Defining Your Self: Nelisiwe Zuma

Welcome to Episode 30 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Nelisiwe Zuma, a dynamic voice in social media and influencer marketing whose journey began in rural South Africa. She shares how her early life experiences, family values, and community shaped her approach to personal and professional growth. Nelisiwe discusses her transformative journey following a traumatic car accident in 2016, which became a pivotal moment leading to profound resilience, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Nelisiwe unpacks the challenges of overcoming physical and emotional hurdles, honoring the memory of a lost friend, and the ongoing process of healing. She emphasizes the importance of self-love, faith, and the support of community in navigating life’s adversities. This episode offers valuable insights on gratitude, the power of second chances, and the pursuit of evolving dreams. Engage in a heartfelt conversation about her journey from rural beginnings to a thriving career. Nelisiwe shares how her experiences have shaped her unique spirit, her gratitude for new opportunities, and her vision for the future. 
 
 
⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:44 – Introduction of Nelisiwe Zuma 
02:03 – Self-Discovery After the Accident 
02:20 – Advice to Younger Self and Learning from Others 
03:51 – Upbringing and Early Life  
05:07 – School Years and Being Different 
06:51 – Love for the Outdoors and God 
07:39 – Embracing Uniqueness and Self-Definition   
08:50 – Experience in Modelling and Modelling School 
11:22 – Transition to Agency Life and Social Media 
13:01 – Creating the Influencer Marketing Role 
13:59 – Effort to Fit In and Stand Out Professionally   
15:56 – The Car Accident and the Aftermath 
20:33 – Hospitalization, Recovery and Loss 
24:31 – Life After Recovery and Sobriety 
26:07 – Future Plans and Faith 
29:54 – Feelings About the Accident Site 
35:25 – Favourite Campaign and Professional Pride 
39:07 – Never-Ending Adventure and Self-Discovery 
42:51 – Farming Aspirations and Office Support 
46:13 – Overcoming Dark Times and Asking for Help 
49:22 – Self-Love and Setting Boundaries 
01:00:15 – Recent Life Changes and Embracing Rest 
 
 
 
💬 Quote of the Episode 

“You need to be different; either you define yourself or the world will define you.” – Nelisiwe Zuma 

🧠 Related Campaign Example  

Vaseline Glow Product Launch campaign — Nelisiwe chose this campaign because she was deeply involved from the teaser phase through to the launch, handling teaser content strategy, amplification plans, reporting, and live behind-the-scenes coverage for social media. She poured her creativity and hard work into the project, feeling a strong sense of pride in introducing something new to the South African market that reflected her own journey of standing out and defining herself.  
 

 
👣 Relevant Links 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelisiwe-zuma-54138b104/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neli.zuma.946  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neli_zuma/  
 
 
 
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