Dowshan Humzah is underestimated and different by design. He lives by two simple beliefs: ‘Succeed, serve and share’ – and ‘Be curious, travel and keep learning.’

For over 30 years, Dowshan has stood beside people and communities who are often overlooked – or as he says, ‘underestimated’ – while also following his passions in travel, sport, writing and enacting change.

He was born in London and grew up in a flat on an old council estate in Peckham. He was eligible for free school meals and knows what it’s like when people don’t expect much of you. That’s why he’s passionate about opening doors for others and helping them be seen and heard..

What He Does Now

Today, Dowshan is a strategic advisor and independent board director. He helps organisations grow, innovate, and think and do differently. He brings leadership success from his time as a Senior Executive with global companies like RSA Insurance, Virgin Media, Orange and Procter & Gamble’s Hugo Boss – along with hands-on experience from co-founding four digital and technology start-ups (online retail, broadcast TV, visual effects and social media).

He works across multiple boards, always focusing on building stronger leadership, asking better questions, and keeping people – customers and workforce – at the centre of every decision. His Board and Chair roles have included Gresham College, Overcoming MS, Board Apprentice Global, The MS Society, Intermezzo Studio – and Founding Director at two digital ventures: TWKS and IFS.

Breaking New Ground

Dowshan has led and delivered several industry innovations and national firsts:

• At RSA, he launched the UK’s first black box motor insurance, and flexible online life cover – reaching more customers and boosting profits.
• At Virgin Media, he led the next-generation broadband network strategy – introducing highest speed internet, HD TV and driving mass adoption across the UK.
• At Orange, he changed who could access mobile services abroad – making roaming more inclusive and affordable for all.
• At P&G, he launched Hugo HUGO BOSS in the UK, revived the fragrance division, and laid the groundwork for the women’s fashion line – now seen as a blueprint for luxury brand development.
• At TWKS, he blended social media with the GCSE syllabus to help students improve their English and Maths public exam results – giving them stronger chances and brighter futures.
• With UK Government and the 30% Club, he co-created the UK’s only practical programme to improve board composition and quality – used for board-level gender, ethnic and disability inclusion.

His next book, Underestimated, will explore these themes further.

Creative Consulting and Inclusive Thinking

Dowshan’s approach to problem solving is called ‘Creative Consulting’ – where imagination blends with logic, and thinking differently leads to meaningful change. The specific workshops and programe is delivered under the umbrella of Cognitive Catalyst™. He combines business strategy, behavioural science, and creativity with commercial acumen to help organisations tackle complex challenges and lead boldly.

He also developed the POETS model (standing for Perspective, Outlook, Experience, Thought, Sector and Social background) to show how diverse thinking and lived-experience lead to better decisions. He actively works to bring in voices too often left out.

Experience and Recognition

Dowshan is an Economics graduate from the London School of Economics (LSE), with Executive Education in Strategy from London Business School (LBS).

He is also a Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and the Royal Society of Arts. He has Freedom of the City of London.

Dowshan speaks regularly on innovation, digital change and creative leadership for organisations including the Institute of Directors, the City of London, and the Governance Institute.

He is co-author of Uncertainty Deconstructed – a book on using vision and imagination to turn ambiguity into action. Alongside his ‘4 Eyes of Good Governance for Boards’ model, he also runs workshops and courses inspired by the book, helping leaders and teams think more clearly and act more confidently and creatively.

Beyond the Boardroom

Dowshan is passionate about travel, sport and music. He has visited over 100 countries (and is a member of the Travellers’ Century Club) – photographing landscapes and special events.

He is a qualified fitness instructor (specialising in Boxercise and Kettlebells). However, long-term orthopaedic injuries, since a full Achilles rupture, have held him back.

His relaxation (and tension) is managed by being a Chelsea FC season ticket holder for over 30 years and a pre-Abramovich shareholder. He has an extensive memorabilia collection of his favourite artists, musicians and sporting heroes.

But most of all, he is proud to be the dad of a bold, brave and beautiful daughter – who inspires him every day to help build a fairer, kinder and better world.

Click here to download Dowshan’s speaker profile – and enquire for bookings and rates.