The Incredible Machines

TIM Africa

5.0 (1)
Education
Updated Biweekly

This is an educational series where we interview people we consider Incredible Machines. The conversations will be facilitated in a way that allows us to establish what makes these people “incredible” so that we may learn and try their strategies and tactics where applicable.

6d ago

Uplifting Education: Professor Linda Meyer

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
Sep 22

Train Naked: Pierre du Plessis

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
Sep 15

Networking for Introverts: Helen Nicholson

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
Sep 8

Persuasive Negotiation: Les Owen

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
Sep 1

Building a Value Added Life: Ryan Butcher

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
Aug 25

Life's Algorithm: Graeme Stiles

Welcome to Episode 57 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Graeme Stiles, the founder, CEO and Chief AI Officer of Algorithm, to unpack a journey that started with uncertainty and self-doubt and eventually led to building a global performance marketing agency. The conversation explores what happens when a technical specialist becomes a business owner. Graeme shares the realities of starting Algorithm from a bedroom while preparing to become a father, learning to sell, building a team, expanding internationally and navigating the increasingly complex challenges that come with scaling beyond a founder led business. AI also takes centre stage. He explains why automation does not necessarily remove the need for expertise, how Algorithm is approaching AI internally, why junior talent still needs to master the fundamentals and what happens when people begin outsourcing their thinking to technology. This episode gives an insight about confidence, leadership, performance marketing, AI, entrepreneurship and the importance of knowing when technology should accelerate your thinking rather than replace it. ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:80 – Introduction to Graeme Stiles and what he would tell his younger self. 09:12: Working at Exclusive Books and accidentally entering digital marketing 17:27: Joining Quirk, learning agency life and moving beyond the quiet specialist role 26:24: Starting Algorithm from home and learning how to sell, invoice and run a business 31:10: The role of luck, hard work and creating opportunities for young talent 40:57: Military history, discipline, structure and the influence of Graeme's father 49:10: Growing Algorithm, building a UK presence and expanding internationally 58:23: Unreasonable Hospitality and the challenge of scaling without losing what makes a business special 01:00:16: Algorithm's early AI foundations and why automation does not replace strategy 01:07:30: How Google changed access to information and how AI is changing analysis 01:15:15: Why Algorithm requires people to master the fundamentals before using its AI tools 01:21:25: The 1 percent better philosophy and the power of compounding improvement 01:24:09: Why AI means business growth no longer necessarily means growing headcount 01:29:20: Moving beyond traditional SEO and the evolution of organic discovery 01:33:20: Entrepreneurship, becoming a father and the hidden personal cost of building a business 01:42:27: Burnout, openness, asking for help and challenging the glorification of entrepreneurship 💬 Quote of the Episode “Service is one of my core values, and I do that because I get more from it than I think.” – Graeme Stiles "Prioritise and execute" Jocko Willink (one of Graeme Stiles’ favourite quotes). 🧠 Related Campaign Example Spotify Wrapped Concept: Graeme states why he chose this case study: “Chosen because the data is the creative. Principles: data is the creative; the audience is the media buy; AI belongs in the underlying product, not the interpretation; retention dressed as acquisition; not replicable without the data density.” Spotify Wrapped Concept: https://support.spotify.com/td-en/article/spotify-wrapped/ 👣 Relevant Links & Mentions Graeme Stiles’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemestiles/ Algorithm Website: https://www.algorithm.agency/ Algortihm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/algorithm-agency/ Algorithm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/algorithmagency Algorithm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algorithmagencyglobal 🌐 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
Aug 18

