An Aberdeen-based business leader and psychologist has been recognised for her outstanding efforts to support the mental health and wellbeing of workforce personnel at a national awards ceremony.

Shabnum Hanif, the founder and Managing Director of IntrospeXion, a specialist consultancy providing mental health and wellbeing support to high-pressure industries, was recipient of the Inspirational Female Founder Award at the 2026 Female Founder Scotland Awards. Celebrating the trailblazing women driving change and progress in the Scottish business community through innovation, leadership, and resilience, the Female Founder Awards aim to ‘honour extraordinary founders making a mark in their industries’.  

Nominated by her peers, Shabnum’s win reflects her leading role in the success of IntrospeXion over the last 18 months. Established in the north-east of Scotland, IntrospeXion provide award-winning drop-in clinics, risk assessments, leadership coaching, and emergency response to clients within high-risk industries, including offshore vessels and rigs in the energy sector.  

IntrospeXion and Shabnum’s growing reputation of assisting energy operators and supply chain has led to the firm delivering workshops and clinics across the UK, and now in the Middle East following the set-up of a regional entity.  

This award is the latest in a recent series of success, after IntrospeXion won Best Early-Stage Start-Up Business at the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards and Shabnum was announced winner in the Health, Wellbeing & Lifestyle category at the 2025 Athena Awards.  

Following the Female Founder Scotland Awards, Shabnum commented: “As someone who started with the simple belief that psychological wellbeing deserves a place in every workplace, this recognition means more than I can put into words. To everyone who has supported, trusted, and championed me along the way, including clients, friends, family, and the incredible team I’ve had the privilege to work with, this award is shared with them.  

Award ceremonies like these provide a welcome reminder to the network of incredible businesswomen across Scotland they shouldn't let anyone dim their light, that they should never shrink their dreams to fit in; to not wait for permission, and to keep taking up space.”

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