Learning to Lead: How Daniel Transformed Engineering Expertise into Business Impact

Thursday, July 31, 2025

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Written in collaboration with Daniel Ng, Senior Design Engineer, and the North Asia employer brand team

At Hilti, our people are supported to create their future by learning continuously, building on their strengths, and leading their own development. For Daniel Ng in Hong Kong, that journey has taken him from technical expertise to broader business impact.

A New Path: From Technical Focus to Customer Impact

Daniel started at Hilti in 2021 as a Technical Engineer. Over the past four years, he took on new challenges and progressed through different roles within the Engineering department. Today, he works on turning design specifications into real-world sales opportunities, helping bridge the gap between engineering and business.

Transitioning from a system-focused role to one involving more client interaction was a shift that required new skills and mindset.

“Leading seminars, meeting with clients, and managing larger, more complex accounts became part of my daily work,” Daniel shared. “To succeed, I had to sharpen my communication, develop stronger presentation skills, and learn how to manage a wide range of stakeholders.

Learning That Shapes a Career

To navigate this transition, Daniel took part in development programs designed to help team members grow their capabilities and confidence.

Development Center: Building Self-Awareness and Leadership Skills

In his second year, Daniel joined the Development Center. The experience is designed to help team members reflect on their strengths, build business acumen and leadership capabilities, and think more strategically about their future.

“It really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “Presenting business solutions to senior leaders and getting feedback on how I think and lead helped me understand myself better. It clarified the direction I wanted my career to go.”

I-TAP: Expanding Perspective Through Regional Collaboration & Coaching

Daniel’s next step was joining the International Talent Advancement Program (I-TAP), a leadership program that brings together team members from across North Asia.

As part of I-TAP, he led a project to enhance how Hilti delivers end-to-end tool services through Fleet Management. It was a chance to collaborate across regions, apply new skills, and drive a real business initiative.

“The final presentation to our executive leaders was a great challenge,” Daniel said. “We had to present clearly and persuasively within a short time frame. It mirrored my day-to-day work, where I need to turn complex technical ideas into actionable, client-focused solutions.”

Throughout the program, Daniel also worked closely with a behavioral coach who provided guidance and feedback on how he could continue to grow professionally.

“My coach helped me see how I could use my strengths, especially in building relationships, to advance further,” he said. “That kind of support doesn’t just help with one project. It shapes how you show up every day.”

Development Made Real

True learning reshapes you—it always brings change.

Reflecting on his journey so far, Daniel sees each development experience as a key turning point.

“What I really appreciate at Hilti is how learning isn’t limited to one function or role. The opportunities are there to grow across departments, projects, and even countries. Each challenge has helped me build new skills and greater confidence in where I’m heading.”