"I really want to thank you for the Free To Grow training conducted at Peninsula during 2017.  You and your team have done an excellent job to roll out the training while we were also implementing LEAN.  The impact on our people is visible in the way they now talk and it clearly indicates that the effect is lasting.  Not all training has this effect on so many people.  I received only positive feedback from all staff who were part of the sessions, I can also see the change in some them even during very short interactions.

The Shape session showed us as leaders in the Cape region how important organizational culture is and how leaders are influencing the culture and therefore our people’s behaviour."  

Jurie Schoeman, Operations Executive, Vector Logistics Peninsula

“Free To Grow has been running learning programmes for UCT since 2004. The impact has been tremendous. 
We have received exceptionally professional service from Free To Grow –service providers like this are as rare as gold.”

Kirsty Holmes, Manager Staff Learning Centre, University of Cape Town

“Free To Grow worked like magic. The level of commitment and ownership of our staff and team leaders increased dramatically. Performance is much, much better than before and the past season was the best we have ever had. We now e.g. deliver 21% more cases than in the previous financial year and our PD Turnaround time is 57% faster. Relationships – including that with the unions – are much more collaborative then before. There has indeed been a remarkable transformation here.”

Moses Lubisi, Manufacturing Manager, CCBSA

“We were particularly impressed with Free To Grow’s approach to the leadership training which was complemented with coaching circles to facilitate transfer of learning back into the workshop. The methodology kept participants active and engaged throughout the sessions and provided an open, enjoyable environment. Free To Grow has positively impacted on our people and contributed to their growth. We value Free To Grow as a partner and would not hesitate to recommend them.”

Irene Kamau, Group Head of Human Resources, Commercial Bank of Africa

"Free To Grow engaged our people and created learning and excitement in an impressive manner.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive both in terms of content and methodology. Participants were particularly happy that the programmes weren't theoretical but shared skills that could immediately be applied back in the workplace. They gave our leaders an opportunity to examine themselves, identify their strengths and potential and armed them with the tools and skills to go forward and lead their teams with confidence. We are already observing a positive shift in those who attended.” 

James Maitho, Director Human Resources, Kenya

“Free To Grow delivered a customised client service learning solution that is best in class, engaging and sustainable.
We were spot-on in choosing Free To Grow to work with us as the programme received rave reviews from the delegates.” 

Fumani Nkuna, Manager People Development (at the time)

“With Free To Grow’s invaluable help we’ve defined our organisation’s strategic roadmap to Operational Excellence. 
In this process, we’ve received the highest level of service excellence and their team continues to provide ongoing advice and services to meet our current and future needs.”

Melicia Mouton, HR Director, Imperial Logistics South Africa Group

Wicus Maritz, MD, Rotolabel (Division of Bidvest)

"I was absolutely blown away by the impact Free To Grow made on a highly disengaged team in one of our very challenging divisions.
Here's a practical way of shifting the emphasis from the organisation 'transfusing' engagement through endless activities
(often to no avail), to employees recognising their role in driving their own levels of engagement
- a much more empowering and affirming approach."

Dalene Sechele, Head of Human Resources, Mercantile Bank

“Free To Grow supported the brewery teams at the different levels to mend the communi­cation channels through open, honest and frank discussions. They provided a safe environment and earned the trust of people through their conduct to encourage employees to open up and share issues and barriers that kept the business from performing at the required levels. Feedback from employ­ees at all levels of the business indicates a dramatic positive change in the way people com­municate and interact.”

Johan Gouws, Technical Director, Nile Breweries

“We thought our company was performing well and that staff were adequately engaged to deliver required results until we were introduced to
the Free To Grow methodologies. As a result of the work done to date,  we have already seen significant shifts in the workplace engagement 
and an uptick in business results.”

Bartley Joseph, MD of EOH Highveld PFS

“Free To Grow's TeamConnect® methodology is an awesome tool that has shaped and reiterated our culture as a business. It has also helped us communicate our strategic objectives and operating plan, and has allowed employees the opportunity to provide input and express themselves in decision making within our organisation.”

Sifikile Zondi, Head of Learning and Development, Ster-Kinekor

“Free To Grow as a service provider and the impact of their programmes are, in one word, phenomenal! Free To Grow took our mission and values and put it under their armpit. They made it their own."

Reubenette Motloheloa, Learning and Development Manager, MultiChoice Africa (at the time)

“Feedback from line managers is that there has been a significant change in the employees. They have become more pro-active and have taken ownership and accountability for their performance. ‘The smell of the place’ has become extremely pleasant and more positive.”
 
9 months later: “Previously Pabod’s results in the employee engagement survey were far lower than our other breweries in Nigeria. This time it was on par with the others. Our performance has been the best it has ever been for a number of reasons, including the work done with Free To Grow.”

Yolande Chirwa, HR Director, Nigeria Breweries (at the time)

“TFG has partnered with Free To Grow (FTG)  for many years and we have great synergy and alignment in terms of philosophy, style and culture.
When we looked at putting in place a program to take into our businesses on the African continent, FTG was our immediate partner of choice!
The material they produced was comprehensive, focused and exactly what we required to build our leaders and help us to transfer culture,
the customer service ethic as well as personal insight and development.  We will continue to partner with FTG as our outsource provider of choice for programs of this kind.” 

Bev Jacobs, Head of HR: Africa

“Free To Grow exceeded expectations on all the interventions. The customisation process really ensured that the course content was appropriate to our environment and staff were able to engage on a much deeper level. The facilities that participated in Free To Grow’s programmes are now among the higher performing facilities in the Western Cape.”

Tracey Douglas, Deputy Director: Institutional Management Support

“The result of the leadership and staff development was instantaneous.
It was magical and by January 2018, the organisation had shown a growth rate of over 100% since January 2017.”

Ademayowa Adeduro, Managing Director, Anchor Insurance, Nigeria

Lydia Rolanda, AME HR Director

Jacque Matthee, Organisational Development Manager, APL Cartons

Lotta Sylwander, Country Representative, UNICEF Vietnam