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Dan Segura leads his clients through massive and complex digital transformation at PwC. The consulting solutions manager leads teams big and small in to increase client growth potential. A DePaul graduate of 2019, he says landing a job at the prestigious PwC is his current career highlight, where he became a manager by age twenty-five.
Learn more about Segura’s passion for STEM education, his nonprofit board work, and his inevitable march towards a director-level role supported by a strong network of colleagues and mentors.
What do you do today?
As a manager in our cloud and digital consulting solutions practice at PwC, I help lead our clients through the digital transformation of their business. These large-scale, complex transformation efforts enable our clients to increase their growth potential, increase their market competitiveness, and enhance their operations. Past engagements have ranged from leading teams of twenty to over seventy-plus people to help deliver a lasting cloud-enabled competitive advantage centered around operational quality, technical agility, and innovation to our clients.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
With the support of my mentors and sponsors at PwC, my greatest career accomplishment has been my accelerated progression as a Start Intern at the firm during my sophomore year of college and reaching the manager milestone by age twenty-five. For me, the accomplishment is not the job title, but the opportunities it has provided me along the way. Since starting with the firm, these accomplishments have afforded me the opportunity to get involved in a leadership capacity with our DEI recruiting strategy, Start Internship program, Latino Inclusion Network, and so much more.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
Throughout my childhood, I struggled with weight issues and felt lost during my high school years, resulting in rapid weight gain. I gradually picked up running as a casual hobby and means of a healthier lifestyle. Through persistence, I lost more than 140 pounds over the span of two years with a complete transformation of my lifestyle habits. Competing in my first-ever Chicago Marathon in 2016 after my weight loss journey and the glimpse of my family eagerly waiting for me on the other end of that finish line was an unforgettable moment that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.
How do you tackle problems and overcome challenges?
When faced with problems and challenges, I believe in the power of a strong support network and the ability to pivot your perspective. Recognizing that the strength of a leader lies in their team, I rely on my network of supportive resources and mentors to navigate obstacles. Through my experience at PwC, I’ve honed my ability to adapt to different environments, and the firm has granted me access to top talent from across the globe. As a result, I have often found that my most difficult challenges gradually transform into valuable learning opportunities that have continued to contribute to my personal and professional growth.
What do you do today to impact your community?
Before joining PwC full time, I was an assistant teacher for computer science in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system. Inspired to continue contributing to the advancement of STEM education in the city, I became aware of a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing STEM exposure and opportunities to underserved Chicago neighborhoods. Along with my role on the nonprofit’s Associate Board, I lead their career development pillar which helps provide access to new career opportunities to students post-high school and forges relationships with prominent corporations across Chicago to help show students what it takes to be the future leaders in tech!
Describe yourself in five words.
Persistent, resilient, empathetic, enthusiastic, and inclusive.
What are your future goals?
As I continue to make strides toward the director milestone, I have aspirations of making partner here at PwC, becoming the future primary sponsors for the Start Internship program, and developing into one of our cloud and digital practice leaders for years to come!
What is your favorite form of self-care?
Early morning runs at 5 a.m. on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail or long walks with my dog, Chloe.
What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?
I love endurance sports! I’ve competed in two World Marathon Majors, had the privilege to be one of the featured athletes for the 2021 Chicago Triathlon, and recently competed in my first-ever fifty-mile ultramarathon in Leadville, Colorado.
What does making NextGen Collective’s 30 Under 30 list mean to you?
Being included in NextGen Collective’s 30 Under 30 list holds immense significance for me, especially considering my entry into a competitive industry as an intern. Struggling to find leaders early on who shared my background and experiences as a Latino, it became my sole ambition to become the representation I yearned for, inspiring future leaders. This recognition validates my journey and reinforces my commitment to serving as a role model, overcoming obstacles, and paving the way for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive in the corporate landscape.
What is your personal theme song? (*please list song name and artist!)
“Still Broke (feat. Keyon Harrold)” by Samm Henshaw
What is your Latino background?
I am Mexican American and the eldest child of immigrant parents! My mother immigrated to the US from Durango, Mexico, and my father from Mexico City.
Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity.
