Self-Love and Authenticity: Preeya Daya

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