Matt Pruente is a Senior Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s Healthcare Industry Group in Detroit. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University.

In this Q&A, he shares his career journey, decision to return to A&M, and how relationships, mentorship, and passion for the outdoors shape his professional and personal life.

Reflecting on your career journey, which skills have been most instrumental to your success?

My accounting and financial expertise has been instrumental in my career. These skills have helped me adapt and excel across various industries before ultimately selecting the healthcare industry.

A Changed Perspective on Consulting

What key factors influenced your decision to return to the firm, and what excites you about this new chapter?

After gaining valuable experience outside of A&M, I was excited to return in 2019 with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. After COVID-19, I realized much of the work could be done remotely, making work-life balance more achievable. I've always found A&M’s work rewarding, and after spending five years as a Chief Financial Officer in a leading academic medical group, I felt better equipped to return and serve clients in a more balanced way.

Relationships and Reputation are Key

Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to professionals considering returning to a former employer?

Relationships and reputation are everything. In healthcare, the professional circle is small. Always deliver quality work and nurture strong connections—you’re likely to cross paths with former colleagues and clients again.

Who have been your most influential mentors, and what important lessons have you learned from them?

The former executive director of the medical group I worked for was an incredible mentor. Despite his impressive career as a researcher, clinician, and department chair, he was open to evolving perspectives in healthcare and valued regular, constructive conversations.

Advice for Returning to Consulting after Industry Experience

How have your leadership in financial turnarounds and expertise in revenue cycle optimization shaped your approach to solving challenges for healthcare clients at A&M?

Having moved between consulting and industry twice, I see challenges from both sides. This perspective helps me support clients more effectively, especially when it comes to change management—it’s much more than just presenting numbers on a slide or a spreadsheet.

Balancing a Rewarding Career and Life Outside of Work

How has your love for outdoor activities like skiing and mountain biking shaped your approach to achieving balance in your career?

I strongly believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. While I give my all to my clients, outdoor activities are core memories for my growing children. We moved to northern Michigan so that my wife and I could achieve professional satisfaction as well as having our children experience a variety of outdoor activities.

After leaving A&M for better work-life balance, how has your return allowed you to maintain that balance while pursuing professional goals?

COVID-19 showed me that many consulting activities can be done effectively from home. Combined with living closer to the great outdoors, I’ve found a balance that lets me meet professional goals, while enjoying a healthier personal life.

With access to skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding right from your home, how does your environment inspire or recharge you for your professional responsibilities?

With mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails out my front door and kayaking and paddleboarding out my back door, I can jump into an activity after work without wasting time. That flexibility keeps me energized and ready to tackle challenges.

Do you find parallels between the focus required in activities like downhill skiing or mountain biking and the strategic thinking needed in your work?

Both require adaptability. In skiing and biking, you adjust to changing terrain and conditions. At work, you pivot strategies and priorities as needed. In both, staying flexible is key.

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing outdoor adventures with your kids?

Watching them develop a love for the outdoors and build confidence through new skills has been incredibly fulfilling. Those moments are priceless.