In Episode 6 of the Incredible Machines podcast, Naretha Pretorius, —a renowned educator, thinker, and creativity advocate—shares her remarkable life story and professional journey. As a “thinking facilitator,” Naretha empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their potential by fostering transformative insights and critical thinking. This episode explores her pioneering work in higher education, her philosophy of radical transformation, and the personal experiences that have shaped her into a trailblazer for creative and innovative thinking.
Join host Jon Oliff as he unpacks Naretha’s journey, revealing how her past, present, and the lessons she’s gleaned from navigating profound personal and professional changes can inspire us all. This blog highlights the key takeaways from their conversation, offering insights into the power of creativity, resilience, and transformation.
Naretha’s innovative approach to life and work is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised by a father who was a celebrated artist and a mother who worked in social services, Naretha was exposed to a unique blend of creativity and compassion. Growing up in a conservative community, she encountered the constraints of ideological conformity firsthand. Rather than accepting these limitations, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, which allowed her to embrace creative and radical thinking.
Personal challenges also shaped her worldview. The significant losses she faced in her twenties fostered resilience and led to a period of introspection that realigned her values and priorities. It was during this transformative phase that she committed herself to helping others navigate their own paths of growth. “Creativity is inherent in everyone,” Naretha believes, emphasizing its role in both personal and professional transformation.
In the early 2000s, Naretha joined Vega School, an institution renowned for its focus on branding, design, and critical thinking. After surviving a traumatic event in Johannesburg, she made the life-changing decision to move to Durban, where she went on to establish Vega’s Durban campus. Her leadership at Vega was transformative, shaping the institution’s curriculum and nurturing a culture that prioritized creativity and independent thought.
“Our students don’t just enter the workforce; they enter society ready to make a meaningful impact,” Naretha explains. At Vega, students are not only equipped with practical skills but are also encouraged to develop personal philosophies and challenge conventional ideas. This visionary approach fosters graduates who are prepared to lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Central to Naretha’s philosophy is the concept of radical disruption. Drawing on her life experiences and her work with students and organizations, she believes that questioning the status quo is essential for meaningful growth. This principle forms the foundation of Vega’s curriculum, where students are encouraged to think beyond conventional solutions and embrace creative problem-solving.
For Naretha, radical disruption isn’t just about innovation—it’s about fostering authenticity, challenging societal norms, and confronting ingrained biases. In her TEDx talk, The Art and Purpose of Thinking Reframed, she delves deeper into this philosophy, illustrating its transformative potential in education and beyond.
Building on her experience as an educator and facilitator, Naretha has transitioned into coaching, where she focuses on helping individuals uncover insights that lead to lasting transformation. Her coaching approach emphasizes self-reflection, awareness, and habit formation, providing a framework for personal and professional growth.
“Transformation begins with understanding yourself,” she asserts. By encouraging her clients to embrace their strengths and challenges, Naretha guides them toward a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
A cornerstone of Naretha’s philosophy is encapsulated in the quote, “I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am.” For her, doubt is not a weakness but a pathway to self-awareness and growth. She encourages students and clients alike to lean into uncertainty, using it as a catalyst for creativity and innovation.
“Doubt opens up new possibilities,” she explains. By embracing ambiguity, individuals can unlock fresh perspectives and make informed, impactful decisions.
Naretha’s conversation also highlights the power of creativity in driving social change. Through a compelling case study, she illustrates how storytelling and narrative can humanize brands and foster meaningful connections. For Naretha, creativity transcends aesthetics—it’s about addressing societal needs and creating authentic, lasting impact.
“Creativity can be a powerful force for change,” she emphasizes. By tapping into human experiences, organizations can move beyond traditional marketing and make a real difference in their communities.
Naretha Pretorius’s journey offers invaluable insights for educators, leaders, and entrepreneurs alike. Her focus on self-awareness, radical disruption, and creativity serves as a powerful blueprint for those seeking to drive meaningful change. In a world that often rewards conformity, her story is a reminder that courage, critical thinking, and authenticity are essential for progress.
Whether you’re a student, a business leader, or simply someone striving to make an impact, Naretha’s approach challenges you to embrace transformation, think boldly, and lead with purpose.