The Incredible Machines

Welcome to Episode 50 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Sbonelo Mbatha, an entrepreneur, author of The Petrol Attendant, founder of Petro Connect, and one of South Africa's most reputable voices in the fuel retail industry. 

Born and raised in rural KwaZulu Natal, his journey is an incredible story of resilience, faith, and relentless action. From growing up without electricity to becoming the owner of multiple petrol stations and building a multi-million-rand business empire, his story challenges the standard thinking about success, opportunity, and creating wealth. 

Sbonelo shares how he went from being a university graduate struggling to find work to becoming a petrol attendant, a role he still regards as one of the most important titles he has ever held. Through the conversation, he reveals lessons on funding businesses with other people's money, race and transformation in South Africa, and the devastating impact of the 2021 riots that destroyed much of what he had spent years building. 

Today Sbonelo is helping create the next generation of fuel retail entrepreneurs by sharing the lessons, systems, and opportunities that transformed his own life. This episode is a must listen for business owners, leaders, and anyone who has ever wondered whether they've got what it takes to build something incredible from humble beginnings. 
 

⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:48 – Introduction to Sbonelo Mbatha 
02:53 – Growing up in KZN and Rural South Coast Life. 
10:18 – Discovering Accounting as a Career Path. 
15:14 – The Raven Story 
21:42 – Becoming a Petrol Attendant 
26:07 – Why Petrol Attendant Matters 
29:34 – The Reality of Petrol Stations 
35:19 – Full Immersion Leadership 
39:07 – Faking It Until You Make It 
48:19 – White Privilege and Trust 
59:21 – Lessons from the Forecourt 
01:08:16 – Other People's Money 
01:16:08 – Becoming a Millionaire Overnight 
01:29:49 – Leading Through Crisis 
01:34:06 – Building PetroConnect 
01:46:46 – Why Sit Here Until We Die? 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“Every time you took a step forward, the path became clearer. The key is don't stop walking. The path will always get clearer as you walk.” – Sbonelo Mbatha 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Nike, Just Do It Campaign: Sbonelo selected Nike's iconic "Just Do It" campaign as one of his favourite advertising campaigns because it perfectly reflects his philosophy on entrepreneurship and life. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, complete certainty, or guaranteed outcomes, Sbonelo believes success comes from taking action and trusting that clarity will emerge through movement. 

Nike, Just Do It Campaign: Nike - Just Do It (1988) - Very first commercial 

 
 
 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 

Sbonelo Mbatha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbonelo-mbatha-7836a947/  
Sbonelo Mbatha’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbonelombatha  
Sbonelo Mbatha’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sbonelo-Mbatha/61550190262169/ 
Sbonelo Mbatha’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sbonelombatha  

Petro Connect Website: https://petroconnect.co/  
Petro Connect Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetroCONNECTAfrica/  
Petro Connect YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhJZl6FYujpQEMEgpOlhOA  
 
🌐 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 49 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this deeply moving and uplifting conversation, Jon Oliff sits down with Jessica Hare, founder of Ditch the Lump and co-founder of Smart Meeting Rooms South Africa. 

Jessica shares the life experiences that shaped her faith, resilience and heart for people. She reflects on her early years as a teacher, her time in missions and community development, the burnout that forced her to slow down, and the relationships that helped her rebuild. From growing up in Durban and dreaming of adventure, to travelling through America, Hawaii and India. 

The conversation moves into Jessica’s breast cancer journey: finding a lump, advocating for herself when she knew something was wrong, receiving her diagnosis in February 2024, undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and further surgery, and learning how to navigate motherhood, marriage and identity through it all. 

Jessica speaks honestly about fear, vulnerability, humour, faith, femininity, the power of female friendship, and the deep loneliness many people experience during treatment. She also shares the story behind Ditch the Lump, a growing platform and walking community created to remind people going through cancer that they are not alone. 

This episode is for anyone walking through uncertainty, supporting a loved one through illness, rebuilding after burnout, or learning what it means to show up with courage. 
 

⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:45 – South Africa, Hawaii and the Feeling of Home 
02:35 – Advice to Her 16-Year-Old Self 
06:19 – Her Brother’s Cancer Diagnosis 
09:08 – Cancer’s Impact on the Family 
12:59 – Studying English, Media and Journalism at UCT 
14:24 – Losing a Close Friend and Choosing Missions 
18:17 – The Incredible Machines Campaign and Meeting Jessica 
23:24 – Faith, Friendship and Following Christ 
26:06 – Burnout and Compassion Fatigue 
35:10 – Finding a Lump 
38:08 – Receiving Her Cancer Diagnosis 
45:36 – Explaining Cancer to Young Kids 
49:06 – Identity, Vulnerability and Becoming a Patient 
53:06 – The Women Who Got Her Through Chemo 
57:59 – Starting Ditch the Lump 
01:06:11 – Starting Smart Meeting Rooms South Africa 
01:11:25 – Brené Brown, Courage and Being Seen 
01:15:48 – Motherhood, Marriage and Gratitude 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” – Brené Brown, one of Jessica Hare’s favourite quotes. 
 

🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Always #LikeAGirl Campaign: Jessica chose this campaign because of the way it reframes the phrase “like a girl” from an insult into something powerful, capable and strong. The campaign resonated with her emotionally because it challenged the idea that femininity should be associated with weakness, and instead celebrated girls and women as strong, brave and fully themselves. 

The campaign originally launched as a digital-first film in 2014 before being adapted into a 2015 Super Bowl commercial. It went on to become one of the most recognised purpose-led campaigns of its time, winning the 2015 Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial and major Cannes Lions recognition, including the PR Grand Prix. 

Always #LikeAGirl Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joRjb5WOmbM  

👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 
 
Jessica Hare’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hare-0767047b   
Jessica Hare’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.wolf.hare  
 
Ditch the Lump Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditch.the.lump/  
Ditch the Lump Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ditch-the-lump-podcast/id1896809493  
 
Smart Meeting Rooms South Africa Website: https://smartmeetingrooms-kzn.com/   
Smart Meeting Rooms UK Website: https://smartmeetingrooms.co.uk   

Bethany Hamilton: https://bethanyhamilton.com/   
Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/   
Always #LikeAGirl Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs   
 
Run the Berg: https://runtheberg.co.za/   

 
 

🌐 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 48 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Marc O.Stöckli , a Swiss entrepreneur, investor, board member, former Global Chairman of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and author of Make Boards Work. 

Marc shares a deeply practical and reflective account of how discipline, trust, humility and curiosity have shaped his life and work. From his upbringing in Switzerland and formative leadership lessons in the Swiss Army, to his international career across Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and Switzerland. His journey moves from law and investment banking to strategic consulting, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, board leadership and the behavioural dynamics that make or break high-performing teams.  

Marc also shares practical tools from Entrepreneurs’ Organisation and the boardroom, including one-word openers, start-stop-continue feedback, trust-building exercises, after-action reviews and the value of a beginner’s mindset. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and thoughtful leadership lessons.  

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, board member, team leader, founder, coach, or someone interested in building better spaces for decision-making and growth, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that trust, curiosity and discipline are at the heart of better leadership. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:43 – Introduction to Marc Stöckli 
03:43 – Entrepreneurs, Advice and Experience Sharing 
07:05 – Marc’s Journey into Entrepreneurship  
09:04 – Growing Up in Switzerland  
13:23 – Swiss Military Service and Leadership Lessons  
18:04 – Work Hard, Play Hard  
23:42 – Working in Hong Kong, Japan and New York  
27:51 – Building His First Company and Discovering Boards  
30:01 – Why Boards Matter  
33:28 – Support, Challenge and Beginner’s Mindset  
37:26 – Boardroom Assumptions and One-Word Openers  
46:09 – Building Trust Before You Need It  
50:19 – Start, Stop, Continue Feedback  
54:44 – Patek Philippe and the Power of Legacy  
01:00:04 – Discipline, Writing and Make Boards Work  
01:10:08 – Six-Page Memos vs Long PowerPoint Decks  
01:13:03 – Never Miss Twice  
01:16:14 – Why Entrepreneurs Need EO 
01:22:29 – Psychological Safety in the Boardroom 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill, one of Marc Stöckli’s favourite quotes. 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Patek Philippe Generations Campaign: Marc chose the iconic Patek Philippe campaign for the way it captures legacy, stewardship and long-term responsibility. The famous line, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation,” resonated deeply with Marc’s view of leadership, particularly during his time as Global Chairman of Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Rather than focusing on personal legacy, Marc reflects on the idea of stewardship: leaving an organisation in better hands than when you found it. The campaign also stands out for the way it reframes a luxury purchase as something passed down, protected and looked after for future generations. 

Can find more information about the campaign here: https://www.patek.com/en/manufacture/inside-patek-philippe/the-generations-campaign   

 
 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 
 
Marc Stöckli’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-o-stockli/   
Make Boards Work Website: https://www.makeboardswork.com/   
 
 
 
🌐 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 47 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Justin Apsey, the former Managing Director of Unilever South Africa. We discuss his remarkable journey from his early days in Cape Town to leading one of South Africa's most iconic companies for over 25 years. 

