#LifeLessons - The Biggest Life Learnings Of Emma Jordaan

NAME: Emma Jordaan

AGE: 42

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: https://www.instagram.com/infiniteconsultingme/

JOB TITLE: Founder & CEO – Infinite Consulting

Emma is the the founder and CEO of Infinite Consulting, a Dubai-based training consultancy specialising in Cultural Intelligence (CQ). Her work revolves around helping organisations, leaders, and teams navigate cultural complexity to build inclusive, high-performing workplaces.

With nearly a decade of experience in the UAE, Emma has worked with global corporations, government entities, and entrepreneurs, empowering them to develop cultural awareness, improve cross-cultural communication, and creating psychological safety for their employees through an inclusive leadership approach.

Beyond corporate training, Emma is passionate about mentorship and knowledge-sharing, particularly in supporting professionals who are new to Dubai. She has recently launched The CQ & HR Show, a podcast where they discuss cultural intelligence and HR best practices, and she regularly contributes insights in business publications and on the radio. Emma's goal is to equip individuals and organisations with the skills to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.

Today Emma shares with us her biggest life learnings to-date:

#LIFELESSON – 1  - Success is About Adaptability, Not Just Hard Work

When I first arrived in Dubai, I was eager to prove myself through sheer determination and expertise. However, I quickly learned that success in a multicultural environment isn’t just about working hard, it’s about adapting intelligently. The ability to understand and navigate different cultural expectations, communication styles, and ways of doing business is just as important as technical skills.

One of my early experiences involved working with a diverse team where indirect communication was the norm, I was more familiar with direct communication. There were several examples of miscommunication and misunderstand amongst my team where they had said yes when they meant no. By developing my Cultural Intelligence (CQ), I was able to adjust my approach, learn to ask more questions, to read between the lines and determine what was really being communicated.

This adaptability has been key to my success and is something I now teach others. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating a deal, or building a network, your ability to flex and respond to different cultural cues can make or break opportunities. If you want to thrive in an international environment, invest in understanding cultures as much as you invest in your own expertise.

#LIFELESSON – 2 - The Right Network Can Open the Right Doors

Moving to a new country, especially one as dynamic as Dubai, can be overwhelming. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your network is one of your greatest assets. But it’s not just about collecting contacts, it’s about building genuine relationships.

Early in my career, I focused on working hard in isolation, assuming that results would speak for themselves. However, when I set up my own business, I soon realised that opportunities in Dubai are often unlocked through trust and connection. Being introduced to the right people, having advocates in the right rooms, and sharing value with others all played a significant role in my professional growth.

That’s why I encourage others, to invest time in networking strategically. This doesn’t mean simply attending every event, but rather creating meaningful relationships with people who align with your values and aspirations. When you approach networking with a mindset of giving rather than just getting, doors will open in ways you never expected.

#LIFELESSON – 3 - Confidence is Built, Not Just Innate

Many people assume that confidence is something you either have or don’t. But in my experience, confidence is built over time through action, preparation, and resilience.

There have been many moments in my career where I felt out of my depth, whether it was speaking at high-profile events, consulting for global organisations, or stepping into leadership roles. The key was not waiting until I felt "ready," but rather taking the leap, preparing thoroughly, and learning from the experience.

One of the most powerful ways to build confidence is through competence. The more you develop your skills, knowledge, and experience, the more secure you feel in your abilities. Equally important is having a strong support system, mentors, peers, and friends who uplift you and remind you of your value.

My advice is this: Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Every expert was once a beginner, and every leader has faced moments of uncertainty. Take the opportunities, do the work, and your confidence will grow with you.