Freedthinkers works with enterprises and places to discover what is, co-create what can be, and chart a clear path forwards in this rapidly changing world.
GATHERING KNOWLEDGE
We explore perceptions, beliefs, and cold, hard facts. We engage deeply, interrogating the numbers, to discover why. To distil useful & directional insights. To open new possibilities and initiate change.
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

How does a rural mother, living on grants, approach wellness and nutrition for her family? What do entrepreneurs want from their mobile operators? How do people juggle debt? In-depth engagements bring you closer to your market.

INSIDE STORIES

Stories define an enterprise and place, they illustrate who you are. What stories are being told now by stakeholders? What stories do you cherish, what would you like to change? And how?

GROWING ENTERPRISES
Everyday busyness can be overwhelming. It’s hard to find time to think about things like: ‘Why are we doing what we do?’
‘How might we grow, in new ways?' 'What will we do differently?'
PURPOSE CASCADES

To find meaning in work, makes for more care, more co-creation, more innovation. A shared purpose, cascading through strategy and culture makes discussions more fruitful, decisions more meaningful, implementation more certain, the brand more powerful.

Claiming authenticity in an increasingly suspicious world is not enough; a brand needs to become a force for good. The impact needs to be net positive, for people, planet and the enterprise.

We help to define and cascade purpose for businesses and non-profits, blue chips and new chips. We see its transformational power.

CHANGING PLACES
How might an inner city reverse capital flight? How do you repurpose mining and fishing towns, as resources dwindle? How can a precinct become future fit?
What makes public space meaningful, malls sustainable, office space truly productive, as more and more of us work at least part-time from home?
We facilitate and test best possible futures for the built and unbuilt environments.
CO-CREATING THE DESIRABLE

Change needs to be systemic, to excite community and capital alike. We hold broad and deep dialogues with stakeholders. We surface concerns and encourage dreams.
From the wisdom of many, we synthesise goals, strategies and tactics. These are now to be tested...and enriched.

FILTERING THE FEASIBLE, CHOOSING CATALYTS

What of the desirable is practical? What can be sustainable? Pre-feasibility filters help shape the dreams

These studies highlight the catalytic projects that enable others. Catalytic people will be identified too – people with the passion and grit to develop momentum. They need a vessel for shared beliefs, action and communication.

From a new hub of business, to the world’s oldest desert, we re-connect people with a unique sense of place

INSIDE FREEDTHINKERS
We are entrepreneurs, working together on assignments that can make a real difference. We seek to liberate the potential in a system. To find clarity in complexity.
This is how we work:
Care

We care deeply about the work we do, the people we work with, the ongoing vitality of our society and planet.

Collaboration

We believe in the unmatched power of many minds working together to achieve agility and deliver a generosity of ideas.

Clarity

Our ultimate value is to offer our clients clarity of thought & action – liberating potential.

SNAP SHOTS
We work with select teams across Southern Africa for clients in Africa, Europe and USA. Some assignments may need one or two of us; many need more. All assignments include members of this core team.
  • chenai
    "I believe in a mutually beneficial existence between people, the environment and wildlife, through genuine, collaborative and inclusive dialogue.” Chenai has built a career in tourism, specialising in marketing and data analysis, with deep regard for conservation. She works with safari operators and environmental NGOs.
    CHENAI DODZO
  • danielle
    "We need to strengthen the connection and value that we feel for each other in the spaces we share." Danielle ignites the collective potential of people and places. Inspired by circular design, she facilitates shared spaces, that make us feel happier, more productive, safer & fulfilled.
    DANIELLE EHRLICH
  • lee-ann
    “I am a passionate researcher, intensely curious about human psychology” Lee-Ann is a psychologist by training, and has extensive qualitative research experience across a wide range of sectors, industries, and markets. She works across all parts of the research process, from moderating to data analysis and reports.
    LEE-ANN MUNETSI
  • mike
    "I see shared purpose for enterprises, and repurposing places, inspire and guide all who participate"
    Mike helps enterprises become purpose-led; places to re-purpose their future. He advises blue chips and new chips, cities, towns and precincts. Mike founded Freedthinkers to link insight with foresight.
    MIKE FREEDMAN
  • mpumi
    “I enjoy digging into a problem to truly understand its intricate parts.”
    Mpumelelo has a proven track record of helping brands and corporates, from financial to mining, to glean profound insights. His 10 years in advertising and 12 years in research have made him a creative problem solver.
    MPUMELELO MTHEMBU
  • pippa
    "I am intensely curious by nature, being driven to discover why we do what we do." Pippa designs processes that gather and collect streams of insight into pools of knowledge. From what is, she co-constructs models of change. Pippa became part of freedthinkers to deliver insight.
    PIPPA KAPELUS
  • tracy
    "I am inspired by the unique dynamics that create meaningful human connection" Tracy connects teams with purpose and values. She helps teams work through conflict and pressure, communicating openly and fearlessly. High-performance teams are valued, never content.
    TRACY BROWNLEE
OUR CLIENT MIX
Most of you reward us with repeat business. Some of you have recently come to us. Thank you all.
for Profits


non-Profits
places

LESSONS LEARNED
Every piece of work we do is an opportunity to learn, to do things better and differently. It’s also an opportunity to share our learnings.
FRESH EYES
You’ll find our e-books, newsletters, pod and video-casts here.

Looking for Clarity?
Let's discover how we can help

 connect@freedthinkers.com