An Interview with Ada Nwadigo

Ada Nwadigo is a multi-award-winning civil engineer, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to advancing innovation, inclusion, and leadership within the engineering and technology sectors. She is the president and CEO of Jona Infrastructure, an independent organisation supporting African countries in planning, delivering, and managing sustainable and resilient infrastructure aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ada also serves as the chief technology officer and founder of ENG TREPRENEUR, a global platform empowering professionals at the intersection of engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Recognised among the Top 50 Women in Engineering (2024) and honoured as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) STEM Ambassador of the Year for both London and the UK, Ada is passionate about inspiring the next generation of leaders to break barriers and embrace their full potential.

Her work bridges the worlds of engineering, leadership, and empowerment, reflecting her belief that innovation thrives where diversity, vision, and purpose meet.

In The SHE-E-OH Mindset, Ada shares powerful insights drawn from her journey as a woman leading in a male-dominated sector, offering practical strategies, inspiration, and the mindset tools needed to rise, lead, and create meaningful impact.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

I was inspired to write The SHE-E-OH Mindset through my own journey as a woman leading in the fields of engineering and technology — industries where representation and inclusion are still evolving. Over the years, I’ve experienced the challenges of navigating male-dominated spaces, but also the incredible opportunities that come from leading with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.

This book was born out of a desire to share those lessons — to encourage more women to step confidently into leadership but also to reinforce the importance of inclusive, values-driven leadership for everyone. The SHE-E-OH Mindset is not just for women; it’s for anyone who believes in breaking barriers, creating space for others, and leading with impact.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Finding the title for my book wasn’t instant; it took reflection, creativity, and a desire to capture the true essence of what the book represents. I wanted something that spoke to leadership, purpose, and impact, yet carried a sense of empowerment and identity.

When The SHE-E-OH Mindset came to me, it immediately felt right. I loved how ‘SHE-E-OH’ rhymed with ‘CEO’ — a familiar symbol of leadership and authority with a twist that celebrates the power of the feminine perspective in leadership. To me, it wasn’t just a play on words; it was a statement. It represented the balance between strength and empathy, vision and responsibility — qualities that I believe define great leaders.

I wanted a title that reflected the leadership principles explored in the book, centred on sustainability, holistic value creation, equity, ethical stewardship, and outstanding impact. Through personal stories, practical insights, and inspiring examples, I explore how leadership is not just about success but about creating lasting significance — a legacy of courage, fairness, and transformative change.

Ultimately, this book and its title are about more than gender. They’re about redefining what leadership means in today’s world. The SHE-E-OH Mindset is for every leader who wants to make a meaningful difference for people, communities, and the planet.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover would blend art, futurism, and nature — something that visually represents growth, innovation, and harmony with the world around us. I’ve always been inspired by the idea of merging the natural and technological worlds, reflecting the balance between progress and purpose that underpins my work and philosophy.

For The SHE-E-OH Mindset, however, I envision something more personal — a picture of me in a suit, symbolising confidence, leadership, and authenticity. It reflects the message of the book: that leadership can be both powerful and grounded, visionary and human. The image would stand against a clean, modern background, perhaps with subtle elements of nature or light to convey renewal and forward-thinking energy.

It’s a cover that would speak not only to achievement, but to the evolution of leadership — one that’s bold, inclusive, and conscious of its impact.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

If The SHE-E-OH Mindset had a soundtrack, it would be a celebration of empowerment, resilience, and purpose. I’ve actually created a Spotify playlist called ‘The SHE-E-OH Playlist,’ featuring songs from some of the most inspirational women artists whose music uplifts, motivates, and reminds us of the power of confidence and authenticity.

The playlist includes tracks like Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé, Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Unstoppable by Sia, and Level Up by Ciara — all songs that capture the spirit of leadership, courage, and transformation that the book embodies.

Each song represents a chapter of the SHE-E-OH journey from breaking barriers to leading with empathy, from building legacy to finding strength in community. It’s music for women and all leaders who are ready to step boldly into their purpose and create lasting impact.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I started out as a cab office telephone operator, which was my first experience in a professional environment. While studying for my civil engineering degree, I also worked as a makeup artist and a waitress, gaining valuable lessons in communication, patience, and multitasking.

After completing my degree, I worked as a civil engineer and project manager, applying technical and leadership skills to deliver complex infrastructure projects. Alongside my professional career, I pursued my passion for education and empowerment, authoring a children’s book called A–Z of STEM and now writing The SHE-E-OH Mindset, sharing insights on leadership, innovation, and creating impact.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

More than anything, I hope The SHE-E-OH Mindset transforms how readers see themselves as leaders. I want them to walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to create psychologically safe environments where people can thrive, innovate, and perform at their best.

For those who are already leading, I hope this book helps them cultivate workplaces built on empathy, trust, and accountability spaces, where every voice is valued and meaningful impact can flourish. And for those who are still aspiring to lead, I want them to carry this knowledge with them, and when their moment comes, to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Ultimately, I hope the book becomes more than a read. I want it to be a mindset shift, inspiring a new generation of leaders who are driven not only by success, but by significance.

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