Welcome to Episode 27 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Allon Raiz, a pioneering entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of Raizcorp, Africa’s largest business incubator. From humble beginnings growing up in Durban to orchestrating business transformations across the continent, Allon shares the rollercoaster journey that shaped him into the powerhouse he is today.

Allon Raiz’s academic journey is a story of resilience and reinvention. After struggling through school and just managing to get into university, he completed a four-year BCom and went on to achieve top honours in his class, an impressive turnaround from his earlier academic performance. Motivated to keep studying, Allon even began working on his master's degree and spent some time overseas. Unbeknownst to him, he continued his studies partly to avoid compulsory military service, only to eventually discover that the army draft had ended. This unexpected revelation marked yet another turning point in his unconventional path, shaping the determined and resourceful individual he would become.

In a conversation brimming with candid stories and powerful insights, Allon unpacks the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, touching on everything from his early failures and mentor relationships to the emotional drivers behind ambition and the art of playing the “long game.” The episode dives deep into what makes an “incredible machine,” why true mentorship often comes with a dose of tough love, and the unexpected ways that small gestures can come full circle years later.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business enthusiast, or just curious about what drives remarkable people to keep building, this episode is packed with gems—about resilience, self-awareness, and the value of betting on yourself, even when the odds are against you. Get ready for an honest, inspiring, and at times hilarious exploration of what it takes to walk into a room and leave it truly changed.
⏱ Timestamped Overview

00:39 Introduction: Don King booking story and why Allon is here.
08:41 Growing up in a women-led family business shaping his worldview.
10:55 From failed shoe voucher promo to PR breakthrough and momentum.
19:40 Owning failure and the power of mentorship over people over money.
20:40 Compelling economic right to exist before chasing funding.
27:27 Including family in entrepreneurship dinner table learning.
33:21 Father issues as a driver and reframing imposter syndrome.
39:50 Choosing the right mentor and embracing brutal candor.
48:05 Say yes to scary things, invitations, and stretch moments.
50:32 Beware the sirens resisting tempting detours.
58:08 Reverse mentorship and learning from Gen Z at work.
01:00:55 Turning a failed interview into a learning session.
01:04:51 The hitchhiker story: serendipity returning years later.
01:11:05 Patience's subtle influence and the long game.
01:17:00 Incubating crises and becoming a prosperator.
01:23:31 Notebooks as an idea engine: think it, write it, make it real.
💬 Quote of the Episode

“If you think it, write it down and make it a reality.” – Allon Raiz
🧠 Related Campaign Example
Allan Gray’s ad campaign — Allon selected this iconic advert about patience, potential, and long-term investing. The campaign highlights Allan Gray’s core message: that real returns come from discipline, foresight, and resisting short-term gratification. This perfectly mirrors Allon’s entrepreneurial philosophy of playing the long game, resisting “sirens” of distraction, and enduring the pain of early struggles to build lasting impact. The campaign is a reminder that in both investing and entrepreneurship, timing, patience, and belief in unseen potential are often the true differentiators of success.

Allan Gray’s ad campaign: https://youtu.be/37_hvW68vP8?si=5VS5hzf5AvYVSDkg

👣 Relevant Links
LinkedIn: Allon Raiz - City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Professional Profile | LinkedIn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AllonRaiz/
Facebook: Allon Raiz | Facebook
Raizcorp Website: Raizcorp – Accelerate your success
Raizcorp Instagram: Raizcorp (@raizcorp_) • Instagram photos and videos
Raizcorp LinkedIn: Raizcorp | LinkedIn
Raizcorp YouTube: Making strategy happen: an exclusive workshop with Allon Raiz
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