The Incredible Machines

Welcome to Episode 62 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Professor Linda Meyer, an experienced higher education leader and passionate advocate for lifelong learning, women in leadership and greater access to quality education across Africa. 

Professor Meyer reflects on a career that has taken her from working as a flight attendant and full-time trade unionist to the CCMA, government, justice, statutory institutions and senior leadership in higher education. She explains how these experiences shaped her understanding of dignity; fairness and the responsibility institutions have to improve people’s lives. 

Jon and Linda discuss artificial intelligence in education, the challenges facing first generation students, graduate employability and the urgent need for stronger collaboration between public and private institutions. Professor Meyer also discusses Rosebank International’s partnership with the University of the Free State and her ambition to expand high-quality African education across the continent. 
 
This episode is essential listening for education leaders, policymakers, employers and anyone interested in building a more accessible, collaborative and future ready higher education system. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:47 – Introduction to Linda Meyer and artificial intelligence in education 
06:52 – The childhood experience that shaped Professor Meyer’s moral compass 
14:27 – Trade unionism, the CCMA and discovering the power of education 
24:29 – Working across community colleges, government, justice and higher education 
34:31 – Financial pressure and sustainability within the public university system 
37:04 – Why education must remain the purpose of every higher education institution 
39:16 – Online learning and the disruption of traditional education 
40:19 – Youth unemployment and the continuing value of a university degree 
51:07 – Different learning styles and the importance of applying knowledge 
57:44 – The leaders who taught Professor Meyer humility, kindness and commercial judgement 
1:02:46 – The challenges facing first generation university students 
1:07:00 – Building African solutions for African education challenges 
1:11:36 – The four principles guiding Professor Meyer’s leadership 
1:17:31 – Women’s access to education, unequal pay and leadership opportunities 
1:23:31 – Patriarchal systems and recognising women’s contributions 
1:29:40 – Creating opportunities through social responsibility 
1:33:44 – What Professor Meyer would tell her younger self 
1:36:47 – Why people must look beyond artificial intelligence summaries 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou. 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Me Too Movement: Although it’s not a conventional advertising campaign, “Me Too” is one of the most consequential global advocacy campaigns of our time. It transformed experiences that had often been endured privately into a collective demand for recognition, accountability and institutional change. Its power lay in two simple words that enabled millions of women to recognise that their experiences were not isolated and that silence frequently protects systems rather than victims.  

“The campaign is particularly relevant to my work in leadership, higher education and labour-market policy because sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination are not merely interpersonal problems. They are institutional and workplace governance failures that restrict women’s participation, progression and psychological safety. “Me Too” demonstrated how personal testimony, shared at scale, can challenge entrenched power and compel organisations to examine cultures that formal policies alone have failed to change. Its enduring lesson is that institutions cannot claim to support women while tolerating environments in which misconduct is concealed, complainants are discredited and perpetrators remain protected.” 

The campaign changed the global conversation; the continuing challenge is to translate that visibility into due process, prevention, accountability and lasting institutional reform. 

Me Too Movement: https://metoomvmt.org/  
 
 
 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 
Professor Linda Meyer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-meyer-2b236866/ 
 
 
 
🌐 Connect with Tim Africa 

🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  
🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_  
  Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa

Welcome to Episode 61 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Pierre du Plessis, a strategist, keynote speaker, coach (and co-consoirator), author and founder of Be Brave, a Cape Town based Strategy Design Lab. 

Drawing on more than two decades of experience across strategy, design, human development and leadership, Pierre helps people and organisations find clarity, make brave decisions and navigate complexity. He is the author of four books, including Train Naked: A Guide to a Meaningful Life and Work That Matters, and the host of the Through the Fog podcast. 

Pierre discusses the daily writing practice behind his newsletter, his journey from theology to professional speaking and the responsibility that comes with receiving another person’s attention. He also explores how leaders can use listening to help people feel seen, why myths and archetypes give us a framework for navigating life and what it means to show up without masks or pretence. 

