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