The Incredible Machines

• Rethinking What Matters: JX Gumede

  Welcome to Episode 32 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with JX Gumede, shares his life journey from rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, through educational hardships, family struggles, and transformative experiences in Germany.   JX Gumede and Jon Oliff discuss how AI and technology can either perpetuate or help solve societal issues, emphasizing the need for conscious values. The conversation explores resilience, the importance of recognizing life’s seasons, and the impact of caring versus indifference, especially regarding food waste, malnutrition, and economic disparity.   This episode is packed with personal stories, thought-provoking discussions, and practical insights. Whether you’re interested in personal growth, the impact of AI, or societal issues, there’s something here for you. Plus, it’s a chance to reflect on your own life journey and the influences that have shaped you.      ⏱ Timestamped Overview  01:00 – Explaining the Ego Tool  02:03 – AI Life Projection Exercise   04:45 – JX Gumede’s Early Life in KZN    05:39 – Learning English at a Multiracial School  08:47 – Boarding School Experiences  11:26 – Transition to Elite Schools  13:59 – Mother’s Influence and Resilience   15:07 – Reflections on Education and AI  18:26 – Family Financial Hardship and Recovery  22:27 – Scholarship to Study in Germany  24:10 – Experiences in Germany  27:44 – Father’s Legacy and Family Business  32:29 – Mother’s Ambition and Lifelong Learning  38:08 – Mother’s Strategic Thinking and Faith  40:29 – Lessons from Hardship and Humility  43:45 – Advice to Younger Self    45:52 – “Fight the Enemy You Have” Philosophy    53:19 – Awareness, Acceptance, Action Framework  55:21 – The Value of Presence – “Time Flies” Ad    01:01:24 – Reflections on Time and Presence  01:04:03 – AI, Language, and Bias  01:06:07 – Indifference vs. Hate in Society and AI  01:11:33 – Food Waste and Food Justice  01:16:39 – Understanding Food Expiry Labels  01:30:10 – Food Security and Malnutrition in South Africa  01:34:00 – AI, Food Identity, and Values  01:43:38 – AI as a Force Multiplier for Good or Bad        💬 Quote of the Episode  “If something bad can happen to you for no reason, then something good can happen to you for no reason.” – JX Gumede    🧠 Related Campaign Example     "Time Flies" TV Commercial — Chosen for its powerful message about being present and appreciating the experiences in each stage of life, rather than always projecting into the future. JX Gumede relates deeply to its theme of recognizing the season you are in, as the ad’s mother learns to embrace the moment with her child instead of wishing time away.  "Time Flies" TV Commercial: Allan Gray: Award winning Ad 2007        👣 Relevant Links    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jxgumede/   Twitter: https://x.com/jxbgumede   Biography: https://jxgumede.bio/     JX & Co Website: https://jxandcompany.com/   JX & Co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jxandcompany/         🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa 

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• Becoming Who You Are: Wendy Mahoney

  Welcome to Episode 31 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Wendy Mahoney, is a founder of Newmella & Associates, speaker, leader, and an advocate for human flourishing and speaks about life’s ultimate lesson: “You are enough.”     She shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting themes of self-worth, burnout, and resilience. Wendy recounts her early career in media, her struggles with burnout, and her path to healing through therapy and alternative modalities. Wendy discusses the ongoing journey toward wholeness, inspiring listeners with her candid reflections on overcoming challenges and embracing one’s true self.  The conversation explores authenticity, the importance of boundaries, and conscious capitalism.    ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:40 – Introduction and Wendy’s message to her 16-year-old self.  01:09 – Schooling in Durban, university studies, and first steps into media and radio.   02:55 – Early 20s working in Europe, learning resilience, and developing sales and management skills.  10:38 – First experience with burnout, its symptoms, and the importance of rest and self-care.    14:09 – Languages spoken, relationship with her parents, and how family dynamics shaped her drive.  18:12 – Exploration of burnout as a recurring theme, the phoenix metaphor, and learning to set boundaries.  23:21 – Her current strategies for maintaining work-life balance and prioritizing well-being.    29:49 – Her rise in corporate media, the onset of her second burnout, and the role of medication.  36:02 – Becoming Chief Revenue Officer, the pressures of the role, and her third, more physical, burnout.   40:00 – Her hospitalization, ignoring burnout symptoms, and the need for inner work.  46:32 – Midlife crisis, leaving corporate roles, personal lows, and the journey into self-discovery.  50:09 – Use of therapy, NLP, and somatic work for healing.  52:09 – Experiences with ayahuasca, heartbreak, and the transformative power of plant medicine.  57:10 – Importance of somatic healing, breathwork, and non-plant-based methods for nervous system regulation.  01:00:36 – Apple’s “Mother Nature” campaign, praising its creativity, humor, and subtle branding.  01:05:02 – Naming kindness and good-hearted people as her inspiration, emphasizing the value of everyday goodness.      💬 Quote of the Episode  “The privilege of a lifetime is to be who you truly are.” – Wendy Mahoney    🧠 Related Campaign Example   Apple’s “Mother Nature” campaign — Wendy admires how Apple turned a dry topic like their integrated sustainability report into a creative, humorous, and refreshingly authentic piece, with Tim Cook’s earnest performance standing out. She appreciates its clever, subtle branding that communicates Apple’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, while championing conscious capitalism and environmental impact without overtly selling.   👣 Relevant Links    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-mahoney-macbl-223b6144/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.mahoney.276663   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyleamahoney/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkwurI72lqpE77gh6ZCsbg     Newmella & Associates Website: https://newmella.co.za/   Newmella & Associates LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newmella-holdings-pty-ltd/   Newmella & Associates Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmella/   Newmella & Associates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmella_holdings/   Newmella & Associates X: https://x.com/NeWMella_       🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa

