"The wealthiest place in the world is not the diamond mines or the banks. It is the cemetery. There lies buried companies that were never started, inventions that were never made, bestselling books that were never written, and masterpieces that were never painted. In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasure of untapped potential."
- Myles Munroe
A powerful quote shared by Ruby Motloheloa, Head of HR: Sales, Heineken Beverages, at Free To Grow's recent Pearl Conference. This was a significant gathering, celebrating 30 years of shifting behaviour through learning experiences that touch hearts and open minds.
The pearl of potential
There wasn't a heart left untouched by Ruby's powerful story of her journey back to health and resulting commitment to embrace and live her purpose of helping people to unlock their potential.
“My pearl that I’ve been given by Free To Grow is the opportunity to unlock that potential in people - so that they are not going to the grave with it. You have given me this gift, and with it, credibility, because the work you do leaves a lasting impact,” reflects Ruby.
Ruby first encountered Free To Grow's work in 2010 when she worked at the South African Post Office (SAPO). The impact was so significant, turning Ruby into a firm advocate who has introduced Free To Grow to many organisations in need in her career journey. While at MultiChoice Africa, for example, she used Free To Grow across their African operations, where Free To Grow served as a partner in their culture and change management journeys.
Impact beyond words
The impact of Free To Grow on organisations and their people, as shared by Ruby, extends far beyond conventional training programs. It is about making work meaningful and giving individuals a reason to thrive.
"They've been given an opportunity to connect with something inside - to find purpose - and therefore work suddenly has meaning,"
Ruby passionately states.
With countless stories, Ruby shares an instance of a senior manager at Multichoice saying "I have never seen anything like this." She was referring to people who were poor performers, people who were exiting (or being exited) from the business that suddenly turned around.
"They haven't suddenly turned around," says Ruby. "They understand the connection between their purpose and the purpose and values of the organisation. They see the gift that work brings to life. And that is what Free To Grow does.”
Perhaps one of the most significant contributions of Free To Grow, as highlighted by Ruby, is giving a voice to the voiceless.
"You are playing in a silenced community - the shopfloor. We've seen people confess: 'You know what? I was in a dark place. I didn't care'."
"Since we ran Staying Strong in Distell during a very difficult time of a merger, we had no returns of product in two sites where we previously experienced challenges. All of a sudden, people saw problems before they happened and people spoke up. Why? Because they felt strong. They had a voice because they knew they mattered."
Crafting solutions with heart
Free To Grow's methodology, centered on connecting heads, hearts and hands, resonates deeply with Ruby. It's about crafting solutions that not only address organisational needs but also touch lives on a personal level.
"And what I like is that the material and workbooks have few words. Free To Grow does not come to regurgitate theory; they ask deep questions that allow people to make connections for themselves and unlock the potential within,"
Ruby elaborates.
This approach does not only ripple through to performance but also instills a sense of purpose and belonging among employees.
As we celebrate 30 years of Free To Grow's journey, stories like Ruby’s shine a spotlight on what is possible when we dare to unlock the potential within. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the impact just one organisation can have on the lives of many.
In the words of Ruby,
"A life is not important except in the impact it makes in other lives."
Through her partnership with Free To Grow, she has not only lit the way for others but also set an example for what it means to lead with purpose and passion. As we look forward to the future of Free To Grow, stories of clients and individuals like Ruby continue to inspire and challenge us to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
