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ABOUT THE SC

Trusted Advisors in Strategy, Leadership and Responsible Innovation
The Strategic Centre (The SC) is a UK-based consulting and executive education firm working with senior leaders across government, industry, and higher education. We support organisations navigating complexity, transformation, and technological change by combining strategic insight, leadership expertise, and rigorous governance frameworks.
Our work is grounded in global best practice and shaped by deep regional understanding. We have advised and partnered with organisations across the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Central Asia, delivering engagements that align strategic ambition with operational execution.
We are known for our ability to operate at board and executive level, addressing issues that are material to long-term performance: governance, leadership capability, institutional resilience, and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
What distinguishes The SC
  • Board-level advisory mindset, not off-the-shelf solutions.
  • Integration of consulting, executive education, and applied research.
  • Strong focus on governance, ethics, and risk alongside innovation.
  • Experience working with regulators, complex institutions and individuals.
  • Global standards applied with regional sensitivity.

Our Vision

Empowerment through Knowledge, Action and Impact.                                                                                                      

Our Mission

To empower clients to achieve strategic success through expert guidance, fuelled by research, consultancy and experience.

OUR VALUES

Expertise. We maintain a team of highly qualified professionals with a deep understanding of diverse industries.
Data-Driven Decisions. We base our recommendations on sound research and data analysis.
Sustainability. We strive for solutions that create long-term value for our clients and society as a whole.
Collaboration. We believe in the power of teamwork and fostering a culture of shared success.
Futuristic Thinking. We anticipate future trends and proactively prepare our clients for what's next.

OUR Target Group

Educational Organisations
Universities, Colleges, Institutions, and Schools
Governmental and Non-governmental Entities
Public and Private Organisations
Individuals
Professionals, Executives and Emerging Leaders

OUR TEAM

Experienced. Independent. Trusted.

The SC is led by a multidisciplinary team of senior advisors, academics, and practitioners with extensive experience in strategy, governance, education, and technology policy.
Our team has advised ministers, regulators, university leadership, and C-suite executives, and has contributed to national-level initiatives, institutional reform programmes, and international partnerships.
Rather than operating as individual consultants, we work as integrated engagement teams – combining strategic, sectoral, and regional expertise to deliver outcomes that are practical, credible, and sustainable.
Our advisors bring:

  • Senior leadership and board advisory experience
  • Academic and applied research credibility
  • International delivery experience across the UK, Middle East, and Central Asia
  • Deep understanding of public-sector, education, and regulated environments

Abraham Althonayan
Abraham Althonayan
PhD, Professor

Senior Executive, Senior Fellow (SFHEA), Executive Coach

John M Sharp
John M Sharp
PhD, Professor

Senior Executive, Strategic Development and Implementation Expert

Joanna Michalska
Joanna Michalska
PhD

Senior Executive, Senior Fellow (SFHEA), Executive Coach

Bella Gazdiyeva
Bella Gazdiyeva
PhD, Professor

Programme Executive, Communication and Leadership Expert

Afnan Al-Shuaiby
Afnan Al-Shuaiby
PhD

Programme Executive, Founder and CEO, Senior Manager Executive

Olga Glushkovskaya
Olga Glushkovskaya
MPA, Lecturer

Director of Operations, Business Transformation Expert, Executive Coach

Dana Jantemirova
Dana Jantemirova
PhD

Senior Coach, Programme Leader

Makpal Shalabayeva
Makpal Shalabayeva
MComp

Chief Digital Officer, International IT Expert