Lukas Harisberger is a Senior Associate in Tax, Legal and Workforce. He's a member of our Indirect Tax team, and was also born with sensorineural hearing loss. Hear how he's building a career that works for him.
1 Tell us about yourself and your journey at PwC Switzerland so far
I joined PwC Switzerland's Indirect Tax team in 2013 as a contractor while completing my master’s degree. What started as practical experience alongside my studies turned into something more - a career where I could combine law, business and real-world problem-solving.
Today, I work as a value added tax (VAT) subject matter expert, advising Swiss and international clients across industries - from pharmaceuticals to banking to public sector organisations. Every client brings different challenges, and I'm constantly learning.
I was born with a sensorineural hearing loss. It's been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it's shaped how I work, teaching me to prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly and stay attuned to what's being said (and what's not). These skills have proven invaluable in consulting.
2 What does a typical day look like for you?
There's no typical day, which is what makes it exciting. I might respond to a technical VAT question, discuss complex issues with clients or colleagues, draft a detailed memo or prepare submissions for Swiss VAT authorities. For international matters, I collaborate with colleagues across our global network, bringing together expertise from different territories.
Outside work, I'm studying for a second bachelor’s degree in applied psychology. I've always been curious about what drives people and how they work. I'm also involved in social projects with deaf communities and people affected by addiction, and I volunteer at my local polling station during elections. To stay balanced, I make time for the gym, mountain hikes and travel.
3 How would you describe the PwC culture to someone who’s never worked here?
It's fast-paced and performance-oriented, but it's also collaborative. You learn simply by working alongside people who bring different backgrounds and ways of thinking. Our Indirect Tax team has always been diverse - colleagues and clients alike.
"What I've found is openness. When you speak up about how you work best, people listen and adapt. Inclusion isn't automatic, but there's a genuine willingness to make it work."
4 What obstacles have you encountered, and what helped you overcome them?
Most of my challenges have been about communication - fast-moving meetings, people talking over each other, or key details shared only verbally. What helped? Self-advocacy. Once I started being clear about what I needed for example written summaries, clear structures, a slower pace, awareness grew.
It's a learning process for everyone, and it's ongoing. Support from coaches and the team matters. So do breaks. Whether it's the gym or a hike in the mountains, stepping away helps me stay focused.
5 What do you wish people understood better about hearing impairments?
It's not just about volume. It's about effort. Following conversations requires constant concentration, and that's exhausting, especially when you're working full-time and going the extra mile.
"Hearing impairments are invisible, so misunderstandings happen easily. But small adjustments make a huge difference, like repeating a point, speaking at a steady pace, sharing information in writing. Technology has come a long way, but it doesn't solve everything."
6 What advice would you give to someone starting their career at PwC?
Don't wait until you feel "ready" to ask questions or voice what you need. Learning happens fastest when you're honest about what you don't know. Take ownership of your development and communicate how you work best. In a large organisation like ours, clarity about your needs and strengths makes collaboration easier for everyone.
Ready for a new challenge?
Find your perfect role
