Leaders

In a world that often demands linearity, some women choose to under­take the unpredictable path. Imagine a journey that begins in the curi­ous corridors of psychology, takes flight learning different languages, then lands in the strategic corridors of a cross-cultural HR leader nav­igating global teams with empathy and insight.

This is not a resume, it's the narrative of Miranda Kruidenier's professional journey.

Miranda began her professional journey right after earning her degree in Psychology. She then set out to explore the world, working as a flight attendant to immerse herself in different languages and cultures.

Her pro­fessional journey took root in Switzerland, where she transitioned from expert management to human resources after recognizing a deep need for empathy and people-centric leadership in the corporate world.

HR being her core passion, Miranda has led the establishment of multiple startup offices from the ground up across Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East, navigating complex labor laws and fostering inclusive, high-performance cultures.

Her resilience was especially tested during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the fast-paced fashion industry with Philipp Plein, and most recently, while adapting to the dynamic business environment of the UAE.

A single mother of three (now grown-up) children and a former mo­torcycle enthusiast, Miranda thrives on adrenaline both in and out of the boardroom.

Take us through your decade-long profes­sional journey as an HR professional. What key areas of expertise have you developed over the years?

I have always had the urge to see the world, so after finishing my studies, I left the Netherlands and lived, studied, and worked in several countries. I eventually landed in Switzerland, which changed everything for me.

In one particular high-level meeting, where I was the only woman, I realized how one’s appearance can be the cause of judgment and the role HR can play in changing such perceptions.

While hiring, I focus on talent, regardless of gen­der, background, religion, or degree. I look for the right mindset and drive to grow rather than having fancy titles. My curiosity and learning drive have led me to excel in talent acquisition, organizational development, and change management.

I have worked with top exec­utives, built start-ups, and led multicultural HR.

Introduce us to Octopian Global Services. Tell us about the various roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the Global Human Resources Director at Octopian Global Services.

Octopian Global Services is a dynamic company spe­cializing in ICT services, cybersecurity, digital transfor­mation, and green energy solutions, headquartered in Dubai. As the Global HR Director, I lead the company’s HR strategy, from talent acquisition and leadership de­velopment to shaping company culture and aligning our people practices with global business goals.

I love the dynamic nature of the role at Octopian Global Services as every day brings something new, especially in a world that's constantly shifting due to pandemics, political developments, or rapid technolog­ical change.

UAE's rapid expansion fosters a diverse population with diverse cultures, languages, and back­grounds, which can be both challenging and beneficial, as individuals learn from each other.

I aim to create a positive work environment at Oc­topian Global Services, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion, promoting happiness and value among employees, emphasizing the importance of respecting all roles and roles in a company's success.

From an HR perspective, how do you build a strong company culture at Octopian Global Services? What are your focus areas in terms of driving growth for the company?

Building a strong company culture involves clear val­ues, open communication, and empowering employees. I prioritize fostering an inclusive environment with diverse perspectives is crucial. Regular engagement, transparent leadership, and continuous learning op­portunities drive growth. I also focus on talent develop­ment, innovation, and agility, which are key for success.

To create a successful company, consider the unique culture of each office, incorporating Middle Eastern, European, American, and Asian approaches. Make em­ployees feel part of the company, like a family, to sus­tain growth and maintain a winning team.

What are some major challenges you encounter as an HR leader in today’s business landscape? How do you successfully navigate through these roadblocks?

One of the biggest challenges I face is managing change in a world that’s evolving so quickly, especially with new technologies and shifting expectations from the workforce. Balancing remote work, keeping teams en­gaged, and maintaining that sense of connection with­in the company requires constant innovation.

I tackle this through clear communication, strong employee engagement, and by using technology to keep collabo­ration smooth. Agility and resilience are key.

Another big challenge I am passionate about is changing how people view HR. Too often, HR is still seen as just the “hire and fire” department, especially here in the UAE, where many companies either don’t have a proper HR structure or don’t fully recognize its value.

But HR is the bridge between employees and leadership. Our work involves improving insurance, fair pay, career growth, and providing support. In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, investing in employee train­ing and support can save companies time, money, and stress.

