facilitates conversations many would rather avoid.
With a career rooted in equity, movement-building, and courageous leadership, Zitty has guided organizations, institutions, and communities through the inevitable seasons of tension that lead to change.
Her work is not for the faint of heart—it’s for those ready to dismantle what’s no longer working and co-create something better.
What sets Deftable apart?
Deeply grounded in logic, strategy, and emotional intelligence
Designed for lasting cultural shifts, not surface-level solutions
Expertise in boardrooms AND grassroots community settings
Driven by lived experience (not just leadership theory)
Leverage storytelling and trust as tools for transformation
Our Services
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Facilitation
Courageous Conversations Across Difference
We curate opportunities for people to show up fully, speak honestly, and stay at the table—especially when it’s hard. From race and identity to organizational power dynamics and systemic inequities, Deftable helps groups move through discomfort toward shared understanding and collective growth.
Examples:
• Organizational conflict/crisis intervention
• Storytime + Wine events
• Community listening sessions and focus groups for data collection
→ Let’s design your next brave space
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Keynotes
Truth-Telling With Heart.
Zitty delivers powerful, perspective-shifting keynotes that invite audiences to lean into discomfort, reckon with what’s real, and reimagine what’s possible. Whether you’re opening a conference or closing a retreat, these talks leave people thinking—and feeling—differently.
Topics Include:
• Authentic Leadership in The Conceptual Age (The Age of Creators)
• Embodied Leadership: Lead Your Body, Lead Your Life
• Lead for Longevity: The Secrets of Slow
• Pain Pedagogy: Innovation for Modern Professors
→ Book Zitty to speak
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Coaching
For Leaders Ready to Do the Work
1:1 or small group coaching for executives, educators, nonprofit leaders, and change agents navigating complex dynamics and leading through difference. This is not checkbox coaching—it’s personal, rigorous, and rooted in justice.
Focus Areas:
• Leading with emotional integrity
• Navigating conflict with clarity and compassion
• Making values-based decisions under pressure
• Developing authentic, anti-racist leadership practices
→ Start your coaching journey
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Women's Leadership Groups
A Space to Lead, Learn, and Be Seen
This isn’t your average leadership training—it’s a circle of brave, brilliant women who are leading differently. Designed for those aged 25+, this group program blends coaching, facilitation, and peer connection to support emerging and established leaders navigating race, gender, identity, and power in real time.
Program Themes May Include:
• Unlearning perfectionism + performing
• Leading in spaces not built for you
• Building resilience + boundaries
• Cultivating joy through rest + recovery
• Intuition, alignment, + sensing the next right move
Ideal for organizations investing in their women leaders, or individuals seeking a cohort experience.
→ Learn more about upcoming cohorts
Nonprofit Director
"Zitty helped us have the conversation we were avoiding. It changed everything."
University Staff Member
"One of the most honest, affirming, and transformative workshops I’ve ever attended."
Corporate DEI Lead
"Zitty leads with both grace and fire. She sees what others miss."
Events & Programs
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Women's Wellness Series
Starting May 4, 2025
10-Week Empowerment Series for Women of All Backgrounds
SPEAKING
Bring Dr. Z to Your Stage
If your conference, campus, or team is ready to go deeper, Zitty brings bold ideas and grounded truth to every talk. With a focus on equity, belonging, and emotional integrity in leadership, her keynotes leave lasting impact.
What You Get:
A powerful, story-driven experience
Time for Q&A and follow-up resources
Customization to your audience's needs
Resources + Insights
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The Ukuvusa Podcast with Dr. Z. LISTEN HERE
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Zitty’s written work and its impact. READ HERE
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Recommended tools handpicked by the Deftable team.
Contact us.
Ready?
If you’re looking for a partner who brings depth, honesty, and skill to tough conversations—let’s talk.
