How an Unexpected Pivot Led to a Career at Zscaler

If you had told Matthew’s younger self that he would spend his career building state-of-the-art tech experiences, he would have laughed. Originally studying Criminology and planning a career in law enforcement via US Army ROTC, injuries forced an unexpected detour. A reluctant interview at a tech company introduced him to conference rooms that looked like the bridge of Star Trek—and his career pivoted forever.

Today, Matthew is a Staff Technical Program Manager for the Digital Employee Experience Team at Zscaler, proving that unexpected detours can lead exactly to where you can make the biggest impact.

Dynamic Range: Designing for Outcomes

At Zscaler, Matthew’s daily mission is to deliver the absolute best user experience possible. He operates with true dynamic range—navigating seamlessly between high-level strategies for the future of work and the hands-on execution required to build cutting-edge AV systems.

For Matthew, it is never just about installing the latest tech; it is about being committed to the outcome.

"The value isn’t in the room itself, but in the outcomes it enables," Matthew explains. "Spaces can no longer be designed around a single purpose. A room may need to support a broadcast-quality webcast, a hybrid meeting, and an immersive customer experience—all within the same day." With AI shifting workflows, his team ensures devices, sensors, and software work together to keep Zscaler ahead of how work is evolving.

Challenging the Status Quo to Land the Initiatives

Designing Zscaler’s new office spaces requires a willingness to challenge the status quo rather than settling for off-the-shelf solutions. By engaging in true co-creation, Matthew stays focused on executing with urgency and landing the initiatives that create real business value. 

"The most meaningful part is knowing the work makes a real impact for our employees and customers," he says. "I enjoy solving complex problems, helping teams operate more effectively, and turning ideas into measurable business outcomes."

Trust the Detour

Matthew found an environment at Zscaler that accelerates his career and amplifies his impact. His advice for anyone navigating their own career journey?

"Keep an open mind, adapt when life throws a wrench in your plans, and dream big. You never know where it will lead you. I'm proud to be part of Zscaler and excited to keep building."

Ready to Make an Impact?

At Zscaler, we're building an environment where innovation thrives—from the seamless cloud security we deliver to our customers, to the intelligent workspaces we co-create for our own people. If you are looking for a place to grow your career while making a tangible impact, explore zscaler.com/careers to bring your talents to our team and shape the future of cybersecurity.