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 

 

 

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