Emmagness describes her experience of being part of the inaugural 40 Under 40 cohort as “surreal”. 

“Only that it wasn’t a dream, it was real,” she says. “Being recognised and awarded was such a significant moment in my journey, everything that I’ve gone through since moving to Australia eights years ago. It validated the hard work I’ve put into my career – and now business – as a Brand Strategist and Personal Brand Coach.” 

Emmagness had always planned to start a marketing consultancy, once she felt she had established herself in her career and community. But when her position as head of brand and marketing for a global FinTech company was made redundant, she abandoned her 20-year plan and made the leap to build her dream business in the here and now. 

“Launching VAKA was a combination of personal drive, a clear vision and the invaluable support of my network. I had a strong desire to build a legacy, create something that not only aligned with my values but also filled a gap I saw in the market for people-responsive brand strategies and personal branding,” says Emmagness.

“VAKA means to build, to build and establish a solid foundation. Through experience, I know the importance of having a firm foundation for your brand, your marketing programs and your personal brand. That’s the objective of everything that I do with VAKA – it’s to establish and build firm foundations through research based frameworks.”

Though she admits the process has not always been “a walk in the park”, Emmagness asserts she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m driven everyday by the real impact I see it having on my clients and community,” she says. 

Emmagness also credits key mentors in her life for guiding, encouraging and empowering her to believe in her vision. She has more than given this energy back to the universe, working as the chief strategist of Skilled Migrant Professionals Magazine and the co-host of Empowered Voices Amplified podcast, as well as volunteering as a mentor for Assisterhood.

“I’m on a mission to dismantle stereotypes and make sure no one is left behind as we progress as a society. This sense of shared progress drives me to keep pushing for greater inclusion and representation,” she says. 

“What keeps me passionate is seeing the real, tangible impact of my work – when someone I’ve mentored or coached lands their dream job, or when a podcast episode resonates with our listeners and inspires them to take bold steps in their careers. These moments are incredibly fulfilling and remind me of why I started this journey.”

“I have to also say that there’s something about receiving an award that pushes you and inspires you to keep pushing boundaries, to be a role model for others, particularly black and brown women who often face unique challenges in their professional lives and entrepreneurial journeys,” she says of her 40 Under 40 win.  

On a personal note, she says, the awards boosted her confidence and helped bolster her drive to make a difference. In terms of business, the increased visibility attracted new clients. “The recognition elevated my profile and led to increased speaking engagements and collaborations that I might not have had access to otherwise. Last year alone (after the award ceremony), I secured five speaking gigs with prestigious institutions,” Emmagness says. 

The award ceremony and gala, Emmagness remembers with great fondness. “There was something electric, magical and downright energising about the whole event,” she says. “I was on a table with other nominees and we connected by sharing our journeys and everything we had done to that point – I love hearing other people’s stories and understanding more about the impact they are making in their communities and industries.”

This experience, she says was invaluable. “The event last year provided an opportunity for me to connect with people I do not normally cross paths with. I got to build relationships with people who understand the challenges and rewards of running a business or being an industry leader. Connecting with the local industry community opens the door to potential collaborations (over competition), partnerships and event mentorship opportunities that can drive growth for business. Most importantly for me, being surrounded by like-minded individuals is an opportunity to learn, whether through shared insights or simply listening and observing the success and strategies of other people. There’s also a sense of support and inspiration that comes from being around people going through the same journey as you.”

40 Under 40 Awards presented by InQueensland and The Weekend Edition will announce this year’s winners on August 21, 2024. The awards will acknowledge this year’s alumni of 40 of the state’s brightest, including the winners of the ten category awards. This is your last chance to buy tickets – head to Eventbrite to secure yours now.