In Episode 11 of The Incredible Machines Podcast, hosts Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Siya Gule, the CEO of Beapo, a purpose-driven business that is transforming the way people think about leadership, faith, and entrepreneurship.
Siya’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and a redefinition of success that goes beyond financial gain. From his early education, shaped by societal expectations, to leading with faith in the workplace, Siya provides insights on purpose-driven leadership, authentic success, and the power of self-reflection.
In this episode, Siya shares how his faith, leadership philosophy, and personal experiences have shaped his approach to business and life.
Reframing Success Beyond Wealth and Status
Siya reflects on the wisdom of Steve Jobs’ final days, where the tech visionary emphasized health, happiness, and relationships over material success. Inspired by this, Siya explains how success should not only be measured by financial milestones but also by the quality of relationships and personal fulfillment.
“Success isn’t just about the next milestone—it’s about fulfillment in what truly matters.”
He urges entrepreneurs to constantly readjust their mindset, ensuring that success isn’t solely defined by external achievements but by inner peace and impact.
The Education Journey: Breaking the Status Quo
Growing up in a society that pushed students into engineering and medicine for financial stability, Siya felt the pressure to conform. Despite excelling in math and science, he realized that these fields were not aligned with his true passion—helping people.
“I was doing it out of the status quo, not because I was passionate about it.”
His story highlights how societal expectations often overshadow personal fulfillment and the importance of choosing a career path that aligns with one’s values and strengths.
Integrating Faith into Business and Leadership
For Siya, faith is not just personal—it’s a powerful force in business and leadership. From hosting prayer groups at SAP and Sasol to fostering a spiritually conscious workplace, Siya believes that faith can positively impact business culture and drive success.
“Faith starts at home, but it doesn’t end there. It transforms how we lead, how we work, and how we impact those around us.”
He discusses how faith-driven leadership encourages resilience, decision-making with integrity, and a culture of compassion in the workplace.
The Leadership Philosophy: Authenticity, Kindness, and Consistency
Siya shares his leadership philosophy, inspired by Maya Angelou’s wisdom, that people remember how you make them feel, not just what you say.
“Leadership is about authenticity, kindness, and consistency. Reputation isn’t built on words—it’s built on actions.”
He emphasizes the importance of following through on commitments, being intentional in leadership, and ensuring that actions align with values.
Success as a Continuous Process, Not a Destination
Drawing from Courtesy Washington’s perspective, Siya explains that success is not a static achievement but a continuous journey.
“Success is not where you are—it’s how far you’ve come. Every obstacle overcome is a sign that you are in the process of succeeding.”
Rather than always looking ahead to the next milestone, Siya encourages people to pause and reflect on how much they have already achieved.
Conclusion
At TIM, we believe that leadership, success, and business go beyond just financial milestones—they are about impact, purpose, and authenticity. Siya Gule’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms.
His insights remind us that true leadership is about how we make others feel, how we align our actions with our values, and how we embrace the journey rather than just the destination. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone seeking deeper meaning in your work, Siya’s story serves as inspiration to lead with authenticity, define success for yourself, and uplift those around you.
Lessons in Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Siya’s journey offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders:
✅ Define Your Own Success – True success isn’t measured by external milestones but by personal fulfillment.
✅ Lead with Authenticity and Kindness – People remember how you make them feel, not just what you achieve.
✅ Faith and Business Can Coexist – Spirituality and leadership are not mutually exclusive; faith can be a guiding force in ethical decision-making.
✅ Measure Success by Growth, Not Just Milestones – Look back at your progress and acknowledge the journey, not just the destination.
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