“The aim is not to find myself. The aim is to keep on discovering myself.”

– Nelisiwe Zuma

In Episode 30 of The Incredible Machines Podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Nelisiwe “Neli” Zuma.

Neli is a former public relations officer turned digital marketing powerhouse, having held social media and influencer marketing roles at top agencies including Conversation Lab and Oliver (at Unilever). Her journey is about continually becoming a version of yourself that you’re comfortable and proud of being.

4 Key Moments from the Episode

1. Owning Her Identity

Born in the small village of Impendle, South Africa, Neli’s early environment shaped her humility and independence. Yet it was her desire to stand out (through her style, her voice, and her bold choices) that propelled her to the forefront of urban agency culture in the big city.

2. The Life-Altering Accident that Redefined Her Path

In 2016, a devastating car crash left Neli physically injured and shifted her spiritual and emotional lens. The trauma became a catalyst for personal evolution, moving away from partying and people-pleasing, and toward faith, farming, and fearless self-expression.

3. Being the First and Paving the Way

Neli was one of the first to hold an influencer marketing role in Durban, stepping into it without formal qualifications but with an unshakable presence. Her success proves that potential is often greater than credentials on paper, which is a recurring theme in her life.

4. Returning to the Soil: Healing Through Farming

Now retrenched and reflective, Neli is investing in farming and self-sufficiency. Her joy is rooted in nurturing crops and community. This is an act of spiritual restoration as much as it is entrepreneurship.

Ad Campaign: Vaseline “Even Tone Glow” Launch

One of the standout moments in the episode is Neli’s emotional recount of leading the Vaseline Serum Lotion campaign for Unilever. Handling the strategy, social content, and live coverage at the television commercial shoot, she poured everything into making the product launch a success. The ad marked a significant milestone for the Vaseline brand and for Neli personally, as it aligned with her passion for introducing something new and owning one’s glow.

“When I watch it on TV, I smile and think, ‘I was there. That was me behind the scenes!’”

What We Can Learn from Nelisiwe Zuma

• Your past doesn’t define you, but your decisions today can.
• Qualifications don’t always determine capability.
• Reinvention is a process, not a destination.
• Ask for help. It’s one of the bravest things you can do.
  
  
  

Watch the Full Episode

👉 Watch “Defining Your Self” with Nelisiwe Zuma on YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.