The conversation moves through philosophy, Japanese culture, mental health, depression, wolves and sled dogs, and Pierre’s current body of work, Only the Brave.  
 
The episode is a powerful invitation to discover who you are, accept that you belong and decide what to do with your one wild and precious life. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:33 – What Pierre would tell his younger self 
07:32 – The story behind Pierre’s daily newsletter 
13:21 – Theology, spirituality and writing multiple books 
17:36 – Long form and short form media and how platforms shape thinking 
27:12 – Algorithms, artificial intelligence and the loss of authentic expression 
33:32 – Pierre’s journey into professional speaking 
42:07 – Listening as a powerful and overlooked leadership skill 
46:50 – The role of the jester in challenging authority and disrupting convention 
50:40 – Doing difficult things and being willing to look foolish 
55:12 – Japanese culture, and the philosophy of looking beyond the obstacle 
1:00:24 – Archetypes, mythology and the search for identity 
1:06:51 – Depression, introspection and the lifelong pursuit of self knowledge 
1:13:26 – Pierre’s experience of antidepressants and emotional numbness 
1:19:37 – Wolves, sled dogs and choosing between freedom and security 
1:32:51 – Only the Brave and deciding what to do with your life 
1:35:25 – What it really means to Train Naked 
1:40:49 – Knowing that you belong and choosing how to use your one wild and precious life 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“The most important thing in the world is to figure out who you are.” – Pierre du Plessis 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Pierre discusses a Nordic short film featuring a sled dog trainer reflecting on an imagined conversation between wolves and sled dogs. The wolves have freedom but little security, while the sled dogs have warmth, food, teamwork and purpose at the cost of some freedom. 

Pierre uses the story as a metaphor for the decisions people face in their careers and lives. Neither path is inherently better. The real question is whether you currently need the independence of the wolf or the shared mission and security of the sled dog.  
 
 
 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 

Pierre du Plessis Website: https://thisispierre.co/  
Pierre du Plessis LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/pierredup   
Pierre du Plessis Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pierreduplessis/  
Pierre du Plessis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thisispierre  
Pierre du Plessis Podcast: https://thisispierre.co/podcast  
 
Be Brave Website: https://www.be-brave.co.za/  
Be Brave LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-brave-consulting/  

Train Naked signed copy book: https://thisispierre.co/books  
 

🌐 Connect with Tim Africa 

🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  
🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_  
  Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa

Welcome to Episode 60 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Helen Nicholson, the founder and CEO of The Networking Company, author, speaker and personal branding expert. 

Helen reflects on her journey from studying accounting to building and selling her first business in Dubai before returning home to South Africa. She explains how a backpacking crisis in Malawi revealed the true power of having a strong network and inspired her to make networking her life’s work. In this episode we go through her practical networking techniques, including the groups of three principle and her Observe, Ask and Reveal method. 

She also discusses burnout, learning to balance performance with recovery and the importance of protecting your health in an increasingly demanding world. She also discusses the risks of becoming consumed by AI and why sustainable performance begins with personal wellbeing. 

The conversation explores the unwritten rules of business, the four people everyone needs on their personal board, and why authenticity, generosity and reciprocity are essential for building meaningful professional relationships.  

