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