Introduction

Welcome to Episode 23 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this powerful conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Travis Gale, a South African endurance athlete, speaker, and author of The Middle: How to Navigate the Space Between Your Start and Your Finish. Travis shares raw, insightful stories from the road; physical breakdowns, spiritual breakthroughs, and the ongoing dance between failure and fortitude. At 18, he cycled around the world to raise R1.7 million for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Now, Travis leads a purpose-driven business and works with leaders and teams to embrace resilience and reconnect with their "why."

Drawing from his book, The Middle, he introduces the idea that real transformation happens not at the start or finish, but in the messy middle. This is a conversation about endurance, purpose, and finding meaning in hard things.

⏱ Timestamped Overview

00:45 – Reflections on starting young, embracing the unknown, and the purpose behind the journey. 03:40 – Travis’s origin story: From church youth groups to riding around the world. 06:10  – How Travis got the opportunity to cycle around the world. 10:18 – Early struggles and preparation with his first cycle from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. 11:43 – Struggle with public speaking and the negative criticism from people. 16:00 – Choosing between internal and external voices, a big lesson learned from Trevor. 22:30 – Travis explains the emotional weight of “Day Five” and how he overcame it. 25:35 – Reconnecting with purpose at Kassi’s Stop and bouncing back on Day Six. 29:15 – Crossing Australia: flies, heat, straight roads, and milestone strategies. 37:47 – Travis explains how he travels and his belief that “you don’t need much.” 41:18 – Generosity of strangers in America, lessons in storytelling and resilience. 49:14 – Europe & the halfway point: language barriers, personal reflection, and finding flow. 55:53 – Connecting with Travis in his personal life and how he met his wife. 59:57 – Kilimanjaro failure and the beauty of learning the hard way. 01:03:53 – The end of the trip and his learnings after the finish line. 01:06:10 – Case study of Shackleton: The Greatest Story of Survival. 01:12:08 – Travis highlights his favorite quote and his perspective on it.

💬 Quote of the Episode

“It’s not about getting to the finish. It’s about who you become on the way there.” – Travis Gale 🧠 Related Campaign Example Shackleton: The Greatest Story of Survival: Travis references the Shackleton expedition as a powerful metaphor for endurance, leadership, and navigating the "middle" of any journey. The documentary re-creates explorer Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 Antarctic expedition, showcasing not only the physical extremes of survival but also the mental and emotional resilience needed to lead through chaos. Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHxX6kBD8lU

👣 Relevant Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisgale/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travgale/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.gale.50 The Middle Website: https://themiddle.co.za/ The Middle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themiddlejourney/ The Middle Book: https://www.amazon.com/Middle-keep-going-pursuit-goals-ebook/dp/B08C4YWFK8?ref_=ast_author_mpb

🌐 Connect with Tim Africa

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🎙️ 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

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

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_/

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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

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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!

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

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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!

In Episode 17 of The Incredible Machines Podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Gordon Reid—financial advisor, philanthropist, and multi-discipline endurance athlete—for a high-energy, heart-led conversation on grit, giving, and growth.

From 16-hour days in retail to grueling army marches, to building a print business and pivoting into finance during COVID, Gordon shares how he’s embraced every challenge with humor, heart, and humility. But it’s his work in endurance sports and philanthropy—raising millions for childhood cancer and conservation—that reveals the depth of his impact.

This episode is a celebration of what it means to live a big life: showing up, pushing limits, serving others, and doing it all with a smile (and sometimes in a cow suit). Whether you’re chasing your next goal or wondering how to give back meaningfully—this one’s for you.

🔗 From comrades to community, fundraising to fatherhood, Gordon’s story is packed with courage, candid moments, and wild inspiration.

🔴 In This Episode:

💬 “You’re never too old for a happy childhood.” Gordon shares a life philosophy passed down from his father and how it’s shaped his relentless pursuit of joyful living.

💬 How to Turn Challenges into Charity From Midmar swims to Doozy races, Gordon explains how suffering can be turned into service—and fun.

💬 The ROI of Kindness Gordon explores how his philanthropic efforts have helped grow a personal and professional network based on trust, impact, and community.

💬 The Business of Becoming Why changing careers, embracing learning, and reinventing yourself after 40 can be the most rewarding moves you’ll ever make.

💬 Running Toward a Better World Gordon gives us a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming events like Run for Rangers and how you can join or support.

👣 Relevant Links

🏃‍♂️ Run for Rangers: https://www.runforrangers.org 🦏 Endangered Wildlife Trust: https://www.ewt.org.za 🤝 BNI Rainmakers Chapter: https://www.bni.co.za 🐄 CHOC / The Cows Charity: https://www.thecows.co.za Jesse Itzler (All Day Running): https://www.alldayrunningco.com Gordon Reid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordsreid/ | https://www.instagram.com/luckygordy_/

https://www.fgro.co.za/gordon-reid/

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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!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Incredible Machines Podcast!

In Episode 16, we sit down with Cindy Norcott — entrepreneur, motivational speaker, non-profit founder, and the definition of unstoppable.

As the founder of Pro Talent, author of How to Be Unstoppable, and visionary behind the Robin Hood Foundation, Cindy shares her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a force for change in both business and community.

This episode is about more than success — it’s about resilience, generosity, and building a life of purpose while helping others do the same. From tough lessons in leadership to radically showing up for your community, Cindy’s story is packed with heart, humour, and hard-won wisdom.

🎥 We also break down Cindy’s featured TV ad campaign – watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rymT28Z6KQY

🔗 Whether you're building a business, a legacy, or simply trying to find your fire — this episode is for you.

📢 Listen or Watch Now:

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2szkubBcGSZSXgOf6R9eyj 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-incredible-machines-podcast/id1773774185 🔊 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/14f52da3-2fe9-4a78-a193-51479788343f 🌍 Podcast Website: https://www.pod.tim.africa

🔴 In This Episode:

💬 On Building a Legacy Through Action Cindy shares how small consistent actions and a clear sense of purpose helped her build not just a successful business, but a thriving non-profit.

💬 Why Balance is a Myth Instead of chasing balance, Cindy embraces blending — a more realistic and human way of showing up in every area of life.

💬 The Power of Self-Reflection and Routine From 5am mornings to journaling and mentoring others, Cindy opens up about how intentionality helps her maintain clarity and momentum.

💬 Turning Adversity into Impact With radical honesty, Cindy talks about failures, imposter syndrome, and the moments she almost gave up — and why she didn’t.

💬 Real Leadership is Generous Her leadership philosophy is clear: build people, serve others, and lead from love.

👥 Connect with Cindy Norcott:

🌐 Website: https://cindynorcott.co.za/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindy.norcott/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindynorcott/ 📘 Facebook: http

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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!