This episode is a must listen for professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders who want to build stronger relationships, grow their influence and take greater ownership of their lives and careers. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:45 – Introduction to Helen Nicholson and networking in groups of three 
02:17 – Studying accounting, moving to Dubai and becoming an entrepreneur 
08:03 – Feeling invisible at university and developing compassion for introverts 
14:20 – Professional appearance and showing up with intention 
19:34 – Corporate politics and the unwritten rules that influence careers 
24:48 – The phone call that revealed the power of having a network 
27:06 – What defines a connector and why connecting can be learned 
31:03 – Relationship building and avoiding SOS networking 
35:11 – Why authenticity and generosity sustain valuable relationships 
40:34 – The brain science behind introversion, extroversion and dopamine 
47:49 – The four essential people to have on your personal board 
56:16 – How to enter a networking group and meet new people 
59:00 – Using Observe, Ask and Reveal to move beyond small talk 
1:05:28 – The three stories every entrepreneur should be able to tell 
1:08:16 – AI, distraction, burnout and protecting your wellbeing 
1:17:26 – Why sustainable performance requires intentional recovery 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“Stop waiting, you are the one you’ve been waiting for.” – Helen Nicholson 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Thinkbox’s “Every Home Needs a Harvey” Advertisement: Helen Nicholson selected this classic advertisement because it demonstrates the power of standing out. In the advert, a rescue dog named Harvey uses a video to show the value he could bring to a potential owner. Helen uses the campaign as an example of effective personal branding, preparation and communicating your value. 

Thinkbox’s “Every Home Needs a Harvey” Advertisement: https://youtu.be/kYg_Rb2STAE?si=Q56CPq-s09M2-_ad 

  
 
 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 

Helen Nicholson Website: https://helen-nicholson.com/  
Helen Nicholson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helennicholson92/  
Helen Nicholson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.nicholson.1428  
Helen Nicholson Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/networkwithhelen/  
 
The Networking Company Website: https://thenetworkingco.com/  
The Networking Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18739149/  
The Networking Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNetworkingCo/  
The Networking Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkingco/    
 
 
 
🌐 Connect with Tim Africa 

🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  
🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_  
  Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa

Welcome to Episode 59 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Les Owen, a negotiation and persuasion specialist whose career has taken him from industrial relations and high-stakes trade union negotiations to advising some of the world’s largest companies. 

Les reflects on working for PUTCO (the Public Utility Transport Corporation) during a defining period in South African history, studying Zulu before the rise of the black trade union movement and developing his negotiation skills alongside influential union leaders. He also shares his experience as a trustee of the Independent Mediation Service of South Africa, the organisation that later helped shape the CCMA. 

He also discusses the difference between persuasion and manipulation, the role of power and fairness in negotiation, the lessons he learned from business failure, South Africa’s 1994 elections and decades of resolving conflict. 

The conversation explores the psychology behind negotiation and persuasion, including how body language, colour, timing, seating and preparation can influence an interaction before anyone has presented an argument.  

This episode is a must listen for leaders, business owners, salespeople and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively, navigate conflict and become a better persuader. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:45 – Introduction to Les Owen, Psychology of Persuasion and 1976 Soweto uprising 
03:19 – Studying Zulu and preparing for a changing South Africa 
06:04 – The rise of black trade unions and Les’s first negotiation role 
09:22 – Discovering a natural talent for negotiation and persuasion 
13:05 – IMSA, international training and the foundation of the CCMA 
18:25 – Helping to oversee the 1994 elections in Natal 
27:09 – Using body language to influence expectations 
35:36 – How clothing and colour affect a negotiation 
42:16 – Why timing matters in negotiation 
52:16 – We Were Always Here and the overlooked history of black inventors 
59:09 – Why family negotiations can be the most difficult 
1:05:09 – How language can influence the future we create 
1:10:23 – Why people need to be right and seen positively 
1:13:41 – The relationship between selling, negotiation and persuasion 
1:19:10 – The grey area between persuasion and manipulation 
1:28:25 – Cognitive biases and different interpretations of the same facts 
1:32:21 – The difference between power and authority 
1:41:30 – Nelson Mandela’s leadership and commitment to listening 
1:51:05 – The three characteristics of a good negotiator 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” – Friedrich Nietzsche (one of Leslie Owen’s favourite quotes) 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Cremora’s “It’s Not Inside, It’s On Top” Advertisement: Les selected this classic South African advertisement because it captures the cooperative and competitive nature of relationships. It also demonstrates the value of using fewer words, communicating through tone and context and avoiding the instinct to tell someone directly that they are wrong. 

