The 2015 Women Leaders in Consulting: Carina Markel

"As a result, I have gained work experiences that are only possible in the world's largest economy, and have built a career that allows me to give these same opportunities to my daughter and future family generations," she says. "Though I've lived and worked globally, I am delighted to have come full circle back to the Midwest to serve clients."

And Markel does just that as a Chicago-based Deals Partner where she helps clients successfully execute complex deals, primarily spin-offs, divestitures, initial public offerings, publicly traded partnerships and mergers & acquisitions.

In 25 years with the firm, Markel has amassed a wealth of global deal experience. From her work in advising senior client executives on transaction priorities while managing execution and risk mitigation, to her PwC National Office and SEC experience consulting on complex financial reporting issues, she understands matters impacting her clients.

"With the clear objective to become a Deals advisor, I sought varied experiences and credentials that would enable me to see the bigger picture, the implications, and the nuances of key decisions that clients make during the deal process," Markel says. "These allowed me a front row seat to understand the impacts on operations, management and leadership, and develop what I wanted to create for my team and my firm. I gained exposure to various types of transactions—including IPOs, spin-offs, Master Limited Partnerships, and divestitures.

Together, those choices and experiences enabled Markel to provide an uncommon and comprehensive perspective to her clients. "I enjoy the entire process, leading a collaborative team effort, connecting people and opportunities, finding new ways to bring value to my clients," she says. "I like to wear many hats. As a professional, I like the opportunity to take risks, to try new things, to reinvent and rebrand to remain relevant and innovative."

As a market strategist, she says she enjoys conceiving ways to reach the marketplace, services that meet my clients' needs, and more comprehensive approaches that improve process, experience and outcomes for all stakeholders.

Finally, as an advisor, Markel "is dedicated to developing long-term relationships with my clients that continue well after a deal is complete," she says. "My greatest satisfaction comes from my bringing people from disparate backgrounds and specialties together by matching strengths to client needs, and in the end, find that we have created a better outcome together."

What does winning the Women Leaders in Consulting mean to you? 

Carina Markel says: "I see this as a call to taking on more challenges. It's gratifying to be recognized for doing work you love. But there's more work to be done. Looking forward, I am hopeful that it will open the door for greater opportunities to influence and mentor others. I believe there are opportunities for me to give back and have greater impact beyond my current roles on deals, on the PwC Greater Chicago Market Diversity Council and the Asian Affinity Group. I want to continue to take an even more active leadership role in shaping my firm, helping my clients thrive and providing developmental opportunities for others in the consulting field."