Janine Lingenfelder

About Beyond Cubicles

📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.

Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers. 

✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.

“My brand is now about connection over conversion.”

After more than two decades in corporate sales roles, Janine Lingenfelder knew she was no longer fulfilled chasing someone else’s vision.

She had been mentoring people on the side. “I wasn’t just good at sales; I was good at helping others believe in themselves and what they were offering.”

That moment led to Jelani Sales in 2019, a soulful mentorship brand that helps entrepreneurs sell with confidence.

Jelani, a Swahili word for ‘mighty’, reflects the bond between her and her daughter Jessica and highlights the resilience one needs in your sales journey.

“I mentor coaches, consultants, creatives, people who are great at what they do but struggle to sell it,” she says.

Launching wasn’t easy. “Fear and self-doubt, hands down,” she admits.

Without a title or a safety net, she often questioned if she was enough. Journaling, faith, and trusted mentors helped her push through.

“I had to unlearn the idea that productivity equals worth,” she says.

Her breakthrough came during a call, when the client said, “I’ve had sales coaches before, but none of them made me feel this seen and supported.”

That moment made her realize she was helping people transform how they felt about sales, and about themselves.

Through this journey, she has grown into someone who trusts her instincts and her talent. “I used to dim my light to fit in. Now I realize my energy, empathy, and honesty are my superpowers,” she says.

Today, freedom for her is living in Dubai, going to the gym with her daughter, having dinners with her husband, and enjoying pool days with friends. “Fulfillment is knowing I’m building something that reflects my values.”

Her personal brand has evolved from corporate polish to authenticity. She now co-hosts the Women Wise Podcast with Sara Haboubi and leads a Circle Networks’ franchise, Ascend Circle. “My brand is now about connection over conversion,” she says.

She credits her husband, daughter, parents (now in their 80s), mentors, and Dubai’s founder community. “I never expected I’d become the person others turn to for clarity, courage, and sales strategy, and that I’d love it.”

Originally from South Africa, Janine moved to Dubai in 2023 for a new adventure. It has been, in her words, “a beautiful, challenging, and growth-filled chapter”.