He shares insights on finding your purpose, creating goosebump moments, and building truly inclusive organisations. The conversation covers his transformative "red pill" moment that awakened his understanding of South Africa's complex social landscape, his experiences living and working across Australia and East Africa, and the bold, boundary-pushing advertising campaigns he championed throughout his career. 

Justin's reflections highlight the importance of courage, long-term thinking, and staying connected to both the people you lead and the country you love. He also shares his thoughts on the concept of blending the "wizard and the kid" within yourself as you navigate life's next chapter. 

This episode is packed with personal stories, practical leadership lessons, and a deep passion for Africa and its people. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an aspiring leader, or simply someone looking for inspiration to take your next bold step, there's something here for everyone. 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:43 – Introduction to Justin Apsey and Power of Storytelling in Leadership. 
03:10 – The Monk and the River Parable 
06:29 – Team Building and Gratitude Exercises 
09:53 – Childhood and a Pivotal Injury 
12:53 – "Pigs Don't Fly" University Moment 
15:17 – Meeting His Wife and Starting at Ogilvy 
20:09 – Joining Unilever 
24:04 – The "Red Pill" Moment on Race 
33:00 – Goosebumps and the Springboks in Australia 
41:16 – Why South Africans Survive and Thrive 
45:24 – The 10 vs 100 Question 
50:29 – Evolving Purpose: From South Africa to Africa 
01:09:13 – Unilever's Forward-Thinking Culture 
01:21:59 – Inspirational Quotes and Philosophies 
01:30:57 – The Wizard and the Kid 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

"Storytelling is how I like to lead, but also how I like to develop and talk to people.” – Justin Apsey 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Omo "Ooo eh eh" Campaign: Justin championed this brave, humorous ad featuring a fairy godmother character, breaking category norms by avoiding typical laundry ad tropes like product demos or stain removal shots, and it became a viral cultural phenomenon spawning memes, bumper stickers, and political satire before social media even existed. 

Omo "Ooo eh eh" Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsBTOV8paS0 

 

 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 
 
Justin Apsey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-apsey-147837/   
Justin Apsey’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.apsey/   
 
 
 
🌐 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 46 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Laura Jane Thomas, an award-winning CMO, brand strategist, and founder of The Aligned Woman Co. We discuss her incredible journey from her early days at Vega, to launching her agency Salt and Candy with Coca-Cola as her first client, to navigating burnout, loss, and personal reinvention. 

She shares raw insights on the pressures women face to "tick the boxes," the dangers of masking burnout with medication, and the transformative power of finally asking for help. The conversation covers everything from psychedelic healing and nervous system regulation, to the inspiration behind her flagship course built on the ALIVE methodology - a framework designed to give women the education they were never taught. 

Laura's reflections highlight the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the courage to rebuild your life with purpose, even when it means starting over entirely. 

This episode is packed with honest conversations, hard-won wisdom, and a deep passion for women's empowerment and education. Whether you're navigating burnout, building a business, or simply trying to figure out where to start "doing the work," there is something profoundly valuable here for you. 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:39 – Introduction to Laura Jane Thomas and The Aligned Women Co. 
01:35 – The ALIVE Method Explained 
06:16 – The Inspiration Behind the Course 
08:35 – Advice to Her Younger Self 
11:47 – Early Life and Education 
16:48 – Studying at Vega 
24:57 – Personal Tragedies and Loss 
31:50 – Founding Salt and Candy 
34:37 – The Meaning Behind "Salt and Candy" 
39:48 – Understanding Burnout 
45:46 – The Dangers of Misdiagnosis and SSRIs 
55:59 – Psychedelics and Mental Health 
01:03:38 – Finding Purpose Through Hardship 
01:11:13 – The Entrepreneurial Mindset 
01:24:53 – The Aligned Women Co. Mission 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

" If I could just help one woman not have to go through what I went through, my job here is done.” – Laura Jane Thomas 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Allan Grey 2008 “Beautiful” Campaign: Laura chose this ad for its ability to capture the human element and emotion in something so tangible, reflecting her belief in seeing potential where others can't, mirroring her philosophy with Salt and Candy. The ad's closing line, "Always look for potential, and then have the patience to wait for it," resonated deeply with her approach to creativity and entrepreneurship. 

Allan Grey 2008 “Beautiful” Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0b7AJvkkFo  

 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 
 
Laura Jane Thomas’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laura-jane-thomas-consulting/   
Laura Jane Thomas’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedlau/   
Laura Jane Thomas’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurajaneadvisory   
Laura Jane Thomas’s Website: https://laurajanethomas.biz/   
 
The Catherine Tate Show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8fh 

The Invitation Poem: https://www.poetry.com/poem/147527/the-invitation 

 
 
🌐 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