Built to Bloom: Kuki Shah

Welcome to Episode 56 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Kuki Shah, a Kenyan born entrepreneur, executive coach, facilitator and former family business leader who now helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams unlock clarity, accountability and long-term growth through Bloom Growth. He is based in Dubai. After helping scale his family's business, he went onto successfully compete against multinational giants such as Unilever and Vaseline, he transitioned into coaching founders and leadership teams across Africa and the Middle East through Bloom Growth. Today he helps businesses build healthier cultures, stronger accountability and more intentional leadership. Kuki shares an honest account of the experiences that shaped his identity. He opens up about childhood bullying, constantly searching for belonging, moving between Kenya, England, Australia and Dubai, building and exiting multiple businesses, and learning that success means very little without self-awareness. This episode explores servant leadership, family business dynamics, entrepreneurship, coaching, validation, business exits, and the importance of putting yourself first before you can truly serve others. Whether you are building a business, leading a team, navigating self-doubt or searching for greater purpose, this episode offers practical wisdom alongside remarkable vulnerability. ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:48 – Introduction to Kuki Shah and why he never believed he belonged on a podcast. 00:06:08 – Trusting the people who believe in you before you believe in yourself. 00:15:15 – Childhood bullying, belonging and how servant leadership became part of Kuki's identity. 00:23:13 – Kuki's entrepreneurial parents and the family business that shaped his future. 00:30:01 – The pressure of family businesses and finding another path into the company. 00:40:11 – Door to door sales in Australia and the business lessons that still influence Kuki today. 00:50:44 – Returning to London, building a premium tea business and learning to embrace entrepreneurship. 01:00:24 – Moving back to Kenya and earning his place inside the family business. 01:10:00 – Building the Valon brand and competing directly against Vaseline and Unilever. 01:24:01 – Negotiating the sale of the business and protecting minority shareholders. 01:40:00 – Identity, validation and learning that success cannot replace self-worth. 01:50:00 – Coaching, facilitation and why putting yourself first allows you to better serve others. 02:01:10 – Moving to Dubai, finding clarity and embracing the next chapter of leadership. 💬 Quote of the Episode “Service is one of my core values, and I do that because I get more from it than I think.” – Kuki Shah 🧠 Related Campaign Example City Lodge Television Advertisement: Kuki highlights City Lodge's "Check In to South Africa" television advertisement as a brilliant example of emotionally driven storytelling. Rather than focusing on hotel rooms or amenities, the campaign celebrates the country's diversity, resilience and shared identity, reminding viewers that South Africa belongs to everyone. What stood out most to Kuki was the campaign's ability to make people feel something before trying to sell anything. He explains that the best marketing creates an emotional connection first, because people remember how a brand makes them feel long after they've forgotten the product itself. This aligns closely with his own philosophy on leadership and relationships, where genuine human connection always comes before transactions. City Lodge Television Advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwUvewBwqFM 👣 Relevant Links & Mentions Kuki Shah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuki-shah-5240139 Kuki Shah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuxshah/ Coach Kuki’s Website: https://www.coach-kuki.com/ Bloom Growth’s Website: https://www.bloomgrowth.com/ Bloom Growth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloomgrowth/ Bloom Growth’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1259247988796452/members Bloom Growth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomgrowth.ecosystem Bloom Growth’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bloomgrowth 🌐 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
Aug 11

The Funkie Healer: Thando-Rose Dladla

Welcome to Episode 55 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Thando-Rose Dladla, a spiritual healer, transformational breathwork facilitator, entrepreneur, speaker and the woman behind The Funkie Healer. Thando shares the experiences that led her from Johannesburg to KwaZulu Natal and ultimately towards answering her spiritual calling. She reflects on identity, culture, religion, ancestral wisdom and the complicated journey of understanding who she truly is. Beyond her spiritual journey, Thando is actively involved in entrepreneurship, construction, skills development and community empowerment. Through her family’s road marking business, she helped develop training programmes that equip emerging entrepreneurs with practical business and road marking skills. This episode is a must listen for anyone navigating authenticity, spiritual identity, personal agency and what happens when we stop changing ourselves to satisfy the expectations of others. ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:51 – Introduction to Thando-Rose Dladla and Moving to KZN. 04:13 – Reconnecting with her Zulu identity and family roots. 10:22 – Growing up in Johannesburg, moving frequently and becoming adaptable. 15:19 – Becoming aware of race and identity as the first Black girl at her boarding school. 20:12 – Division, belonging and the need for healing across South African communities. 28:17 – Language, curiosity and why more South Africans should learn isiZulu. 30:18 – Boarding school, studying law and discovering her creative identity. 38:06 – Meeting her second husband and recognising the importance of compatibility. 42:13 – Spiritual experiences, danger and the marriage that led her to answer her calling. 48:09 – Divine protection, surviving a dangerous journey and recognising her purpose. 50:07 – Challenging conventional thinking and searching for something deeper. 52:58 – Understanding spiritual initiation, ancestral guidance and different healing gifts. 56:14 – Decolonising spirituality and exploring the relationship between religion and African practices. 01:00:12 – What it means to be called as a healer and carry ancestral gifts. 01:13:03 – Entering radio and rediscovering the power of her voice. 01:20:22 – Land, migration, xenophobia and the responsibility of leadership. 01:34:04 – The meaning behind “Delayed obedience is disobedience.” 01:43:31 – Creating road-marking and entrepreneurship training programmes. 01:48:12 – Creating healing retreats and safe spaces for men. 💬 Quote of the Episode “I am a spiritual being having a beautiful human experience. I just happened to come into this body.” – Thando-Rose Dladla 🧠 Related Campaign Example Checkers Little Shop Minis Campaign: Thando selected the Checkers Little Shop minis campaign because of the way it combined nostalgia, collectability and family participation. The campaign encouraged customers to collect miniature versions of familiar products when shopping through Checkers and Checkers Sixty60. For her, the campaign recreated the childhood excitement of collecting, swapping and displaying items with friends. She explains that the campaign became about more than the products customers were buying. The desire to complete the collection strengthened engagement with the Checkers brand and encouraged repeated purchases. Checkers Little Shop Minis Campaign: https://youtu.be/WrO4r_41cy0 👣 Relevant Links & Mentions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thando-rose-dladla-08355b66/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFunkieHealer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thandorose_dladla/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunkieHealer Funkie Healer Website: https://thefunkiehealer.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

This is an educational series where we interview people we consider Incredible Machines. The conversations will be facilitated in a way that allows us to establish what makes these people “incredible” so that we may learn and try their strategies and tactics where applicable.

Creator

TIM Africa
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

62
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 The Incredible Machines
Show Website

The Incredible Machines