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.
Networking, Mentorship, Collaboration, Work-Life Balance, Patience
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. The importance of building strong professional relationships and networks, including seeking mentorship, as these connections open doors and amplify impact.
2. The need for patience and persistence in policy and systems change work, understanding that progress is gradual and requires celebrating small victories while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
3. The significance of setting boundaries to protect personal wellbeing, ensuring sustainable engagement and preventing burnout when working in a field one is passionate about.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is just how important relationships are in this industry. Technical skills and expertise matter, of course, but so much of this work depends on collaboration, trust, and the networks you build.
I wish someone had told me earlier to invest more intentionally in mentorship and professional relationships. Those connections open doors and strengthen your impact.
I've also learned that work takes time when you're working on policy or systems change. Progress isn't immediate, but patience and persistence are key. It's important to celebrate the small wins along the way and stay focused on the bigger picture.
Finally, I wish I had known the importance of setting boundaries. When you're passionate about the work, it's easy to overextend yourself. Taking care of your well-being ensures you can show up fully and sustainably for the causes that you care about.