Influence with Authenticity: Siyabonga Gule

02/04/25 • 65 min

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Incredible Machines Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to host Siya Gule, a remarkable entrepreneur and the CEO of Beapo, a company revolutionizing the supply chain and strategic sourcing industries.

In this episode, Jon Oliff and co-host Luke Holden delve into Siya's inspiring journey from humble beginnings, to becoming a highly esteemed leader in his field. Siya shares heartfelt stories from his childhood, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped him into the person he is today. His upbringing, marked by resilience and a drive to uplift others, is a testament to his character and leadership.

We also explore the significance of faith in Siya's life and business, discussing the unique approach of integrating spirituality into the workplace. This episode is rich with insights on authenticity, leadership, and the importance of keeping promises, illustrated beautifully by a touching case study featuring Roger Federer.

💡 Guest Bio:

Siya Gule is a driven individual committed to making a positive impact on the world around him. With a dream rooted in helping others and improving lives, Siya believes in leaving every place better than he found it. His selfless approach and dedication to making a difference have been the key factors in his success and motivation throughout his journey.

🔴 In This Episode:

A Journey of Resilience: Hear Siya Gule's powerful story of overcoming hardship, from selling goods with his mother to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Faith in Business: Learn how Siya integrates faith into his business practices at Beapo, and how spirituality can positively impact corporate culture.
The Value of Authenticity: Through analyzing the Roger Federer campaign case study, Siya shares insights about authentic leadership and keeping promises.
Leadership Through Example: Discover how true leadership is built on actions rather than words, and the importance of maintaining a strong reputation.
From Struggle to Success: Explore how challenging childhood experiences, including an absent father and financial hardships, shaped Siya's character and drive for success.

Highlighted Quote:

Maya Angelou's quote (paraphrased in the conversation) about people remembering not what you said or did, but how you made them feel.

Booker T. Washington's quote about success being measured not by where you are in life, but by the obstacles you've had to overcome.

Highlighted Ad Campaign:

Barilla pasta advertisement/campaign featuring Roger Federer fulfilling a "pinky promise" to a young boy named Zizou: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=roger+federer+%2B+promise+%2B+zizou

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💡 Guest Bio:

🔴 In This Episode:

A Journey of Resilience: Hear Siya Gule's powerful story of overcoming hardship, from selling goods with his mother to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Faith in Business: Learn how Siya integrates faith into his business practices at Beapo, and how spirituality can positively impact corporate culture.
The Value of Authenticity: Through analyzing the Roger Federer campaign case study, Siya shares insights about authentic leadership and keeping promises.
Leadership Through Example: Discover how true leadership is built on actions rather than words, and the importance of maintaining a strong reputation.
From Struggle to Success: Explore how challenging childhood experiences, including an absent father and financial hardships, shaped Siya's character and drive for success.

Highlighted Quote:

Maya Angelou's quote (paraphrased in the conversation) about people remembering not what you said or did, but how you made them feel.

Booker T. Washington's quote about success being measured not by where you are in life, but by the obstacles you've had to overcome.

Highlighted Ad Campaign:

Barilla pasta advertisement/campaign featuring Roger Federer fulfilling a "pinky promise" to a young boy named Zizou: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=roger+federer+%2B+promise+%2B+zizou

Send us a text

Previous Episode

Craft and Experience: Dale Tomlinson

Welcome to a special episode of The Incredible Machines Podcast! 🎙️
In this inspiring conversation, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Dale Tomlinson, the visionary creative leader behind The Hardy Boys, one of South Africa’s most celebrated advertising agencies. With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years, Dale shares his journey from an art student to the founder of an agency that redefined creativity in Durban and made waves internationally.
Dale’s story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the power of creativity. From his humble beginnings in a small South African town to presenting on the global stage at the Cannes Lions Festival, this episode is filled with life lessons, humour, and insights into the future of the advertising industry. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, creative professional, or industry veteran, Dale’s wisdom will leave you inspired and motivated.
💡 Guest Bio:
Dale Tomlinson is a pioneer in the advertising world known for his ability to turn creative visions into impactful campaigns. Founder of The Hardy Boys, Dale has played a key role in shaping the narrative of brands in South Africa and beyond. His leadership style, grounded in collaboration and curiosity, has made him a mentor to countless creatives and a driving force in the industry.
📚 Timestamped Overview:
01:30 – Dale’s early years and passion for creativity
07:30 – Starting The Hardy Boys: lessons learned in the early days
10:34 – The impact of resilience and adapting after setbacks
16:47 – Key milestones: Diageo partnership and the Cannes Lions presentation
19:23 – Growing The Hardy Boys and the acquisition by WPP
25:49 – Leadership lessons: building a culture of innovation
30:32 – Reflections on entrepreneurship and personal growth
40:00 – The Hardy Boys’ legacy and the next chapter
52:19 – Dale’s advice for the next generation of creatives
🔴 In This Episode:

The Power of Curiosity: Discover how curiosity can be the antidote to complacency in both life and business.
Resilience Through Setbacks: Dale shares how his spinal injury at 16 reshaped his life and inspired his career path.
Building an Iconic Agency: Learn the story behind The Hardy Boys' name and how it became synonymous with problem-solving.
Global Recognition: Hear about Dale’s experience presenting at the Cannes Lions Festival and the journey from Durban to the global stage.
Creative Leadership: Insights on how to nurture creativity within teams and foster an environment of collaboration and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Dale’s thoughts on legacy, retirement, and his newfound passion for art and storytelling.

Highlighted Quote:
"We have not come this far to be ordinary." – Dale Tomlinson
Highlighted Ad Campaign:
Robertsons Reinvention Kitchen https://youtu.be/wMxYqVQU7WU
The Hardy Boys - https://www.hardyboys.co.za/

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Next Episode

See, Think, Innovate: Nhlanhla Khambule

Welcome to another captivating episode of The Incredible Machines Podcast. In this episode, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden are thrilled to sit down with Nhlanhla Khambule, an inspiring entrepreneur and the CEO of Edinvest.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn what makes Nhlanhla an 'incredible machine' and how he is transforming lives through education and innovation.

💡 Guest Bio:

Nhlanhla Khambule is a resilient individual whose early life was marked by the political turbulence of the mid-1980s in South Africa. His journey reflects the courage and determination of many who lived through those turbulent times.

🔴 In This Episode:

How does Nhlanhla Khambule's personal story of moving from a structured environment to a rural setting influence your understanding of resilience and adaptability?
In what ways does Nhlanhla's concept of "See, Think, Innovate" contribute to developing an entrepreneurial mindset among young people?
Discuss the impact of Nhlanhla's experiences in the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and his educational endeavours on his approach to business and leadership.
How does the concept of "never again will I perform a task less than my ability" resonate with you personally?
Reflect on the importance of greetings and respect in Nhlanhla's cultural context.

Highlighted Quote:

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. You don't know how great you can be, what you can achieve until you start doing something" - Anne Frank

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