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 ...
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
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🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa
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