About Free To Grow
Making Hope Happen
In 1994, Alinda Nortje founded Free To Grow in Somerset West, South Africa with a simple but powerful belief: people have the potential to grow, heal and create better futures for themselves, their organisations and their communities. More than 30 years later, that belief remains at the heart of what we do.
We see people not as problems to be fixed, but as possibilities to be realised.
We create experiences, programmes and spaces that help people discover what is possible, and give them the tools, courage and support to make it happen.
What began with a vision to bring healing and hope has touched more than 166,416 individuals and 1,553 organisations across 37 countries.
Our work has evolved, but our purpose has not. Today, we help organisations create the conditions for people to connect, engage, grow and lead, because when people thrive, organisations and communities are stronger too.
Dr Shirley Zinn, patron of Free To Grow, reflects:
“If you look across Free To Grow’s timeline, we have incredible stories of lives touched through the work you have done. Your dedication, commitment and hard work have been extraordinary.”
OUR VALUES
Our values are our true north - they are the heart of who we are and how we work
Integrity
We do what we say and say what we do.
Passion for Quality
Quality is not negotiable - good is never enough.
Innovation
We stay abreast of trends and are constantly seeking new and impactful ways to accelerate learning and performance.
Sincerity
We believe that what comes from the heart – goes to the heart.
Sustainability
We are committed to making a meaningful contribution that adds real value to our clients.
Nurturing
People are the reason for our existence. We treat them with respect and empower and acknowledge them whenever we can.
OUR PEOPLE
Our Patron
Dr Shirley Zinn, an esteemed figure in business and leadership, shares our heart for uplifting people. Her dedication to fostering diversity and growth aligns seamlessly with the Free To Grow mission.
We are humbled and proud to have Shirley, an accomplished leader, author, educator and advocate for positive change as our Patron. Her guidance, mentorship and advocacy will further empower us to expand our reach, enrich our programs and effect positive change in the lives of individuals and organisations.
Our Team
Free To Grow brings together a diverse team of consultants, accredited facilitators and support staff who share a deep commitment to helping people and organisations grow.
Our strength lies in the passion, experience and different perspectives our people bring and in our shared purpose and values. This diversity allows us to work meaningfully across industries, organisations and levels, while creating experiences that are practical, relevant and human.
Our Central Office is in Somerset West, with accredited facilitators across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern and Western Cape, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia and Nigeria.
Strategic Growth Consultants
Good growth starts with understanding where you are, where you want to go and what will help you get there.
We’ve welcomed three Strategic Growth Consultants to our team, each of whom has experienced Free To Grow’s work from the client side. Today, they bring that understanding into new partnerships, incorporating our offerings into their own offering where it can add value for the organisations they work with.
Together, they strengthen our ability to support organisations with thoughtful, practical solutions across engagement, wellbeing, growth and leadership development, helping people and organisations move forward with purpose.
Associates
We collaborate with a few consultants whose areas of speciality complements our own. Where relevant, they introduce Free To Grow's work to their clients, and we draw on their expertise where it adds value to our clients.