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• Defining Your Self: Nelisiwe Zuma

  Welcome to Episode 30 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Nelisiwe Zuma, a dynamic voice in social media and influencer marketing whose journey began in rural South Africa. She shares how her early life experiences, family values, and community shaped her approach to personal and professional growth. Nelisiwe discusses her transformative journey following a traumatic car accident in 2016, which became a pivotal moment leading to profound resilience, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose.  Nelisiwe unpacks the challenges of overcoming physical and emotional hurdles, honoring the memory of a lost friend, and the ongoing process of healing. She emphasizes the importance of self-love, faith, and the support of community in navigating life’s adversities. This episode offers valuable insights on gratitude, the power of second chances, and the pursuit of evolving dreams. Engage in a heartfelt conversation about her journey from rural beginnings to a thriving career. Nelisiwe shares how her experiences have shaped her unique spirit, her gratitude for new opportunities, and her vision for the future.      ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:44 – Introduction of Nelisiwe Zuma  02:03 – Self-Discovery After the Accident  02:20 – Advice to Younger Self and Learning from Others  03:51 – Upbringing and Early Life   05:07 – School Years and Being Different  06:51 – Love for the Outdoors and God  07:39 – Embracing Uniqueness and Self-Definition    08:50 – Experience in Modelling and Modelling School  11:22 – Transition to Agency Life and Social Media  13:01 – Creating the Influencer Marketing Role  13:59 – Effort to Fit In and Stand Out Professionally    15:56 – The Car Accident and the Aftermath  20:33 – Hospitalization, Recovery and Loss  24:31 – Life After Recovery and Sobriety  26:07 – Future Plans and Faith  29:54 – Feelings About the Accident Site  35:25 – Favourite Campaign and Professional Pride  39:07 – Never-Ending Adventure and Self-Discovery  42:51 – Farming Aspirations and Office Support  46:13 – Overcoming Dark Times and Asking for Help  49:22 – Self-Love and Setting Boundaries  01:00:15 – Recent Life Changes and Embracing Rest        💬 Quote of the Episode  “You need to be different; either you define yourself or the world will define you.” – Nelisiwe Zuma  🧠 Related Campaign Example   Vaseline Glow Product Launch campaign — Nelisiwe chose this campaign because she was deeply involved from the teaser phase through to the launch, handling teaser content strategy, amplification plans, reporting, and live behind-the-scenes coverage for social media. She poured her creativity and hard work into the project, feeling a strong sense of pride in introducing something new to the South African market that reflected her own journey of standing out and defining herself.       👣 Relevant Links    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelisiwe-zuma-54138b104/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neli.zuma.946   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neli_zuma/         🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa 

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• Decide and Act with David Pugh

