In Episode 21 of The Incredible Machines Podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden are joined by Muhammad Seedat, a visionary Durban-based entrepreneur, media executive, and co-founder of Hilaal TV.
This episode is a compelling and vulnerable deep dive into the journey of a man who built multiple professional service businesses, led cricket franchises, and helped launch a national television channel, all while learning to scale himself, rebuild after failure, and stay true to his roots.
Muhammad shares powerful insights on navigating complexity, from starting articles straight out of high school to launching Smart Space (a co-working venture ahead of its time) and weathering public and private storms with humility and grace.
Whether you’re building a business, managing personal change, or figuring out how to lead without burning out, this episode is a masterclass in reflection, resilience, and reinvention.
Key Highlights from Episode 21
1. Keep It Simple
Muhammad’s first business ventures started in school, selling sweets, clothes, and even cricket tickets. He didn’t overthink the business model. “Buy for one, sell for two” was enough to get going. This simplicity taught him early lessons about margins, customer needs, and the thrill of the hustle.
“There’s something powerful about buying for one and selling for two. That simplicity, I miss it.”
2. You Can’t Scale Yourself
In his consulting days, clients came for Muhammad, not necessarily the company. While flattering, this created a ceiling. If he wasn’t available, the business paused. This became a turning point. He realized that building systems, not personality-driven service, was the path to sustainable growth.
“I built a business that couldn’t function without me. That became my ceiling.”
3. Thinking Is Underrated
After years of 16-hour workdays and high-performance expectations, Muhammad now credits solitude and deep thinking as his greatest superpowers. Whether on a walk, in his car, or at the beach, these quiet moments spark real breakthroughs. It’s a shift from output to insight.
4. Failure Is the Best Teacher
Smart Space, his bold venture into co-working, was ahead of its time. Despite high energy, media attention, and scale, it failed. That public setback forced Muhammad to rethink his approach, not just to business models, but to how he processed failure.
“At the time, it felt like a personal failure. Only later did I realize it was timing. And I wasn’t ready.”
Quote
“Doing nothing is underrated. You don’t always need to act. Sometimes, you just need to think. — Muhammad Seedat
Advertising Campaign Mentioned
Nando’s provocative billboard campaign — Muhammad loves their use of cultural relevance and “brand bravery.” He sees their campaigns as a powerful example of how marketing can reflect values, not just sell products. And admires how Nando’s uses marketing as a tool to stay hyper-relevant, stir conversation, and build emotional connection with audiences, all while staying true to its identity.
Conclusion
Muhammad Seedat’s story is not just about business success; it’s about learning how to step back, zoom out, and lead with intention. From side hustles to satellite TV, his journey offers a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to build with purpose, survive failure, and lead with heart.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Muhammad Seedat?
Muhammad Seedat is a South African entrepreneur, media executive, and co-founder of Hilaal TV. With a background in accounting, consulting, and leadership, his career spans finance, community building, sports, and media.
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.
What are the key themes discussed in Episode 21?
Episode 21 explores resilience, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, failure, success, slowing down, and scaling strategically with real, lived experiences from one of Durban’s most dynamic leaders.
Where can I listen to the full episode with Muhammad Seedat?
You can listen on all major platforms, including:
🎧 Spotify
🍎 Apple Podcasts
🌐 Tim Africa Podcast Hub
👣 Relevant Links
Hilaal TV: https://hilaal.tv/
Entrepreneurs’ Organization: https://eonetwork.org/
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