The Incredible Machines

• Going Full Circle: Thobani Ndlovu

  🎙️ The Incredible Machines Podcast – Episode 22: Thobani Ndlovu  Leading Through Curiosity  Welcome to Episode 22 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Thobani Ndlovu, an architect, author, and TEDx Durban curator, for a deep conversation on creativity, personal growth, and building platforms for transformation. Thobani shares his unconventional journey into architecture, how feeding the homeless led to a discovery of his voice, and the behind-the-scenes reality of bringing TEDx to Durban. Through themes of curiosity, community, and the courage to challenge personal limits, Thobani offers listeners a refreshing reminder: you don’t have to fit in a box; you can build your own.  Thobani Ndlovu is a South African architect, TEDx Durban curator, entrepreneur, and author of Leading Through the Mirror. A passionate advocate for personal leadership, he has built platforms that empower voices, inspire change, and encourage introspection. Thobani is also the co-founder of the nonprofit Legacy Creators and a speaker devoted to conversations that matter.  Through themes of curiosity, community, and the courage to challenge personal limits.        ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:00- Introduction  01:00 – The power of curiosity & starting TEDx Durban   03:00 – Growing up between Greytown and Pietermaritzburg   06:00 – Struggles fitting in at school and varsity  10:00 – Discovering architecture by accident   13:00 – The creative vs. practical tension in architectural work  18:00 – Sports, failure, and resilience as life lessons  21:00 – Close-knit family and growing up with a single mother  26:00 – Volunteering, feeding the homeless & discovering his voice  30:00 – Writing ‘Leading Through the Mirror’ and founding TEDx Durban  36:00 – Building TEDx Durban: challenges, breakthroughs, and purpose  41:00 – The behind-the-scenes work no one sees  44:00 – Trip to TEDx London & international inspiration  58:00 – Learning from failure & embracing public platforms  01:03:00 – Why curiosity matters more than comfort     💬 Quote of the Episode  "We suffer more in imagination than in reality." - Seneca    🧠 Related Campaign Example   Thobani admires how this cinematic campaign used cultural symbolism and national pride to unite South Africans around a shared identity. It sparked his early understanding of representation, legacy, and the power of sport as a narrative tool.    Sasol Spingboks Ad: https://youtu.be/G_kThmkABac        👣 Relevant Links    TEDx Durban Website: https://tedxdurban.org/  TEDx Durban Profile: https://www.ted.com/profiles/11198205    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thobanindlovu_/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThobaniNdlovuPage   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thobani-ndlovu-4a5563190/   Book: Leading Through the Mirror by Thobani Ndlovu      🌐 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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• Beyond the Numbers: Muhammad Seedat

  Welcome to Episode 20 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Muhammad Seedat, an entrepreneur, media executive, and community leader. From selling chips in school to chairing the board of Hilaal TV, Muhammad’s story is one of hustle, resilience, and hard-earned wisdom.   Being a Durban-born entrepreneur with a career spanning accounting, consulting, media, and sports administration. He opens up about building businesses, navigating cultural and personal challenges, and the importance of slowing down to think.  He is the co-founder and board chair of Hilaal TV, former CEO of the Dolphins cricket franchise, and a seasoned leader in the professional services sector. Known for his strategic thinking, integrity, and ability to drive change, Muhammad’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by both high-impact wins and deeply reflective moments.  This episode is a must-listen for an insight into entrepreneurship, leadership, and anyone in pursuit of a meaningful life.    ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:00- Introduction  01:00 – What Muhammad would tell his younger self  05:00 – Community, identity, and choosing to stay in Durban   10:00 – Selling sweets & tickets at school: early entrepreneurship   13:00 – Parental influence & entrepreneurial independence   16:00 – Sourcing stock and learning simple business logic  22:00 – Getting married at 19 and juggling work, study & business  30:00 – Moving to the UK: working as a financial analyst   35:00 – Living through the 2008 UK financial crash   58:00 – Secret second marriage: navigating the emotional toll   01:02:00 – Trauma, criticism, and finding inner strength   01:10:00 – Building Hilaal TV: how it started in crisis  01:32:00 – EO Learning Chair: planning, energy & diverse offerings        💬 Quote of the Episode  “Doing nothing is underrated. It gives you the space to think, and that’s when breakthroughs happen.” – Muhammad Seedat    🧠 Related Campaign Example   Nando’s provocative billboard campaigns — Muhammad loves their use of cultural relevance and “brand bravery.”    Nando's TV Commercials: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg-UXGhfC4Wk6PRAsZsqbp4Jis4xaJlhR&si=H-nHkqRU-O3FJ5l-        👣 Relevant Links  Hilaal TV: https://hilaal.tv/   Entrepreneur’s Organization: https://eonetwork.org/   🌐 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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• Changing the Formula: Trevor Steyn

  Welcome to Episode 20 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Trevor Steyn, the founder of Esse Skincare, a pioneer of probiotic science in personal care and a vocal advocate for ethical, purpose-led business.  Trevor’s story is one of curiosity, conviction, and courage. With a background in chemistry and a passion for nature, Trevor shares how his scientific mindset collided with corporate disillusionment—and sparked the beginnings of a brand that would reshape the skincare industry.  From refusing to “build to sell” to pushing back against extractive capitalism, Trevor unpacks his long-term vision for a regenerative economy. He challenges mainstream definitions of success, urges entrepreneurs to stop designing for exit, and shares the power of slowing down, thinking differently, and building from a place of intention.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in ethical entrepreneurship, sustainability, and what it means to build a business that matters—for the long haul.  💬 Quote of the Episode: “If you design a business to sell it, it’s going to be extractive.” – Trevor Steyn  🧠 Related Campaign Example   “Be a Force for Nature” – Patagonia (ad linking environmental action with product): https://youtu.be/UAZ8Ts9CC6I?si=ii4sIELUig0mThOs  👣 Relevant Links  🔗 Trevor Steyn on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-steyn-04646126/   🌱 Esse Skincare:   https://www.esseskincare.com  🧪 Esse on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/esseskincare_/   Send us a text www.tim.africa Podcast Services for Tim (The Incredible Machine) Podcast: https://www.pod.tim.africa/ Instagram: @tim.africa FB: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tim-africa YouTube: The Incredible Machine Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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• Hearing Your Self: Debra Clelland

