The Incredible Machines

Welcome to Episode 44 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Colleen Wilson, a Durban-based transformational consultant, coach, speaker, trainer and mentor whose work brings together the Enneagram, nervous system literacy, parenting support, personal development and team dynamics.  

From growing up in Durban and reflecting on a privileged, steady childhood, to experiencing early loss, complex relationships, chronic illness, motherhood, entrepreneurship and personal reinvention, Colleen shares the life experiences that shaped her path into human development. Colleen describes herself as an Enneagram 5, and her work is rooted in helping people understand themselves more clearly, navigate life more consciously and show up with greater honesty, steadiness and humanity.  

They explore the extraordinary within ordinary life, the cost and gift of struggle, what it means to be “okay in the not okay”, and why self-awareness is not a luxury but a practical tool for better relationships, better leadership and better living. 

This episode moves through themes of grief, parenting, the Enneagram, nervous system regulation, and the ongoing work of becoming more at home in yourself. Whether you’re a parent, leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to navigate life with more grace, this conversation offers a powerful invitation: know yourself, grow yourself and show yourself. 

⏱ Timestamped Overview

02:43 – Introduction to Kevin and a Remarkably Ordinary Life
05:06 – A Life of Two Halves 
09:13 – First Encounter with Hardship
12:35 – Pivoting from Commerce to Human Behavior 
16:36 – The Journey into Parenting
20:19 – The Science of Human Relationships
23:05 – Family Background and Early Lessons 
28:09 – Early Career and Entrepreneurial Ventures 
33:22 – Meeting Her Husband and a 20-Year Health Journey 
38:50 – Daily Practices for Well-being 
49:26 – Passion for the Enneagram
54:46 – Being Open About Your Enneagram Type
01:00:37 – Coming Home to Yourself 
01:04:25 – PlayStation Ad Discussion 
01:09:53 – The Importance of Authenticity
01:12:18 – Finding Your True Self
01:18:42 – The Meaning of "Human Navigator"
01:35:55 – Giving Up Alcohol
01:38:54 – Working with Individuals vs. Groups 
01:39:35 – Colleen's Outlines Her Three Brands

💬 Quote of the Episode 

" I really wanted to like myself. I really wanted to get to that point where I liked who I was, as a wife, as a leader, as a mum, as a daughter, as a friend.” – Colleen Wilson 

 
🧠 Related Campaign Example

PlayStation Double Life Advert: This is not the kind of advert Colleen Wilson would typically choose, but that’s exactly why it stands out. What resonated with her is how it challenges the way we define ourselves. We’re often quick to label who we are, but through her work with the Enneagram, she encourages a shift from saying I am to I can be. Identity isn’t fixed, it’s fluid, shaped by context, environment, and experience. 

Colleen values how the advert reflects the full range of who we are, including the parts we tend to avoid. By embracing both the visible and shadow sides of our personality, we move closer to wholeness rather than limiting ourselves to a single identity. At its core, it speaks to her belief in knowing yourself fully, not just the parts that are easy to accept. 

PlayStation Double Life Advert: https://youtu.be/QIW4HMl81hw  

 
👣 Relevant Links & Mentions 
 
Colleen Wilson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-wilson-982a6a6/  
Colleen Wilson’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleen_wilson_contemplative/   
Colleen Wilson’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colleenwilsoncoach/   
Colleen Wilson’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@colleenwilsoncoaching101  
Colleen Wilson’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1q7FEuwxRu8e2AOVnex5z1 
Colleen Wilson’s Website: https://colleenwilson.co/  
Colleen Wilson’s Speaker Profile: https://redjacketspeakers.co.za/colleen-wilson  

The Enneagram: Colleen describes the Enneagram as a powerful framework for understanding personality, unconscious patterns and the pathway towards healthier self-expression. Her own site describes it as a tool that offers insight into why we behave as we do and how we can move towards the highest expression of ourselves. View our package for teams: https://colleenwilson.co/at-work/leadership-team-enneagram-discovery-journey/  

Odyssey Magazine: Colleen mentions writing for Odyssey Magazine and sharing work around coming home to yourself. Odyssey has also featured Colleen in conversation around the Enneagram, healing and navigating life’s threshold moments. 

