Renowned blind adventurer Hein Wagner discusses how technology has improved his life.
He has been blind since birth… Despite this, Hein Wagner - a South African adventurer and International keynote speaker - has many accomplishments under his belt. He has completed the Absa Cape Epic as well as ran in the Antarctica, Two Oceans and New York Marathons.
In addition to this, Wagner has completed Ironman competitions, competed in the World Triathlon Series in Cape Town, finished several Cape Town Cycle Tours, tackled the white waters of the Zambezi River, climbed the ten highest mountains in the Western Cape, completed the Cape to Rio Yacht Race, holds the World Blind Land Speed Record at 322.52 km/h, and more.
Hein started his career as a switchboard operator, but the rapidly growing technology sector soon inspired him to enter the IT industry. He worked for companies such as MWeb and Thawte Consulting, where he quickly worked his way up to international sales manager, managing a team of sighted individuals. At present, he is also involved with SAP.
In August 2014, Hein received an honorary Golden Key award from the University of Stellenbosch for his ongoing commitment to social upliftment. He is also the brand ambassador for Kaleidoscope, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa with the aim of supporting the blind to reach their full potential.
He is engaged to Monica Sivertsson and they divide their time between Sweden and South Africa. Monica has recently given birth to their first child, baby daughter India Marlene. Hein Wagner is living proof that despite the challenges that come our way, anything is possible. He does not allow his blindness to stand in the way of his dreams and people often refer to him as the blind man with exceptional vision.
In this interview, Hein discusses how technology has not only been a career path, but also how it has assisted him throughout his many adventures.
By: Darryl Linington
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