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.
Policy Analysis, Government Relations, Community Impact, Strategic Planning, Equitable Access
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
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Government & Public Sector
Consulting
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Early practical experience through internships was key: The interviewee emphasized the importance of gaining practical experience early in their career through internships to work on real-world problems.
2. Government service at multiple levels: The interviewee held positions in the governor's office, a state agency (California Business Consumer Services and Housing Agency), and the US Small Business Administration, demonstrating experience in policy and community needs.
3. Transition to consulting with a focus on social impact: The interviewee's diverse experiences in government and public affairs led to their current role as a Principal at Adaptive Strategies Consulting, where they focus on strategic planning, policy analysis, and advocacy for organizations striving for social impact.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college?
What about internships or jobs you had before your current role?
My career path has been shaped by a mix of education, diverse work experience, and a strong passion for equity and community impact. In college, I studied business administration, and that foundation really set the stage for the work I do today.
I was intentional about getting practical experience early, so I pursued internships after I graduated and opportunities that allowed me to work on real-world problems. After graduating, I worked as an intern in the governor's office.
Later, I served as assistant director of planning and policy at the California Business Consumer Services and Housing Agency. In that role, I was a gubernatorial appointee and worked on statewide housing policy, addressing issues like homelessness, affordability, and equitable access to resources.
Then, I served as a business loan specialist with the US Small Business Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, where I helped small businesses access critical funding during an incredibly challenging time. That experience taught me a lot about government process, community needs, and how policy directly impacts people's lives.
From there, I transitioned to PG&E, where I work in public affairs, government relations, and enterprise project governance. My work focused on promoting sustainability, sustainable development, and clean energy. I collaborated with community stakeholders and policymakers to advance environmental equity initiatives.
All of these experiences helped me develop the skills and expertise I use today as principal at Adaptive Strategies Consulting. There, I provide strategic planning, policy analysis, and advocacy support to organizations striving for social impact.