Alumni Spotlights

Martin Curiel

The seeds of entrepreneurship were planted early in Martin Curiel’s youth. He spent his time as a migrant farm worker shuttling between farming communities in Southern California and Mexico, and quickly learned that education and understanding business were the keys to long-lasting success. So, Martin earned a degree in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, and went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School. He spent three years at Deloitte before moving on to become the vice president of Marketing and Client Service at Denali Advisors, an investment management firm in San Diego. He’s also leading his own non-profit, the Rising Farm Worker Dream Fund, an organization he started to help improve the lives of migrant farm workers.

Why did you join Deloitte?

While at Harvard Business School, I was exposed to many different views of the world and business. I gained an appreciation of the business ecosystem and the true power of business to solve problems. Deloitte was attractive because I knew I could work with many types of businesses and business models. It was like an extension of my education and a way to learn from many different companies.

Did you have a focus while at Deloitte?

I worked on a number of M&A projects and I thrived on this intensity. On one project in particular, the scope was mindboggling and gave me the opportunity to learn so much. Determining the best way to realize the synergies within the new company, I learned and strengthened my skills in financial analysis, people management, project management, and of course the industry. Consulting forces you to become immersed in something that you wouldn't have otherwise and then become an expert.

Tell me more about the Rising Farm Worker Dream Fund (RFDF).

I started the Fund during my first year at Deloitte. After growing up in a migrant farming community, I knew first-hand the challenges faced by the migrant workers. RFDF is dedicated to improving the lives of migrant/seasonal farm workers in the U.S. by teaching them business and money management skills and by providing business resources.

What are you doing now?

I am the Vice President of Marketing and Client Service at Denali Advisors. Basically, I am a marketer, sales person, and strategy guy. Because of my experience with Deloitte I can offer a big picture view, almost like an internal consultant.

Martin Curiel’s Journey

1998
Graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering

1998-2002
Worked as Operations Engineer and Project Manager at ChevronTexaco

1998
Launched his first non-profit to improve the lives of migrant farm workers

2002
Began Master’s of Business

On Deloitte:
“Deloitte helped me shape my thinking to include both strategy and execution. I learned to gather, synthesize and analyze data – and then come up with a recommendation supported by the data. I now have a bias towards action and the execution of strategy.”



Swati Bharteey

From changing her major six times in college to surging through the corporate ladder at Deloitte and Wrigley to settling back down at home to write a book about single, working mothers, Swati Bharteey has never backed down from a challenge. Her focus and determination have served her well as she’s navigated her career, which began in the General Electric Rotational program and continued at Deloitte after she completed her MBA in Marketing, Total Quality Management and Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. Here, she shares her story and offers a glimpse into the varied opportunities available to someone with Deloitte on her resume.

Why did you go into Human Capital Consulting? Why Deloitte?

I have a natural inclination towards behavioral science and the people side of things. I’ve always been fascinated with how leaders are more successful if they understand how to motivate people and excite them. As for Deloitte, I joined because of the people. They seemed down-to-earth, welcoming and growth-oriented. And when I got to know them, I found that my initial impressions were right on target. People were authentic, bright, and interested in growing and building better things together. The company’s leaders genuinely cared about me and my career.

What skills did you learn at Deloitte that have helped you in your career?

My ability to learn things, pick up on signals and distill pertinent information from everything presented to me is so much faster. And the project management skills you learn at Deloitte are unparalleled. Those skills will help me no matter what I decide to do.

After leaving Deloitte, you joined Wrigley. What did you do?

While at Deloitte, I had worked on a global HR Strategy project at Wrigley and my former client approached me about a full-time position. It was a great opportunity with a great company – and at the perfect time in my life. First, I led the global implementation of SAP HR. Then I was the Global Director of Strategic Business Planning, working with Bill Wrigley and finally Senior Director of People Learning and Development (Wrigley’s human resources function). Before I took my last role, I had offers from several different areas of the company. That’s what a Deloitte background can do for you… who else has offers from Strategy, Human Resources, Organizational Development & Training, and Information Technology?

Now, you are at home and fully focused on writing a book and being a mother. What led you to make this change?

I did a lot of thinking and soul-searching. Even when I was with Deloitte, I would carry a notebook with me, and I’d write down little stories or story ideas. And I realized that I didn’t want to wait until I was 65 to write this book about being a single mom. So, I made the decision to take the time now. It’s a big change and I’m learning about so many different things – writing, the publishing industry, what makes a good query letter or proposal. But it’s been a year and I’ve finished my book proposal. And an agent is reviewing it right now!

Swati Bharteey’s Journey

1990
BS, State University of New York at Albany

1990-1995
General Electric rotational program in Finance and Spectrum Technologies project manager

1995
Graduated with MBA from University of Chicago – Booth School of Business

1994
Summer Associate in Deloitte’s Atlanta office

On Deloitte:
“Deloitte teaches you to quickly get to the point of the matter, cutting through any ‘mumbo jumbo.’”

On Life Beyond Work:
“I am very involved in both Unicef’s Wine, Women, and Shoes – raising funds for women’s and children’s causes – and helping single moms. I have a passion for traveling, reading, and of course, writing. And I really enjoy being a mom.”