Grace Yague, Head of the Design Center at DB E&C, on Growth, Grit, and Saying Yes Before You’re Ready

From Curiosity in Cameroon to Strategic Leadership Across Continents

Grace’s journey to becoming Head of the Design Centers at DB Engineering & Consulting is anything but ordinary. It’s a story built on curiosity, resilience, and a deep belief in taking initiative. From a childhood moment of wonder in a remote Cameroonian village to leading multinational teams across India and Romania, Grace has navigated her path with determination, courage, and a relentless drive to grow.

“For me, it all started with wonder,” she says, recalling a formative memory. “We had this old radio in my grandfather’s house. My siblings and I were mesmerized – how could a voice come from a box?” That moment of awe sparked a lifetime of curiosity. “We actually took the radio apart to find the person inside,” she laughs. “Of course, we didn’t find anyone – but I asked my mother, ‘Who makes these things?’ She said, ‘Engineers.’ From that day on, I knew: I want to be one of them.”

That early spark of curiosity would become a throughline in her life – one that guided her first steps into engineering, and later, her rise through the ranks of global organizations.

Taking the Lead: From Telekom to DB – A Career Fueled by Initiative and Resilience

After completing her studies in electrical engineering in Germany, Grace entered the workforce in 2009 in 2009, joining Telekom. She began as an assistant to leadership, moved into regional control for Foreign Service, and quickly made an impression by identifying inefficiencies in operations and proposing solutions. But when those ideas weren’t implemented fast enough, she didn’t sit back – she stepped up.

“I thought, Why not lead it myself?” she says. That mindset led her to pursue Six Sigma training. She earned her Black Belt and found in process optimization a powerful framework for change. It also gave her a language that bridged technical execution with strategic thinking.

But her growth didn’t stop there. Thankfully, mentors saw her potential and nominated her for Telekom’s internal leadership development program, right as the company was actively encouraging more women into leadership roles. It was a turning point. “That experience changed everything,” she reflects. “It gave me confidence. It showed me how to think ahead – how to plan three to five years out, and map the steps to get there.”

She progressed quickly, eventually leading a department of seven teams and over 140 people. But the demands were immense. “At that time, I had four children – including a newborn. I was working 10 to 12-hour days. And I had to ask myself: What really matters? That question led me to consider my next chapter.”

These formative years helped shape her leadership philosophy – one grounded in proactive problem-solving and an appetite for growth. And as she balanced a rising career with family life, she began to redefine success on her own terms.

Embracing Change: Saying Yes to the Unknown and Thriving at DB

Grace joined Deutsche Bahn as a team lead at DB Kommunikationstechnik. Shortly after, the COVID pandemic began. “It was a strange time to be entering a new company, but it pushed me to adapt, to grow through discomfort,” she says.

After about 18 months, she took on a new challenge – Head of Project Management at DB Engineering & Consulting in Hannover. That move opened the door to an even greater opportunity — one that initially seemed overwhelming to Grace: the chance to lead DB E&C’s Design Centers in India and Romania.

“When I saw the job description, I was honestly intimidated,” she admits. “It seemed overwhelming at first. But then I broke it down and realized – my multicultural background, my leadership style, my Black Belt training – they all fit. I thought, Why not me?”

And just like that, Grace took the leap. Today, she oversees operations and strategy for the global Design Centers, ensuring delivery excellence while preparing her teams for the future. “At first, it felt like stepping into the unknown. But now? I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

That willingness to embrace uncertainty laid the groundwork for her next major leap – one that would take her beyond national borders and into a truly global leadership role.

Leading the Design Centers: Delivering Excellence While Building for the Future

In her role, Grace leads on two levels: operational and strategic. “On the one hand, I ensure that we deliver high-quality, efficient, and timely engineering services for projects in Germany and abroad,” she explains. “We’re not just a support function. We are an essential part of DB E&C’s delivery system.”

On the other hand, she’s responsible for building the future. “I look ahead to where the company is going – where we’ll need talent, where we’ll need new skills. I help align our Design Centers to those needs so we’re ready.” That includes anticipating skill shortages in Germany and scaling capabilities in areas like telecommunication and security engineering.

“Our goal is to create breathing space for our German teams. We’re here to support, to expand capacity, and to offer specialized expertise without ever compromising on quality.”

But even with strong systems in place, no team operates in a vacuum. Shifts in the market — including paused projects with DB InfraGo — would soon test Grace’s ability to adapt – and reaffirm her belief in turning challenges into opportunities.

Navigating Market Shifts: Adapting with Agility and Leading Through Uncertainty

No leadership journey is without challenges. For Grace, one of the biggest has been navigating market volatility. “Our main contractor, DB InfraGo, has paused several projects,” she shares. “That affected the demand we had built our capacity around.”

Instead of retreating, Grace saw an opportunity. “We’re using this moment to realign. To refocus our capabilities toward growth areas like telecom and digital systems.” It’s another example of her philosophy in action: adapt, optimize, evolve.

She sees uncertainty as a catalyst. “It’s about asking the right questions: Where else can we apply our strengths? How can we stay agile? That mindset keeps us moving forward.”

It’s precisely this kind of mindset – rooted in resilience and constant reinvention – that also shapes how Grace leads across cultures and continents.

The Global Perspective: Why Diversity, Empathy, and Multicultural Teams Drive Innovation

One of the aspects Grace is most passionate about is the diversity within DB E&C’s global teams. “Five years ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d be leading Design Centers across continents,” she reflects. “But now, I see every day how diversity strengthens us.”

For her, working across cultures isn’t just about different time zones or languages – it’s about expanding perspectives. “At DB E&C, you’re not limited to Germany. You work on international projects, in multicultural teams. That builds empathy. It forces you to listen more, to understand before you act.”

Grace believes that diversity fuels performance. “Being a good planner or project manager isn’t tied to your passport. I’ve seen colleagues from different parts of the world go out of their way to connect – speaking German, even if it’s just a few words. That effort, that humility – it brings people together. It creates stronger, more respectful teams.”

This appreciation for people, growth, and potential is something she looks for in every new team member – and it defines the culture she fosters.

What Makes a Great Team Member? It’s Not Perfection – It’s the Willingness to Learn

When Grace hires, she’s not just looking for technical proficiency – she’s looking for passion, humility, and curiosity.

“Of course, expertise is important. But more than that, I look for people who are eager to learn. People who ask questions, who want to improve – not just themselves, but the team around them,” she says.

She values team members who are adaptable and proactive. “Nobody knows everything. That’s okay. What I want to see is someone who says, I don’t know yet – but I’ll figure it out. That kind of energy lifts the entire team.”

Grace also places high importance on empathy and collaboration. “I look for people who contribute to a positive dynamic – who support junior colleagues, share knowledge, and create psychological safety in the room. That’s when innovation happens.”

To her, the best team members bring both technical skill and emotional intelligence. “When you combine those, you get people who are not just good engineers – but great teammates.”

And it’s in those moments – when teams grow together and rise to the occasion – that Grace sees the true impact of her leadership.

The Projects That Matter: Celebrating Growth Beyond Technical Delivery

While Grace has overseen numerous complex and high-impact projects, it’s not the technical milestones that stay with her – it’s the human transformation.

“What really moves me is when a team starts off unsure – hesitant, even – and through collaboration and belief, they rise to the challenge,” she says. “It’s like starting a football season dreaming of the championship. You don’t know if you’ll get there – but through effort and trust, you do.”

For Grace, those moments define success more than any metric. “I’ve seen teams surprise themselves with what they’re capable of. That’s leadership. That’s the magic I live for.”

That same passion for human development is also what she sees reflected in the broader culture of DB E&C.

What Makes DB E&C Special? A Platform for Global Careers and Lifelong Learning

When asked what makes DB E&C stand out, Grace points to the blend of structure and possibility.

“There’s a unique mix here,” she says. “You have clear processes, yes – but also incredible room to grow. You’re not boxed into one location or function. You can explore new paths, move across borders, and stretch beyond what you thought was possible.”

She highlights three core elements that make the company special: development opportunities, international exposure, and multicultural collaboration: Development opportunities, international exposure and multicultural collaboration

And above all: the people. “The colleagues here are not just capable – they’re inspiring. You learn from them every day.”

And when she distills everything into the essence of what the company and her team represent, it comes down to a simple yet powerful combination.

Five Words That Define the Spirit of E&C: Impact, Collaboration, Growth, Energy, Curiosity

Grace captures the essence of her team's experience in five key themes:
Inspiring projects. Diverse teams. Growth. Passion. Balance.

Each one reflects a deeper value she stands for – from making an impact and growing together, to fostering collaboration, curiosity, and a contagious energy.

But it’s not just about great teams or meaningful work – Grace also carries a message she’s passionate to share, especially with women in engineering.

To Women in Engineering: You Are Enough – Lead with Courage, Not Perfection

Grace closes with a message that resonates far beyond the rail industry. It’s a message for every woman hesitating to take the next step.

“Ladies, stop waiting to be perfect,” she says with conviction. “You don’t need to tick every box. If you meet 70% of the criteria – go for it.”

She sees a pattern in the women she mentors. “They talk themselves out of roles before they’ve even tried. I always say: Don’t let fear win. You can learn what you don’t know. That’s what growth is.”

Grace believes in leading by example, and she urges women to reframe their inner voice:
“Say: Yes, I have gaps. But I’m willing to learn. I’m ready to grow.”

And perhaps her most powerful line of all:
“Instead of asking, ‘What if it doesn’t work out?’ ask, ‘What if it does?’”

That shift, she says, changes everything.