5 Questions With An Expert: Didi Ndando

February 18, 2021

Didi Ndando-1
Didi Ndando
Vice President, Finance and Administration

1. Starting with some background about yourself, can you share what type of work you do at HVJ and what you find most interesting about it?

As an undecided college freshman inspired by self-improvement and growth, I was presented with an opportunity to pursue training as a Civil Engineering Assistant, which I eagerly pursued. After obtaining certification as an engineering assistant, I continued my education to obtain my Civil Engineering degree with emphasis on Geotechnical Engineering. After joining HVJ my interest in management grew so I pursued an MBA. 

These opportunities for growth are what I find fascinating about engineering and HVJ.

2. What is your role at HVJ, and what is your favorite type of project/work?

As Vice President, Finance and Administration I effectively reconcile the operational and administrative components of the business by utilizing my background and experience in the engineering world. A key function of mine is supporting the success of managers by facilitating and providing data trends and interpretations, especially as these relate to stakeholder satisfaction and financials, so they can make important decisions that add real value to our clients, employees, and the growth of the business.

Development and training of all our employees is one of my favorite roles. We look for those with specific attitudes that match our company's values of gratitude, ambition, responsibility, and excellence and then provide opportunities for their growth.

3. What are the common types of problems that your customers are trying to solve? What do you think draws them specifically to HVJ?

While I rarely deal directly with HVJ’s customers, I work closely with those managers who do, and I have to say it is not for the common problems that people hire HVJ, but rather, the uncommon problems they face, or that could arise along the way. The other big draw is that we are dedicated to stakeholder satisfaction --we consider complaints as opportunities.

4. One of HVJ’s promises is a commitment to on-going learning. What resources or training opportunities have you found to be most useful? What tips do you have for keeping up to date with on-going education?
 

HVJ places a high value on ambition as seen from my ongoing education. Further, HVJ provides courses and routes for both managers and those who desire an operationally focused role. For those looking to be senior managers we essentially have a “degree” program, which takes about three years to complete. I was able to achieve my MBA while employed by HVJ, and similarly, we are also eager to provide training for those who want to explore other relevant sub-specialties.

5. You’ve been at HVJ for almost 25 years. What do you like most about being part of the HVJ team? What are your future goals?
 

I enjoy being a part of the HVJ team because I find opportunities for self-growth and improvement as we strive to be our own competition.

With regards to the future, building our Employer Brand centered on stakeholder value is of the utmost importance to me. I am also eager to continue telling our story in a compelling way that encourages those who fit our market and share our values to take part in HVJ’s success.

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