Thoughts for a Technologist: The Year(s) in Review
Looking back on my tech transition; Looking forward into 2026
It’s been 2 years since I took the leap of faith to pivot from investment banking into tech, and what a journey it has been! I’m incredibly grateful for how much has happened in such a short time - I’ve learned, built, and grown.
Every time I meet someone new, I get asked about my journey: what motivated it, and how I’ve gotten to where I am today. As this year comes to a close, I’ve had the chance to step out of the usual flow of work to reflect, and I can see more clearly the milestones that have brought me to this point and where I want to go next.
I’m sharing this because I spent years wishing I had studied computer science or learned how to code. Now, I’m building at a startup, speaking at tech conferences, and teaching others what I’m learning. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to do - something that feels hard or out of reach - I want you to know it’s possible. This is obviously an abridged summary, but I hope it encourages you: do the thing you want to do, and pursue it faithfully.
2023:
Quit my job to focus on teaching myself how to code
Founded Pivotech and started making YouTube vlogs on my life as a Multidisciplinary Technologist, and interviewing others on their journeys into tech. I filmed and edited videos in London, Houston, and San Francisco
My first Youtube interview
2024:
Launched “Build Sessions” - a cohort program where technologists work on projects together - and “Conversations with Technologists”, where technologists talk about what they’re building, featuring builders like Jermaine Craig of Kwanda
Gave a talk at codeBar on being a multidisciplinary technologist—this is where I met Chloe and Jaye of Vouchsafe
Joined Vouchsafe as a product engineer
Hosted my first panel for codeBar on switching careers into tech
Pitched Vouchsafe at two finance industry events
2024 in images
2025:
Promoted to Senior Product Engineer at Vouchsafe
Launched new features at Vouchsafe, including the first-ever automatic UK eVisa verification feature
Gave several technical talks and hosted my first technical workshop on building multi-agent systems with my colleague, Khadija
Hosted a panel on building secure and inclusive financial systems for Vouchsafe
Spoke on a panel at UK Black Business Week on being a professional in fintech
Hosted the first in-person “Conversations with Technologists” salon
This year I also got to do more creative extracurricular activities, including:
Designed and sewed my first capsule fashion collection for myself
Planned and hosted my second singles’ social - the first one was actually while I was still in banking!
Exhibited a print I made. I used to be a photographer before going into investment banking, so this marked the beginning of a return to that creativity
I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, and grateful to God for the opportunities I’ve had these years, the people I’ve met, and the things I’ve been able to build. My career is starting to look like what I’ve imagined, with me building technical products, creating community spaces, and returning to creative work. I’m excited to see how I take this further next year.
Long term, I’m continuing to build on my personal thesis of being a connector, investor, creative, and builder. Specifically, in 2026, I’m looking forward to:
Continuing to build the future of trust infrastructure at Vouchsafe (2026 is a pivotal year for us!)
Expanding Pivotech as a platform for multidisciplinary technologists to build together, share their work, and inspire the next generation of builders
Advising founders and startups on product strategy and technical architecture - helping shape ideas from inception to execution
Sharing what I’m learning through various physical and digital mediums, both on my own platforms and others’ platforms
Speaking on panels about innovation, fintech, and building in tech
Building ambitious personal technical projects that push my limits and let me explore new technologies
Intentionally engaging in creative projects, like designing my next capsule collection, and making more prints of my art
These aren't separate pursuits - they're all part of building a multidisciplinary career where my technical skill, creative expression, and community building reinforce each other.
Are you building something interesting? Looking for a speaker or want to collaborate on a project? Want to talk about product strategy, career pivots, or anything else on this list? Reach out on LinkedIn - I’d love to connect.
Have a wonderful new year!
Best,
Nkechi