Audit supervisor, part-time model and Milpark MBA candidate Daniel Nsumba (AGA(SA)) is driven by more than career ambition. His mission? To help drive meaningful change - across sectors, borders, and in the country of his birth - the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
After completing his Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) in 2023, Daniel continued his professional growth through Milpark’s AMBA-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA).
We sat down with Daniel to learn why the Milpark MBA was the next step - and how it’s helping him lead with purpose.
From ambition to action: A shift in mindset
Daniel, who moved to South Africa from the DRC at nine, has always been driven. As the oldest son of eight siblings, he grew up in a lively, competitive household.
But despite being bright and ambitious, Daniel felt “stuck” in his early 20s. “I had many goals, but I wasn’t achieving them. I didn’t understand why. It was a difficult time - I even got a little depressed.”
Things started changing when Daniel began reading, listening and learning from those with more experience - in particular, Napoleon Hill and leadership thinker Earl Nightingale. “Both helped me understand the importance of patience and having the right mindset. How aspirations must be matched by action, discipline and habits.”
Daniel realised he lacked commitment: “There are steps between having goals and achieving them. You can’t simply set a goal and expect it to happen.” This shift - from vague ambition to intentional action - was the key to Daniel unlocking academic and professional success.
Redefining success: Beyond accounting
By the time Daniel completed the SAICA-accredited PGDA/CTA, he felt he had mastered his technical ability. But something deeper was calling.
“I started thinking about how to be a better communicator, a better leader,” he says. “I even considered doing a public speaking course. When I saw the opportunity to pursue the MBA through Milpark, I realised this was my next goal and grabbed it.”
For Daniel, Milpark’s MBA isn’t about prestige - it’s about aligning his career with purpose. “Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy goal,” he reflects, quoting Earl Nightingale.
Working & thriving: Milpark’s online MBA
As a full-time audit supervisor, time is Daniel’s most limited resource. But Milpark’s flexible, fully online MBA has made studying possible - and surprisingly manageable.
“Having done the PGDA, I know and trust how Milpark runs a programme. The course is structured so you get a good estimate of what each topic will take, and you can plan accordingly.”
Daniel has a disciplined approach: “For the PGDA, I’d study four hours in the evenings and catch up on weekends if I fell behind. I’ve carried that routine into the MBA.”
Now, in the early stages of the course, he’s already gaining insights beyond accounting. “You hear different perspectives. You debate things like stakeholder versus shareholder views. It’s teaching me to think strategically and more broadly.”
From technical expertise to ethical leader
Already an Associate General Accountant (AGA(SA)), Daniel believes the MBA will enhance his capacity to collaborate with the board and colleagues at a more senior level. “The MBA pushes you to develop leadership qualities irrespective of your career.”
Ethics is at the core: “Leaders need empathy, communication and emotional intelligence to unite a team,” he says. “The MBA pushes us to think beyond the company. It’s more than a degree - it enables us to become better people at work and home. It transforms how we see the world.”
Daniel’s long-term goals are to use his learning to make a difference in South Africa, the DRC and beyond. “Having an MBA will give me the confidence and the credibility to contribute more meaningfully.”
Leadership lessons worth sharing
Daniel’s advice to future students? “Don’t let the fear of how long it will take stand in your way. Time will pass anyway - use it wisely. Aspirations are like planted seeds; they must be watered with patience, nurtured with hard work, and protected from doubt and negativity. Sooner or later, you will realise the fruits of your efforts.”
For aspiring leaders balancing work, study, and life, he believes structure, self-discipline, and support are the answers: “Milpark has played an integral role in helping me get what I want out of life.”
Key takeaways from Daniel’s MBA journey
- Success is intentional - Daniel’s shift from ambition to action laid the foundation for his academic and professional growth.
- Structure makes success possible - Working professionals thrive with planning and flexible online learning.
- Leadership is more than a title - Through Milpark’s MBA, Daniel is developing the empathy, ethics and strategic thinking to lead with impact.
- For Daniel, the MBA isn’t just a qualification - it’s a catalyst for purpose-driven leadership.
Are you ready to lead? If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, Milpark’s AMBA-accredited MBA offers a flexible, fully online learning experience designed to equip you with real-world skills, strategic insights, and human-centred leadership principles. Apply today and start your transformation: Milpark Business School