  Welcome to Episode 29 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with the incredible David Pugh, an innovative business leader who began his entrepreneurial journey as a schoolboy in Durban. He shares how his early ventures, mentorship experiences, and family influences shaped his approach to business and leadership. He discusses his transition from launching a mutliple brands to spearheading digital engagement at RCL Foods, including the creation of the Wild Space gaming platform.  David Pugh unpacks the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of decisiveness, and the art of balancing data with intuition. He emphasizes the significance of faith, curiosity, and continuous learning in both personal and professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and staying true to one’s vision.    ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:41 – Durban Roots and Early Career  01:03 – Struggles with Traditional Education  01:43 – Mentorship at Johnson Workwear    04:47 – Launching First Business and Corporate Transition  06:28 – Innovation and Gaming at RCL Foods  09:56 – Blending Digital and Physical Engagement    12:48 – Startup Mentality vs. Corporate Structure  15:19 – Entrepreneurial Methodology and Marketing Philosophy   19:01 – Family Background and Early Entrepreneurship  21:25 – Challenging Rules and Entrepreneurial Traits  23:04 – Liquid Death and Brand Innovation  25:59 – U Conscientiousness, Urgency, and Acting on Ideas  31:13 – You Create: The Innovation Hub  35:57 – Data, Gut Feel, and Decision-Making  42:34 – Feedback Loops and Repeat Purchase  45:14 – Corporate Scale vs. Entrepreneurial Kickstart  48:41 – Red Team, Blue Team, and Disruption  53:33 – Advice to Younger Self and Curiosity  54:51 – Spiritual Intelligence and Decision-Making        💬 Quote of the Episode  “Decide. Act. Change direction. Drop it. Move on to something else.” – David Pugh  🧠 Related Campaign Example   Liquid Death’s “Murder Your Thirst” campaign — David admires how it disrupts traditional water marketing by making water edgy, cool, and appealing to everyone, especially by flipping expected category cues on their head and using bold, entertaining storytelling.  Liquid Death’s “Murder Your Thirst” campaign: https://youtu.be/EeRADNpdKD4?si=_2lM8xCqRsC1uiaP    👣 Relevant Links    LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/david-pugh-34883b5  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.pugh.1238/   Wet GLOAT Website: https://www.wetgloatwater.com/ Wet GLOAT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574930289410  Wet GLOAT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wetgloat/ Grootman Energy Website: https://grootmanenergy.com/ Grootman Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577057213625 Grootman Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grootmanenergy/   🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa   📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica   🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa

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• Self-Love and Authenticity: Preeya Daya

  Welcome to Episode 28 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Preeya Daya, an academic and coach who grew up in apartheid South Africa. Preeya shares how her diverse schooling, family values, and experiences shaped her passion for diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.  She discusses overcoming feelings of inadequacy, the importance of self-love, and the concept of being “unleashed” from social constraints. The conversation covers parenting, privilege, trauma, and the value of service. This episode reflects on education, identity, and finding authenticity. Preeya emphasizes kindness, community, and embracing one’s worth as keys to empowerment and meaningful change.      ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:40 – Message to My 16-Year-Old Self   01:36 – Childhood and Family Background   02:19 – Early Schooling and Diversity  03:22 – Transition to High School and Apartheid Realities   05:30 – Family Values and Work Ethic   07:52 – Parents’ Professions and Sacrifices   09:42 – The Value of Small Acts and Quality Time   12:42 – Service and Selflessness   14:30 – Powerful Female Role Models and Multiracial Love   16:28 – Schooling Environments and Identity   16:55 – Teachers, Race, and Educational Technology   18:02 – Teachers, Race, and Educational Technology  21:43 – Unleashing Potential and Social Constructs   23:34 – Academic Journey and Lifelong Learning  27:09 – Travel, Trekking, and Spiritual Experiences  29:04 – The Value of Silence and Nature  32:05 – Contrasts in Socialization and Noise   33:46 – Yin and Yang: Balance in Life   34:34 – Meditation and Accessing Inner Peace  36:12 – Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice   38:49 – Self-Love and Societal Messaging  42:19 – Generational Differences and Selfies  42:52 – True Self-Love vs. External Validation  45:31 – Professional Lessons: Kindness and Empathy  48:55 – Cultural Patterns and Inclusion   54:50 – Privilege, Trauma, and Identity   56:52 – Authenticity in the Workplace   01:00:17 – Discussion of a Social Justice Advertisement   01:05:22 – Unconscious Bias and Socialization       01:07:31 – Family, Community, and Unlimited Relationships   01:08:45 – Cultural Norms and Gender Roles   01:11:06 – Everything Is in Its Perfect Place  01:14:59 – Learning from Every Encounter          💬 Quote of the Episode  “You are enough, and you are beautiful the way you are.” – Preeya Daya  🧠 Related Campaign Example   Australian Human Rights Commission campaign — Preeya chose this campaign because it highlights unconscious bias and the ways in which people unknowingly enact prejudice. She values the ad’s message that silence, and inaction can reinforce discrimination, and she is moved by its call to consciously see and challenge these divisions.  Australian Human Rights Commission campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFTjZilAwhM          👣 Relevant Links    LinkedIn: Preeya Daya, PhD - Values 20 South Africa Chair. Championing Inclusive, Values-Based Leadership & Human-Centered Change | LinkedIn  Facebook: (6) Facebook      🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa 

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