How Arnold Dix Applied An Iconoclastic Leadership Approach at the International Tunnelling Associat.
The International Tunnelling Association (ITA) plays a critical role in global infrastructure, ensuring clean water, sewage systems, and transport for millions while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But behind the technical achievements lies a deeper challenge—modernizing an industry traditionally dominated by European, American, and Australian professionals.
In this episode of NGO Soul + Strategy, I sit down with Arnold Dix, President of ITA, to discuss his iconoclastic leadership approach in making tunneling a more diverse and inclusive profession. Arnold has actively pushed for greater representation of women, people of color, and young engineers, challenging traditional power structures and advocating for regional voices.
As a leader in a global membership-based professional association, Arnold cannot mandate change—he must influence, persuade, and lead by example. What does it take to challenge entrenched norms, navigate resistance, and truly drive transformation? Listen in to find out.
Arnold's Bio
President of the International Tunnelling Association (ITA), leading efforts to modernize and diversify the profession
Lawyer, engineer, and scientist, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to underground infrastructure development
Champion for diversity in engineering, working to increase representation of women, young engineers, and professionals from non-Western regions
Global infrastructure expert, contributing to sustainable underground solutions worldwide
We Discuss
Reforming a global professional association: How Arnold has worked to decentralize power and amplify regional voices
Breaking industry norms: Making tunneling less exclusive and more diverse, bringing in women, younger professionals, and engineers of color
Leading without authority: The challenge of influencing rather than mandating change in a global membership-based association
Managing resistance: How traditional power centers within the industry have responded to his leadership and reforms
Lessons in delegation: What Arnold would do differently if he could start again
The bigger picture: How underground infrastructure development supports global dignity and the UN SDGs