  Welcome to another episode of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this inspiring conversation, Jon Oliff sits down with Debra Clelland, CEO of Deaf Kids International and a powerhouse of perseverance, humility, and vision. From her early days growing up in South Africa and battling feelings of uncertainty, to years spent navigating the high-pressure world of investment banking in London, Debra opens up about the pivotal moments and life lessons that shaped her incredible journey.  Debra shares moving stories of adventure, near-disaster, and profound self-discovery from her travels around the world, and speaks honestly about her experiences with impostor syndrome—even at the pinnacle of her corporate career. She takes us through the transformative chapter of becoming a parent, the challenges and gifts of raising a deaf child, and how personal adversity became the fuel for passion-driven advocacy.  This episode is a deep dive into the magic that happens when we step outside our comfort zones, trust the process, and choose courage in the moments that count. Whether you’re looking for insight on building resilience, creating meaningful change, or just a dose of human inspiration, this conversation with Debra Clelland is not to be missed.  Timestamped Overview:  00:00 Reflecting on Teenage Choices  09:13 Crawling to Captain's Assurance  15:31 Creativity Sparked by Movement  19:22 Financial Data Analysis Challenges  22:11 "15-Year Imposter Syndrome Journey"  27:38 Pushing Limits in Marathon Training  36:11 Building Self-Worth for Success  40:34 Execution Over Strategy  44:02 Finding Courage Through Partnerships  51:19 Perception is Personal  57:31 "Deaf Children Safeguarding Mission"  01:01:59 "Deaf Kids' Global Authentic Impact"  01:07:30 Teaching Safety Awareness to Children  01:08:52 Children's Safety and Rights Advocacy  01:17:52 "Unwavering Support with Boundaries"  01:22:37 "Creating Safe Spaces for Disclosure"  01:27:47 Discomfort and Consistency Drive Success  Quote:  "There are times when life offers you a square centimeter of chance, and if you have the courage at that moment to grasp that square centimeter, your life will be changed in an instant.” - Unknown  Advertising Campaign:  “Beat The Bends” by BMW: https://youtu.be/cwPrlsJYwKY  👣 Relevant Links  Debra Clelland:    Deaf Kidz International: https://deafkidzinternational.org/our-people/   Thrive: https://www.thrivesa.org.za/how-to-get-in-touch/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-clelland-54279b1a/   Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/safeonline/53851452263   Send us a text www.tim.africa Podcast Services for Tim (The Incredible Machine) Podcast: https://www.pod.tim.africa/ Instagram: @tim.africa FB: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tim-africa YouTube: The Incredible Machine Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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• Relentlessly Relevant: Rich Mulholland

  In Episode 18 of The Incredible Machines Podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with legendary entrepreneur, speaker, author, and provocateur, Richard Mulholland—the mind behind Missing Link, 21 Tanks, and Too Many Robots—for a deep-dive into creativity, courage, and the art (and science) of relentless reinvention.  From his Glasgow roots and punk rock beginnings to making CEOs into rockstars and transforming the business of presentations, Richard unpacks the journey that’s made him one of South Africa’s most sought-after thinkers and doers. Get ready for radically honest wisdom on humility (and healthy arrogance), why strategy is broken, the power of delusional self-belief, and how to actually make an impact in a world saturated with noise.  🔗 If you’re obsessed with innovation, storytelling, impact—or just want to learn from someone who’s made a career out of challenging the status quo—hit play now!  🔴 In This Episode:  Turning stream of consciousness into bestselling books  The truth about humility, arrogance, and finding your "zone of potential"  Why most strategies fail (and what to do instead)  The “pain, pill, and peanut butter” formula for powerful storytelling  How to prepare for the AI revolution (without losing your mind)  Lessons from a life spent pitching, speaking, and pushing boundaries …and so much more.  Quote:  Duke Ellington: “I don't need time, I need a deadline.”  Advertising Campaign: Famous Roto-Rooter jingle: “When your drain is being naughty, call 011 444 4040 “ (https://rotorooter.co.za/about-us)  Relevant Links:  Richard Mulholland:    Website: https://www.richmulholland.com/   Businesses  Missing Link: https://msnglnk.com/   21 Tanks: https://21tanks.com/   Too Many Robots: tmr.wtf  Books: Legacide: https://www.amazon.com/Legacide-legacy-thinking-silent-innovation-ebook/dp/B06XDQY1MC?tag=msnglnk-20&geniuslink=true   Boredom Slayer: https://www.amazon.com/Boredom-Slayer-speakers-guide-presenting-ebook/dp/B07LBYSQB9?tag=msnglnk-20&geniuslink=true  Here Be Dragons: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MMBVRYQ?tag=msnglnk-20&ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&geniuslink=true  Relentless Relevance Send us a text www.tim.africa Podcast Services for Tim (The Incredible Machine) Podcast: https://www.pod.tim.africa/ Instagram: @tim.africa FB: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tim-africa YouTube: The Incredible Machine Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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