With a wealth of experience in business and leadership, Dr Shirley Zinn is the is the newly appointed Chairperson of Wesgro and Independent Chairperson of the Board at the V&A Waterfront, while also serving as a Non-Executive Director for MTN, Sanlam, Spar, Spur, WWF and more. Shirley, who we are proud to call our patron, shared her inspiring pearls of wisdom at Free To Grow's 30 year Pearl conference.
In her opening address, Shirley told a powerful story of humble beginnings, hard work and commitment to her purpose. If you haven't read her book on grit and determination, Swimming Upstream, we recommend it for your 2024 list of must-reads.
Sharing our vision and purpose, Shirley highlights that Free To Grow has a large contribution to make to organisations in the areas of employee wellbeing, growth (including leadership development) and engagement. Her journey speaks to the potential waiting to be unlocked within each of us.
A journey of determination
Shirley's journey began in the Cape Flats, where she was born to parents who highly valued education, despite not having completed high school themselves. Facing tough political and socioeconomic conditions, she grew up in an environment that could easily dampen ambitions. Yet, it was here that her parents instilled the belief that she could make something out of nothing.
"My mother and father taught me the importance of respect, hard work, kindness and care," Shirley recalls, acknowledging these foundational values that have guided her path.
Her turning point came during high school when two of her teachers told her that she had the potential to do so much more. That evening, conversations with her parents about pursuing a university education marked the beginning of a new chapter.
"It all started with my teachers planting a seed that I had potential, and slowly the optimism and self-belief grew," she fondly remembers.
Shirley’s career, marked by significant achievements and milestones, including a fellowship and doctoral degree at Harvard, shows the possibility that lies in self-belief
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Reflecting on her upbringing under apartheid, Shirley shared,
"I wanted to light a candle instead of being consumed by the darkness."
This powerful metaphor not only highlights her personal resilience but also speaks to the work that Free To Grow does in communities and organisations.
“In a country where there is deep despair and a dire need for empowerment, you plant seeds of hope,” Shirley explains, emphasising the need for hope and healing.
The power of love and care
Shirley points out that organisations that prioritise the wellbeing of their people can significantly strengthen their market position.
"If we are going to be good and caring human beings, love for our people is what we need," Shirley states, addressing the usual skepticism around such values in the business world.
Her story captures the critical role of leading with compassion and care - a principle that aligns strongly with Free To Grow’s approach to personal and organisational development. Recognising and nurturing potential is the first step toward meaningful change.
Seeds of change
Free To Grow’s message of planting seeds of hope that grow into shoots of possibility, resonates deeply with Shirley. Reflecting on how two teachers changed her life’s trajectory with a simple conversation, Shirley highlights the profound effect of unlocking potential.
"The work you are doing at Free To Grow is life-changing," she affirms, speaking to the impact of our programmes on shifting behaviour through learning experiences that touch hearts and minds.
In closing, Shirley pledges her commitment to spreading the joy and impact of the work we do. She also extended a heartfelt message of love, hope and peace for 2024, urging us to continue the purposeful work of Free To Grow. Her story, from the challenges of the Cape Flats to the halls of Harvard and the boardrooms of some of South Africa’s leading companies, is an inspiring reminder of what is possible when we dare to believe in our potential and the potential of others.
CLICK HERE for more about the learning experiences that touch hearts, open minds and shift behaviour.
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