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:
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
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!
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