Sharing the Dream: Dr Angel Madlala

Welcome to Episode 25 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Dr. Angel Madlala, a pioneering female radiologist from rural KwaZulu-Natal. From humble beginnings to founding multiple radiology practices, Dr. Angel’s story is one of vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. She shares how she overcame personal and financial challenges, her motivation to serve underserved communities, and her unique approach to medicine as both a healer and a business leader. Dr. Angel Madlala reflects on the power of mentorship, authenticity, and continuous learning, emphasizing the importance of empowering others and breaking barriers for women in medicine. This inspiring episode highlights her unwavering commitment to making healthcare accessible, the value of dreaming big, and the courage it takes to turn those dreams into reality. ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:50 – Dr. Angel reflecting on her teenage aspirations 02:23 – Upbringing in KwaZulu-Natal, family dynamics, and the importance of education 04:55 – Transition to university, father’s passing and financial challenges 07:40 – Moving away from home, making friends, and building a support system 10:19 – Her love for study groups, collaboration, and teaching others 12:00 – Outlines her medical school, internship, community service, and interest in pediatrics 13:47 – Personal challenges with her daughter's birthday and when her career pivotted 15:08 – Her choice to pick radiology and the timeline of her specialization 17: 19 – Returning back to KwaZulu-Natal and her early practice on medical disciplines 18: 40 – Passion for rural healthcare and her entrepreneurial drive 19:55 – Starting her own practice and the importance of making radiology accessible 27:36 – Mentorship and her goal to own a hospital-based radiology department 30:00 – Four practices, her vision, and the services offered 36: 23– Challenges of rural healthcare entrepreneurship 40:22  – Being a female founder in medicine and the lessons learnt 44:39 – Inspiration from Nike’s “Dream Crazier” campaign 54:46 – Celebrate the successes, the importance of pausing, and feedback from her therapist. 💬 Quote of the Episode “I always say my life purpose is to help people; I’m just a natural helper.” – Dr. Angel Madlala 🧠 Related Campaign Example Nike “Dream Crazier” campaign — Dr. Angel Madlala resonated with her personal and professional journey, encouraging her to dream crazier. She recalled seeing the “Dream Crazier” commercial, which featured powerful visuals of women breaking barriers in sports and life, narrated by Serena Williams. The ad’s message was encouraging women to push boundaries, defy stereotypes, and pursue dreams that others might call impossible. She spoke about how the campaign’s bold call to “dream crazier” became a personal mantra, especially during times of self-doubt or when facing societal expectations about what women, particularly women of color in medicine, could achieve. Nike “Dream Crazier” campaign: https://youtu.be/zWfX5jeF6k4?si=h5OUaIBBRLzZonSo 👣 Relevant Links & Mentions LinkedIn: N.B. Angel Madlala - Head of Clinical Unit @Harry Gwala Regional Hospital . Diagnostic and Breast Radiologist. Managing Director and Teleradiologist @MD Teleradiology Solutions ( Private Practice) | LinkedIn Instagram: Dr. Angel mamMthalane Madlala (@dr_angie_m) • Instagram photos and videos MD Teleradiology Website: Radiology Services/Clinic in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas 🌐 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