Cremora’s “It’s Not Inside, It’s On Top” Advertisement: https://youtu.be/0_t15vNuXP0?si=fWlNvRrvyD7Eidvt 

 

  
 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 

Les Owens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-owen-b9a50526/   

Owen, Adendorff & Associates Website: https://www.owenaden.com/    

Purchase the We Are Always Here book via this link: wewerealwayshere.com

TED Talk on Being Wrong – Kathryn Schulz: https://youtu.be/QleRgTBMX88?si=dksQ1RuVptUASdon  

 
 
 
🌐 Connect with Tim Africa 

🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa   
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa   
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica   
🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_   
  Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa

Welcome to Episode 58 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Ryan Butcher, a world champion paddleboard athlete, entrepreneur and co-founder of Hurricane Surf. 

Ryan reflects on growing up in Johannesburg, developing a deep connection with the ocean and committing himself to competitive surfing and surf lifesaving. That determination eventually led him to national titles, a world championship and the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event, where he competed despite breaking his leg weeks earlier. 

He also shares how his sporting experience shaped his approach to business. From identifying a gap in the South African surf market and building Hurricane Surf to helping reposition Value Added Life and Procydin, Ryan explains the importance of authenticity, teamwork, brand DNA and creating genuine value. 

The conversation explores the challenge of marketing a complex health product without presenting it as a cure for everything. Ryan explains how the team returned to the science, history and purpose behind Procydin to communicate a clearer essential nutrients story. 

This episode offers practical insights into performance, entrepreneurship, brand building and the urgency required to turn ambitious ideas into action. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:45 – Introduction to Ryan Butcher and procrastination, pressure and urgency 
03:48 – Growing up in Johannesburg, living in France and moving to Durban 
08:59 – Winning national titles and becoming a paddleboard world champion 
13:52 – Learning how to compete, lose and use failure as motivation 
20:03 – Training, confidence and reaching a competitive flow state 
25:07 – The Springboks, Rassie Erasmus and building a winning team 
30:16 – Big wave surfing and searching for his personal limits 
35:04 – Surfing Pipeline and pursuing bigger challenges 
40:05 – Considering a return to competitive surfing 
45:34 – Why Ryan performs better as part of a team 
50:21 – Identifying a gap in the market and starting Hurricane Surf 
55:02 – Developing products and expanding the Hurricane range 
01:00:15 – Growing internationally and opening a surf school at Club Med 
01:05:09 – Competing with international surf brands and protecting authenticity 
01:10:19 – The stories behind successful brands 
01:14:03 – Performance, supplementation and the origins of Value Added Life 
01:18:53 – Entering the health market and taking the business internationally 
01:21:00 – Rebuilding the brand DNA and establishing a digital presence 
01:25:37 – Understanding what creates a successful breakout brand 
01:29:45 – Essential nutrients, modern diets and the history behind Procydin 
01:33:47 – Communicating a complex health product without overselling it 
01:37:34 – Telling the essential nutrients story to reach a new market 
01:39:12 – Elon Musk’s ten year goal and six month urgency mindset 
01:42:04 – The people Ryan considers his incredible machines 
01:45:44 – Recognising human potential and addressing personal weaknesses 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“Stop being patient when it comes to trying to achieve your ten-year goal. Figure out how to do that in six months and put all your effort into doing your ten-year goal in six months.” – Elon Musk (one of Ryan Butcher’s favourite quotes) 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Value Added Life: Put Back in What Modern Life Takes Out 

Ryan discusses the work behind communicating Value Added Life’s essential nutrients story. The campaign focuses on helping people understand what modern diets may be missing and how the company’s products are positioned to support the body’s natural processes without presenting them as a cure for everything. 
 
 
 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 

Ryan Butcher’s LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/ryan-butcher-515b28312  

Hurricane Surf Website https://hurricanesurf.net/   
Hurricane Surf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hurricanesurf/   
Hurricane Surf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hurricanesurf   
 
 
 
🌐 Connect with Tim Africa 

🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa   
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa   
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica   
🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_   
  Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa