Careers in emerging technology are often portrayed as carefully planned journeys, but for many professionals, a single unplanned moment can redefine an entire path. For one emerging technologies specialist, a chance encounter with virtual reality (VR) became the catalyst that transformed their career—taking them from structured consulting at PwC to innovation-driven leadership at MTN.
The journey began early in their career at PwC, where they worked within a traditional consulting environment focused on risk, strategy, and digital transformation. While the role offered exposure to enterprise systems and corporate problem-solving, emerging technologies were still largely theoretical within many boardroom conversations. That changed during an internal innovation showcase, where a VR headset was casually introduced as part of a pilot project. What started as curiosity quickly turned into fascination.
Experiencing VR firsthand revealed its potential beyond gaming. The immersive environment demonstrated how complex data, training simulations, and customer experiences could be reimagined. For the specialist, VR was no longer a buzzword; it became a tangible tool capable of reshaping industries. This moment sparked a deeper interest in extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence, and immersive digital solutions.
Motivated by this discovery, they began to self-learn—testing VR tools, attending tech meetups, and contributing to internal innovation initiatives at PwC. Over time, they became a go-to resource for emerging technology conversations, advising teams on how immersive tools could be applied to training, scenario planning, and client engagement. However, consulting allowed limited room for large-scale deployment, and the desire to build, not just advise, grew stronger.
That ambition found a natural home at MTN. As a telecommunications giant with access to millions of customers and a strong focus on digital services, MTN offered the scale needed to turn experimental technologies into real-world solutions. Transitioning from PwC to MTN, the specialist shifted from strategy decks to implementation—exploring how VR, AI, and other emerging technologies could enhance network operations, workforce training, and customer experience across African markets.
Today, their career stands as proof that innovation does not always begin with a master plan. Sometimes, it starts with an accidental moment of exposure that changes how you see technology—and what you believe your career can become.
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