As a multi-sector leader with over a decade of experience in international HR leadership, can you shed light on the vision behind establishing The Next Step Consultancy?

The Next Step Consultancy is a UAE-based firm which was founded with a clear purpose, to help businesses make that crucial leap toward peak performance by building teams that truly align with their values and goals.

Over the years, I have seen companies struggle because they didn't have the right people or because leaders took action too late. That gap, "next step", is what we focus on. Having experience in HR and talent strategy across various industries, I wanted to create a consultancy that's people-first and results-driven.

The Next Step Consultancy is headquartered in Dubai but operates globally, offering business advisory, strategic workforce planning, HR consulting, business & life coaching, talent consultancy and HR strategy. We provide Swiss-level precision, a multilingual, multicul­tural team, and a deep understanding of different sec­tors, from finance to healthcare.

My focus with the company is to find the right peo­ple who fit in both skillset and mindset. Ultimately, peo­ple are the key to business success, and The Next Step Consultancy helps companies find the right teams and move forward with confidence.

The Next Step Consultancy also prioritizes business coaching, through which we often meet leaders, entre­preneurs, and professionals who carry a quiet weight. We understand that even the most capable leaders hit a wall sometimes.

Coaching is where the clutter clears and where decisions are examined with clarity. We em­power leaders to rebuild by guiding them through the right questions.

Looking back at your journey, what has been your guiding leadership philosophy? What is your ‘success mantra’?

My leadership philosophy centers on authenticity, em­powerment, and continuous listening and learning. I believe that empowering teams and fostering trust are essential for sustainable success. My success mantra is ‘Lead with integrity, inspire through action’.

Remember that growth takes time and strength, like an airplane, to lift, first it needs to go against the wind. I strive to create environments where individuals feel valued, support­ed, and motivated to contribute their best, knowing that collective growth drives organizational excellence.

How do you foresee the UAE’s HR landscape evolving in the years to come? Which industry trends will create the most significant impact?

UAE's HR landscape is going through a transformation, driven by tech, digitalization, and a stronger push to­ward sustainability and green energy. I see a growing focus on flexible work setups, remote work, and using HR analytics to make more informed decisions.

Emir­atization and talent localization are also playing a big role in shaping hiring strategies. Trends like AI-driven recruitment, upskilling, and inclusive workplaces are influencing how companies attract and retain talent. While I see AI as a helpful tool in recruitment, I still be­lieve HR should stay human.

People are not just their CVs or PDF files, sometimes a candidate looks perfect on paper but does not fit in person, and sometimes it's the opposite. AI just isn't human enough yet to fully re­place that connection.

Have you had any role models who inspired or influenced your journey?

Despite not having any specific role model, I have gath­ered something valuable from every company that I have worked for. Philipp Plein, for instance, saw poten­tial in me early on. He used to say, 'Do the miracle', and that trust pushed me to aim higher. It taught me that believing in someone can be contagious.

I also briefly worked at a top law firm where I took off the HR hat, and learned just how much precision mat­ters, literally even a dot can make a difference in legal cases. That experience provided me with exposure to corporate and legal affairs. At Matica Technologies, I re­alized my passion for startups, as building a team from the ground up and seeing it succeed is satisfying.

Now, at Octopian, I have learned about Middle East­ern culture and how powerful multicultural integration can be. All these experiences have shaped who I am professionally. These leaders shared a common trait of not handholding, but instead exposing individuals to the depths of the ocean to learn swimming skills. I hope to be a role model myself, to share what I have learned and make a difference for others.

Miranda Kruidenier, Global Human Resources Director at Octopian Global Services

Miranda Kruidenier, the Global Human Resources Director at Octopian Global Services and the Founder & CEO of The Next Step Consultancy, a UAE-based firm specializing in strategic HR advisory and talent solutions, brings over a decade of HR leadership experience across multiple sectors. Miranda is known for driving organizational growth through talent acquisition, diversity-focused leadership, and culture transformation.

Her deep understanding of team dynamics led her to establish The Next Step Consultancy to help businesses build high-performing teams aligned with her vision and values. Based in Dubai and serving both local and international markets, her consultancy is recognized for its Swiss precision, multilingual expertise, and people-first approach, bridging the gap between strategy and success.