 
🌐 Connect with Tim Africa 

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

Welcome to Episode 43 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Simon Nicolson, an Executive for Institutional Advancement at Emeris, and the driving force behind one of SA's most significant private higher education rebrands.  

From his formative years growing up in Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg, to navigating the challenges of national service, university life, and a career that took him from newspaper advertising to retail and ultimately into private higher education, Simon shares a fascinating and honest account of the journey that shaped him. 

He reflects on the landmark rebranding of Varsity College to Emeris, the evolving landscape of private higher education in South Africa, the transformative power of sport as a brand-building tool, and his deep belief in campaigns that don't just communicate but genuinely change the world. Along the way, we explore themes of lateral thinking, conscious capitalism, kindness as a leadership philosophy, and the exponential potential of paying it forward. 

This episode is packed with hard-won insights, candid self-reflection, and a genuine passion for education, people, and the future of South Africa. Whether you're a marketer, an educator, a leader, or simply someone who loves a good story, there is something here for everyone. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:07 – Introduction to Kevin, Early Life and Family Background 
02:13 – Reflecting on Life’s Highs and Lows  
03:55 – High School Challenges and Teenage Years 
06:02 – University and Army Years   
07:34 – Day Boy vs. Boarder School Experience   
09:01 – Army Service and Its Impact 
14:56 – Discipline and Personal Development    
18:44 – Early Work Experience and Bartending   
21:09 – Meeting His Wife and Early Relationships  
24:39 – Family Game Drives and Conservation Influence  
27:07 – Academic Background and MBA 
28:11 – Value of Communication Skills in Business  
32:10 – Career in Marketing and Transition to Education 
38:22 – Private vs. Public Higher Education in South Africa   
41:14 – Future of Private Universities and Student Experience   
51:37 – Personalization, Chatbots, and Communication Etiquette   
57:58 – Africa’s Future and STEM Growth 
01:03:48 – Transformative Campaigns: ‘Like a Girl’ and ‘Pay It Forward’   
01:14:25 – Kindness, Leadership, and Nurturing Culture 
01:29:10 – Philanthropy and Access to Education 
01:36:19 – Corporate Culture and Conscious Capitalism   
01:39:55 – Favourite Quotes and Lateral Thinking 
01:43:11 – Influential Books and Deeper Thinking 
01:56:23 – Emeris University Rebrand: Process and Teamwork 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

"AI is going to be bigger than the invention of the World Wide Web; it will enter every aspect of life, and it’s crazy to think you can avoid or suppress it; you have to incorporate it” – Simon Nicolson 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
MTN Qhubeka TV Advert: Simon chose this advert because it demonstrates the power of marketing to challenge stereotypes and inspire positive change. The initiatives inspired participants to “pay it forward”. 

MTN Qhubeka TV Advert: https://youtu.be/mmYVbW5yisc 

  
 
 
👣 Relevant Links 
 
LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/simon-nicolson-99600116  

Emeris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emeris/  
Emeris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeris_za/  
Emeris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emerisZA  
Emeris TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emeris_za  
Emeris YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Emeris_ZA  
Emeris Twitter: https://x.com/Emeris_ZA  
Emeris Website: https://www.emeris.ac.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 42 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Kevin Parry, a Durban-based creative director, designer, and endurance athlete. He shares his journey from discovering his creative passion at a young age, navigating the ups and downs of the local design industry, to ultimately leading award-winning campaigns. 

He unpacks his personal challenges that shaped his career and outlook; including experiences with failure, family struggles, sobriety, and the importance of vulnerability and mental health, especially for men. The discussion also delves into Kevin’s love for adventure and trail running, his unique approach to design thinking, and the powerful role of community. 

