In Episode 49 of The Incredible Machines podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden are joined by Jessica Hare, founder of Ditch the Lump and co-founder of Smart Meeting Rooms South Africa.
This episode is a deep human conversation about cancer, courage, and the power of community. Jessica reflects on her journey from childhood adventures and overseas mission work to motherhood, and the life-changing breast cancer diagnosis that reshaped her path.
Through her reflections on finding a lump, telling her young children about cancer, undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Jessica addresses the emotional and physical weight of treatment. As well as, how a group of women in the chemo lounge became a lifeline during one of the hardest times in her life.
Whether you’re navigating illness, supporting someone through cancer or rebuilding after burnout, this episode is an incredible reminder that no one should have to walk through pain alone.
Jessica openly expresses the fear she had when telling her young children that she had cancer. Having experienced the confusion and silence around her brother’s cancer diagnosis when she was a child, she wanted to communicate better with her own children.
She shares the difficulty of trying to protect them emotionally while also being honest about the reality of what was happening. She highlights how cancer doesn’t only affect the person diagnosed but also touches the ones we love around us.
Jessica describes the chemo lounge as a place she initially dreaded at first. But through a group of incredible women who were also going through treatment, that space slowly became a place of laughter, support and shared strength.
The women she met helped her feel less alone. They joked together, cried together, and supported one another through the hardest parts of treatment. She says they genuinely helped save her from the emotional heaviness that can come with cancer treatment. This experience became one of the reasons she started Ditch The Lump.
After completing her cancer treatment, Jessica became aware of how many people face cancer without the kind of support she was fortunate to find.
Ditch The Lump began as an Instagram page and a community walk. Through informative posts, shared experiences and walks where people wear pink, she has created a space of encouragement for those going through cancer, those who have survived it, and those supporting loved ones through it.
After treatment, Jessica stepped into a new chapter by helping found Smart Meeting Rooms in South Africa. She explains that the decision felt significant because it meant she believed she was going to live. That moment represents more than a career change. It represents hope, courage and the willingness to imagine a future after cancer. For Jessica, building something new became an act of belief.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
~ Brené Brown one of Jessica Hare’s favourite quotes
Always #LikeAGirl Campaign: Jessica chose this campaign because of how powerfully it reframed what it means to do something like a girl. The campaign challenged the idea that being a girl should ever be used as an insult. Instead, it turned the phrase into a message of strength, confidence and pride. Jessica connected with the campaign because it reminded her that women are strong, capable and powerful. In many ways, the campaign reflects the themes of her own story: resilience, courage, identity and the strength found in showing up as yourself.
Always #LikeAGirl Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joRjb5WOmbM
Jessica Hare’s story isn’t only about surviving cancer. It’s about listening to your body, asking for help, letting yourself be seen, and finding courage in the middle of fear. Her journey reminds us that illness can strip away the things we use to protect ourselves, but it can also reveal the power of love, friendship, faith, and community.
If you're walking through uncertainty, supporting a loved one through illness, rebuilding after burnout, or learning what it means to show up with courage, this episode is an incredible reminder that no one should have to walk through pain alone.
Who is Jessica Hare?
Jessica Hare is the founder of Ditch The Lump and co-founder behind Smart Meeting Rooms. She is a breast cancer survivor, mother, former teacher, and mission worker who uses her story to encourage others to walk through cancer and recovery.
What is Ditch The Lump?
Ditch The Lump is a cancer awareness and support platform started by Jessica Hare. It began as an Instagram page and community walk to help people going through cancer feel less alone.
What is Smart Meeting Rooms?
Smart Meeting Rooms is a business focused on unified communication, video conferencing equipment, signage, and technology solutions that help people communicate more effectively.
What is the Incredible Machines Podcast?
The Incredible Machines Podcast is a thought leadership series produced by Tim Africa, featuring conversations with visionary entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers from across the continent.
Where can I listen to the full episode with Jessica Hare?
You can listen on all major platforms including:
🎧 Spotify
🍎 Apple Podcast
🌐 Tim Africa Podcast Hub
Jessica Hare’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hare-0767047b/
Jessica Hare’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.bezuidenhout.79
Jessica Hare’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.wolf.hare/
Ditch The Lump Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditch.the.lump
Ditch The Lump YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJVaI73ocS3JxA2NMeB7WKA
Smart Meetings Rooms Website: https://smartmeetingrooms-kzn.com/
Smart Meetings Rooms LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartmeetingrooms/
Smart Meetings Rooms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmartMeetingRoomsLtdSA/