Mahin Panchia on blending technical insight with human connection in consulting
At Uvance Wayfinders, we are a diverse group of talented consultants, leveraging our expertise and experience to solve our clients’ challenges and unlock business value. This series discusses who we are, why we are here, and how we, as individuals and as a business, bring value to both our clients and to society.
Your journey so far
I studied engineering at university, which gave me a good foundation in technical thinking and problem solving. During my degree I also went on exchange, and that experience ended up shaping a lot of what I enjoy in work. Travelling and meeting people from different backgrounds made me realise I like roles that involve collaboration and communication, not just technical tasks.
Over time I realised I wanted a career that sits somewhere between the two, using analytical skills but still having plenty of interaction with others. That mix is what led me to Wayfinders, as it offers the chance to apply a technical background while also working closely with people in a more social, relationship focused environment.
The spark behind joining Wayfinders
What stood out to me was the emphasis on learning through real client interaction and being involved in meaningful work from the start. I liked that the role is hands-on and collaborative, with opportunities to work across different projects and teams rather than being locked into one path early on.
The program also feels genuinely supportive, with a structure that helps graduates understand their strengths and where they fit best. Overall, Wayfinders seemed like the right environment to grow, contribute, and build confidence.
What makes Wayfinders stand out?
What makes Wayfinders unique is that it’s part of Fujitsu, a company with deep roots in technology. Fujitsu’s research teams in Japan are constantly exploring new ideas, from emerging AI to next generation computing, which means we’re connected to people who are genuinely pushing the boundaries of what technology can do.
Instead of giving customers advice from a distance, we draw on real technical insight from across the business. That’s our edge compared to more traditional consulting groups, because we’re not just talking about technology, we’re working alongside the people who design it, build it, and support it every day.
Your vision for impact
Looking ahead, I want to get more involved with the cutting-edge technology being developed and used across Fujitsu and understand how it can be applied in ways that genuinely help people.
I’m hoping to build a clearer picture of both the technical side of what we offer and the day today challenges our clients face, so I can help connect the two in a practical way. With my engineering background and my naturally social way of working, I feel I’m well placed to bridge that gap.
Creating value beyond business
I see my work contributing to customer success by helping them make sense of the technology they’re using and making sure it supports what they’re trying to achieve. A big part of that is listening properly, understanding their challenges, and then helping them get the most out of the tools available to them.
By doing that well, I think we can make a wider difference too, whether it’s helping organisations run more smoothly, improving services for the community, or supporting more sustainable ways of working. Even small, practical improvements can add up.
My aim is to help customers feel more confident with technology and create outcomes that make things better for the people they serve.
Mahin Panchia
Graduate Associate, Uvance Wayfinders, Oceania
Mahin Panchia is a Graduate Associate at Wayfinders with a background in Engineering Science, specialising in machine learning, computational modelling, and applied physics. Originally from Auckland, his exchange experiences sparked a passion for roles that blend analytical problem‑solving with human connection. He brings a curious, people‑centred approach to helping organisations navigate emerging technologies, thriving in environments driven by learning, teamwork, and meaningful impact.
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