Whether you’re a fellow creative, an endurance enthusiast, or just someone seeking resilience and authenticity, this episode offers genuine inspiration, practical wisdom, and a reminder that we all have stories worth sharing. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:41 – Introduction to Kevin, and Humour Preferences  
02:56 – Movie Quotes and SNL Character Breaking    
08:18 – First Movie Memories and Disney Influence 
09:25 – School Memories and Childhood Ads 
12:24 – Early Life: Moving from Joburg to Durban 
17:00 – Love for South Africa and Japan Travel   
18:41 – Japan’s Culture and Design Aesthetic   
19:31 – European Destinations and Family Abroad 
22:59 – Karate World Champs and Japanese Culture  
26:42 – Karate in the Family and Sports for Kids   
31:04 – Early Career, Family Struggles and Dropping Out   
37:52 – Agency Transitions and Diverse Experience   
43:03 – Meaning Behind “In the Beginning” Agency 
48:14 – Self-Doubt, Recognition, and Humility 
55:22 – Different Sibling Experiences and Therapy 
01:00:06 – Pain, Avoidance, and Growth 
01:03:08 – Ad Campaign: Robertson’s Spice Reinvention Kitchen  
01:10:19 – Content Creation and Digital Assets 
01:14:33 – Hardy Boys Agency and Digital Integration 
01:20:42 – Vulnerability, Therapy, and Community 
01:27:00 – Holistic Health and Mental Resilience 
01:30:43 – Reflections on Suffering and Sharing Stories 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 
"The truest form of strength is vulnerability.” – Kevin Parry 
 
 
 
🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Robertson's Spice Reinvention Kitchen Campaign: — Kevin chose this campaign because it showcased collaboration, creativity, and the integration of identity design, interior architecture, and storytelling, as the restaurant physically transformed daily to highlight different spices. The project was deeply rewarding for its multi-disciplinary approach and required months of planning, with each day’s unique theme reflected in both décor and menus. 

Robertson’s Spice Reinvention Kitchen Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMxYqVQU7WU 

👣 Relevant Links 
 
LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/kevparry 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kev_parry/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.parry.735 

In The Beginning Website: https://cargocollective.com/inthebeginning 
In The Beginning Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/in_the_beginning 
 
Beyond The Finish Line Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthefinishline24 
 
Instagram Quote: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkBeQIIJ22U/ 
 
 

🌐 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 41 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Briony Bosse, a Durban-based brand consultant, lecturer, and mentor. She shares her journey from the call centre world to academia, reflecting on her passion for education, brand integrity, and helping others discover their authentic selves. 

Briony delves into her approaches to personal and corporate branding, the importance of truth and self-knowledge, her experiences with whole-brain thinking, and the challenges and opportunities AI brings to education. She unpacks personal milestones, including the influence of her parents, the power of creative visualization, and lessons learned through adversity, most notably her husband's serious motorbike accident. 

This episode is full of actionable insights on branding, education, resilience, and the value of making a difference one person at a time. Whether you're interested in personal growth, brand building, or the transformative power of authentic storytelling, there’s something here for everyone. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:10 – Introduction to Briony, Retreat Experience and Lifeline Equation 
01:40 – Using Lifelines in Branding and Self-Discovery 
03:21 – Personal Branding Formula and Timeline Exercise 
04:36 – Master’s Research and Call Centre Topic 
06:12 – Personal Challenges and Academic Extensions 
08:39 – Advice to 16-Year-Old Self and Power of Visualization 
10:26 – Whole Brain Thinking in Education and Consulting 
13:05 – AI in Education: Challenges and Solutions 
16:29 – Oral Exams and Student Anxiety 
20:30 – Living with Loss and Mother’s Influence 
23:09 – Mother’s Teachings and Self-Reliance 
25:06 – Book Writing: An Impeccable Brand 
29:19 – Shadow Work and Embracing the Whole Self 
31:38 – Feminism, Self-Worth, and Supportive Men 
36:08 – Husband’s Motorbike Accident and Family Resilience 
40:14 – Spiritual Experience and Deep Peace 
45:14 – Wisdom, Aging, and Experience 
48:38 – Standing in Your Own Power and Marianne Williamson 
52:40 – Critical Influences: Parents as Role Models   
53:49 – Messages to Lost Loved Ones 
57:26 – Strategy in a Rapidly Changing World 
01:02:28 – Podcasting, Writing, and Brand Education  
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“Everything that we need to know sits within us. If you sit quietly for long enough and dig deep enough, you’ll find the answers within you.” – Briony Bosse 
 

