In this eye-opening episode of You Got This, host Monica Mahi sits down with Emma Jordaan, a leading expert in cultural intelligence (CQ) and author of Dubai Decoded. They dive deep into why understanding cultural differences isn’t just a \"soft skill\"—it’s a critical business advantage, especially in multicultural hubs like the UAE. Emma breaks down the four pillars of CQ (Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, Action), shares real-world examples of cultural clashes (and how to avoid them), and reveals how organizations can foster inclusive, high-performing teams. Whether you’re an expat, leader, or just curious about human behavior, this episode will change how you navigate workplaces—and the world.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The 4 components of cultural intelligence (CQ) and why they matter
✅ How misjudging culture costs businesses (e.g., turnover, failed relocations)
✅ Real-life examples of cultural misunderstandings (restaurants, meetings, dress codes)
✅ RAPID Framework to handle cross-cultural conflicts (Recognize, Assess, Pause, Interpret, Decide)
✅ How companies can embed CQ into recruitment, onboarding, and leadership
✅ Emma’s Culture Vantage Model (simplifying cultural differences for teams)
👩💼 About the Guest:
Emma Jordaan is a cultural intelligence thought leader, international trainer, and founder of Infinite Consulting. With 20+ years in L&D, she helps organizations decode multicultural workplaces—from communication styles to leadership expectations. Her book, Dubai Decoded, unpacks Emirati culture and offers a practical framework for thriving in diverse environments. Based in the UAE, Emma works with global clients to bridge cultural gaps and drive business success.
🎙️ About Monica Mahi:
Monica Mahi is a globally recognised expert in leadership and emotional intelligence, with over 20 years in corporate and personal development. She helps individuals and organizations unlock their potential through self-awareness, viewing emotional intelligence as key to success. Monica empowers others to pursue meaningful lives beyond financial achievements, offering tools and guidance for personal fulfillment and effective leadership.
Monica is the founder of EQ Brain 🧠🎧 — a platform dedicated to leading life in emotional intelligence. Learn more at 🌐 eqbrains.com
Learn more about Monica Mahi's work:
Website: monicamahi.com
Insta: @monicamahiconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamahi/
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