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 
 
 
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