🧠 Related Campaign Example  
Apples’ Think Different Campaign: — Briony chose this campaign because it celebrates thinking differently and having the courage to be yourself, a message she strongly resonates with in both personal and professional spheres. She admires how the campaign highlights extraordinary individuals who challenged the status quo and inspired change, echoing her own advocacy for authenticity and self-belief. 
 
Apples’ Think Different Campaign: https://youtu.be/5sMBhDv4sik?si=LLD7GdhCBjW7qm0s 

  
 
 
👣 Relevant Links 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briony-bosse-06726a20/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briony1517/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briony.hanrahanbosse  
 
 
 
🌐 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 38 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Raeesa Bayat, the director of Startup Grind Durban and a passionate advocate for female entrepreneurs. She speaks about her journey from a traditional Indian family, overcoming self-esteem challenges, to confidently commanding stages and building entrepreneurial communities in Durban. 

Raeesa shares memorable stories about iconic South African advertising, her path to public speaking, and the unique challenges of fostering local startup ecosystems. Jon, Luke and Raeesa unpack topics like imposter syndrome, the influence of family expectations, the power of authenticity in the age of AI, and the importance of mentorship (especially for women entering male-dominated spaces). She also offers practical insights into building meaningful business connections and balancing ambition with humility and purpose. 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, community builder, or simply curious about real leadership journeys and the nuances of South African innovation, this episode is brimming with honest reflections, practical advice, and heartfelt stories. 
 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:24 – Introduction and Nostalgic South African Ads 
01:13 – Ad Jingles and Sasol Ad Reboot 
03:02 – Childhood Memories and Universal Appeal 
04:00 – South African Creativity and Melting Pot 
05:38 – Public Speaking Journey Begins 
07:57 – Family Dynamics and Comparisons 
10:02 – Overcoming Self-Doubt 
12:05 – Social Media and Comparison Culture 
14:07 – Authenticity and Social Media   
17:03 – Public Speaking and School Experiences 
21:31 – Becoming Startup Grind Director 
26:14 – Founders Coffee Connect Format 
31:12 – AI, Social Media, and Craving Authenticity 
35:22 – Authentic Conversations as Gold 
39:28 – Plans for Female Leadership Focus 
48:17 – Balancing Encouragement and Critique as a Parent 
52:46 – Role Models and Family Influence 
56:20 – Female Leadership, Mentorship, and Career Growth 
58:53 – Multiple Mentors and Book Recommendation 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“It comes down to the concept of don't dim your own light to make yourself comfortable. You were created for something greater, so own it and go after that.” – Raeesa Bayat 
 

🧠 Related Campaign Example  
 
Sasol “Glug Glug” TV Commercial — Raeesa chose this commercial for its strong sense of nostalgia, its universal appeal through childhood fantasy, and the iconic "glug glug" jingle that resonated with many South Africans. The ad featured a child imagining filling up a race car, which made it especially memorable and relatable for her as a parent. She also noted that Sasol recreated the ad in recent years with similarly strong engagement. 

Sasol “Glug Glug” TV Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=825nSfTLIaA 

  

 
👣 Relevant Links 
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raeesa.bayat.3/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeesa_bayat/  
LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/raeesa-bayat  
 
StartUp Grind Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgrinddurban  
StartUp Grind Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupgrinddurban/  
StartUp Grind LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startupgrind-durban/ 
StartUp Grind Website: https://www.startupgrind.com/durban/  
 

 
🌐 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