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Dr., Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting : Advize Career Interview
This interview reveals a compelling career path rooted in a passion for social impact.
From early internships to roles with government agencies and PG&E, Dr.'s experiences laid the groundwork for becoming a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting, where strategic planning, advocacy, and a commitment to equity and sustainability drive the work.
A typical day involves balancing diverse projects, building partnerships, and staying connected to community needs. Success in this field demands adaptability, strong communication skills, and a dedication to lifelong learning.
Gaining foundational experience through policy analysis roles or junior consulting positions, coupled with networking and continuous personal development, are key to entry.
Sacramento State played a pivotal role in providing the network and business acumen needed to launch Adaptive Strategies Consulting, a testament to the power of education and community support.
Navigating their career as a Black woman in America deepened a commitment to equity and representation, highlighting the importance of elevating marginalized voices.
This career path offers the opportunity to create lasting change, making it an inspiring option for mission-driven individuals.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Dr. Nkiruka Catherine Ohaegbu
Principal Owner
Adaptive Strategies Consulting
Wayne State University
California State University Sacramento/MBA and Georgia State University/Doctor of Business Administration
Business Management & Admin
Public Service
Consulting
Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting
Dr.'s career path is rooted in a business administration foundation from college, intentionally seeking "practical experience early" through internships such as their time in the governor's office, eventually leading to roles like Assistant Director at the California Business Consumer Services and Housing Agency and with the U.S. Small Business Administration. These experiences, including work at PG&E promoting sustainability and clean energy, ultimately shaped the skills and expertise used as Principal at Adaptive Strategies Consulting, providing strategic planning and advocacy for organizations striving for social impact.
Responsibilities of a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting
As a principal owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting, Dr.'s main responsibility is to help organizations develop and implement strategies that promote equity, sustainability, and community impact through policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and program development; fundamentally, their job is about "helping organizations turn their vision into action and ensuring that equity and sustainability remains at the forefront of their work." Building strong partnerships is also critical to Dr.'s role, as collaboration with community organizations, government agencies, and the private sector helps create lasting change by bringing people together around shared goals.
A Day In The Life Of A Principal Owner At Adaptive Strategies Consulting
A principal owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting enjoys the variety of a career that demands adaptability and strategic thinking by balancing multiple projects, attending client meetings, conducting research, drafting reports, and facilitating workshops to ensure all voices are heard. Evenings often involve networking events, community meetings, or board engagement to stay connected and informed.
Most Important Skills For A Principal Owner At Adaptive Strategies Consulting
To thrive as a consultant like Dr. at Adaptive Strategies Consulting, a blend of technical skills such as "strategic thinking", interpersonal abilities, and a strong sense of purpose are key; with "relationship building" skills being crucial for fostering trust and navigating diverse perspectives. Strong communication and project management skills are also essential for conveying complex ideas, managing multiple projects, and staying organized.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Principal Owner At Adaptive Strategies Consulting
Dr. enjoys the opportunity to "create real lasting impact" through work tied to advancing equity, sustainability, and community wellbeing, and finds fulfillment in the variety that consulting offers by engaging with diverse issues and passionate people across sectors. Collaborating with community leaders, policymakers, and nonprofit partners, and the energy and commitment they bring, inspires them daily.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting
The biggest challenge for Dr. in their role as a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting is balancing multiple projects with competing deadlines while "keeping everything moving forward," which requires adaptability and careful planning. Ensuring equity remains central to every conversation and decision is also a key challenge as it requires "pushing back, asking hard questions, or advocating for underrepresented voices," ultimately highlighting their commitment to their values.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Consulting Industry as a Principal Owner
Dr. at Adaptive Strategies Consulting wishes they had known sooner the importance of building strong "relationships" through mentorship and professional networks to "open doors and strengthen impact." They also emphasized the need for patience and boundary-setting, as "progress isn't immediate" in policy and systems change, and prioritizing wellbeing is essential for sustainable contributions.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Consulting Industry According to a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting
Dr. at Adaptive Strategies Consulting believes that those who flourish in the consulting industry are "adaptable, mission-driven, and collaborative," and also possess strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities; furthermore, they are "lifelong learners" who stay informed and embrace growth given the ever-evolving nature of policy, community needs, and best practices. For Dr., a "strong sense of purpose" is paramount, as a commitment to creating positive change and a long-term effect is essential for success in this space.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Consultants
For those seeking entry-level positions in policy and strategy, Dr. recommends roles such as "policy analysts, research assistant or legislative aid" to gain foundational experience, and highlights that "consulting firms also sometimes hire junior consultants or project assistants" for learning strategic planning. Internships and fellowships are also noted as a "fantastic way to get experience, build your network and figure out which part of the industry resonates most".
College Experiences That Helped a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting Succeed
To prepare for a career in policy and community development, Dr. of Adaptive Strategies Consulting intentionally combined "academic knowledge and practical experience" by supplementing full-time work with relevant internships. Networking, leadership roles in student organizations, and a commitment to continuous learning further honed essential skills like project management, collaboration, and advocacy.
How Identity Influenced A Principal Owner's Career At Adaptive Strategies Consulting
Identifying as a Black woman in America has profoundly impacted Dr.'s career, shaping their perspective and deepening a commitment to equity and representation, and it has also become their strength. Navigating spaces as "one of the few people of color" fueled work to elevate marginalized voices and create inclusive practices, while building a vital network of community, mentorship and peer support has reinforced the importance of their work.
How to Become a Principal Owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting
Sacramento State provided Dr. with an invaluable network and the MBA program furnished "the tools needed...to go out on a limb and start [their] own consulting company." Dr. is "forever grateful" for the experience and the people met through the program and alumni association, which were clearly instrumental in shaping the career trajectory of a principal owner at Adaptive Strategies Consulting.
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