The Incredible Machines

Boks to Business: Pieter Geldenhuys

Welcome to Episode 51 of The Incredible Machines podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Pieter “PG” Geldenhuys, an author, business coach, leadership facilitator, storytelling expert, and the mind behind Boks to Business.   From growing up in Stellenbosch and Strand, to travelling through Austria, London, Israel, South America and beyond. He reflects on his early love of reading and writing, and the way his parents’ travel business became an early classroom for leadership, systems and service.    PG also unpacks the power of storytelling, from the hero’s journey and Joseph Campbell to Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, the Springboks and Rassie Erasmus. And explores how Covid forced hard decisions in tourism, why entrepreneurs need to understand whether they are acting as founders or investors, and how risk, creativity, urgency and imposter syndrome all play a role in entrepreneurial life.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, coach, writer, sports fan or someone trying to build something meaningful, this conversation offers a practical and deeply human reminder: the real work is to keep showing up. This episode is packed with sharp business insight, personal reflection, humour, rugby wisdom and powerful lessons on systems, storytelling and resilience.          ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:48 – Introduction to Pieter Geldenhuys  03:41 – Stephen King, Covid and Learning to Write  10:26 – Tourism, Storytelling and Selling KwaZulu-Natal  13:10 – University, Failure and Learning from the Right People  18:46 – Starting a Tourism Business  25:19 – EO, Writing, Training and Reinvention  33:16 – EO, Information and Making Hard Decisions  35:19 – Full Immersion Leadership  41:13 – Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Storytelling  49:05 – Barney’s Army and Knowing When to Stop a Story  53:02 – Podcasts, Politics and the New Media Landscape  59:47 – Acts of Service, Fathers and Sons  01:03:12 – Writing About His Father and Generational Wisdom  01:14:39 – Boks to Business and Springbok Leadership Lessons  01:19:57 – The Springboks as a Masterclass in Storytelling  01:25:53 – The 2027 World Cup and the Next Hero’s Journey  01:35:10 – Showing Up When It’s Hard        💬 Quote of the Episode  “The real work is not to show up when it’s easy. The real work is to show up when it’s hard.” – Pieter Geldenhuys        🧠 Related Campaign Example   Bell’s “The Reader” Campaign: Pieter chose this advert because it captures effort, recognition and acts of service in a deeply human way. The story follows a father learning to read so that he can read the book his son has written, ending with the iconic line, “Give that man a Bell’s.” For PG, the advert speaks to love shown through effort, the relationship between fathers and sons, and the universal desire to be recognised by the people who matter most.   The campaign was created for Bell’s Whisky by King James in South Africa, directed by Greg Gray of Velocity Films, and published in 2014. It remains one of South Africa’s most emotionally memorable adverts because it makes the story the hero, focusing on perseverance, pride and quiet recognition.  Bell’s “The Reader” Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy7fxLwfOnQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy7fxLwfOnQ]     👣 Relevant Links & Mentions  Pieter Geldenhuys’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgtops/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgtops/]     Pieter Geldenhuys’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pg_geldenhuys/ [https://www.instagram.com/pg_geldenhuys/]      PG Tops Website: https://www.pgtops.com/ [https://www.pgtops.com/]    PG Tops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pgtops/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pgtops/]    PG Tops Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pgtopscoach [https://www.facebook.com/pgtopscoach]    PG Tops YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZATps_T8VAGwPTKlVjA1g [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZATps_T8VAGwPTKlVjA1g]      Stephen King Book On Writing: https://stephenking.com/works/nonfiction/on-writing-a-memoir-of-the-craft.html [https://stephenking.com/works/nonfiction/on-writing-a-memoir-of-the-craft.html]    Joseph Campbell Book The Hero with a Thousand Faces: https://www.jcf.org/product-page/copy-of-on-bliss-ebook [https://www.jcf.org/product-page/copy-of-on-bliss-ebook]    Scott Galloway Article on The Fourth Great Unlock: https://www.profgalloway.com/the-four/ [https://www.profgalloway.com/the-four/]      Save the Cat: https://savethecat.com/ [https://savethecat.com/]    Entrepreneurs’ Organization: https://www.eonetwork.org/ [https://www.eonetwork.org/]          🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa [https://www.tim.africa]    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa [https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa]    📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica [https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica]    🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_ [https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_]      Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa [https://www.pod.tim.africa]

The Petrol Attendant: Sbonelo Mbatha

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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yO7xLAGugQ]        👣 Relevant Links & Mentions  Sbonelo Mbatha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbonelo-mbatha-7836a947/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbonelo-mbatha-7836a947/]   Sbonelo Mbatha’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbonelombatha [https://www.instagram.com/sbonelombatha]   Sbonelo Mbatha’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sbonelo-Mbatha/61550190262169/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Sbonelo-Mbatha/61550190262169/]  Sbonelo Mbatha’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sbonelombatha [https://youtube.com/@sbonelombatha]   Petro Connect Website: https://petroconnect.co/ [https://petroconnect.co/]   Petro Connect Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetroCONNECTAfrica/ [https://www.facebook.com/PetroCONNECTAfrica/]   Petro Connect YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhJZl6FYujpQEMEgpOlhOA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhJZl6FYujpQEMEgpOlhOA]     🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa [https://www.tim.africa/]   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa [https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa]   📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica [https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica]   🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_ [https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_]     Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa [https://www.pod.tim.africa/]

Ditch the Lump: Jessica Hare

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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joRjb5WOmbM]   👣 Relevant Links & Mentions    Jessica Hare’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hare-0767047b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hare-0767047b]    Jessica Hare’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.wolf.hare [https://www.instagram.com/jessica.wolf.hare]     Ditch the Lump Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditch.the.lump/ [https://www.instagram.com/ditch.the.lump/]   Ditch the Lump Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ditch-the-lump-podcast/id1896809493 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ditch-the-lump-podcast/id1896809493]     Smart Meeting Rooms South Africa Website: https://smartmeetingrooms-kzn.com/ [https://smartmeetingrooms-kzn.com/]    Smart Meeting Rooms UK Website: https://smartmeetingrooms.co.uk [https://smartmeetingrooms.co.uk]    Bethany Hamilton: https://bethanyhamilton.com/ [https://bethanyhamilton.com/]    Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/ [https://brenebrown.com/]    Always #LikeAGirl Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs]      Run the Berg: https://runtheberg.co.za/ [https://runtheberg.co.za/]        🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa [https://www.tim.africa]    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa [https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa]    📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica [https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica]    🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_ [https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_]      Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa [https://www.pod.tim.africa]

Make Boards Work: Marc Stöckli

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 [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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-o-stockli/]    Make Boards Work Website: https://www.makeboardswork.com/ [https://www.makeboardswork.com/]          🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa [https://www.tim.africa]   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa [https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa]   📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica [https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica] 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_  [https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_]     Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa [https://www.pod.tim.africa]

Goosebump Moments: Justin Apsey

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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsBTOV8paS0]      👣 Relevant Links & Mentions    Justin Apsey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-apsey-147837/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-apsey-147837/]    Justin Apsey’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.apsey/ [https://www.facebook.com/justin.apsey/]          🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa [https://www.tim.africa]   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa [https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa]   📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica [https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica]   🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_ [https://www.tiktok.com/@tim.africa_]      Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa [https://www.pod.tim.africa]