Anthony Martore
Home Region

Oakland, CA

Undergrad Education

University of California Los Angeles

Previous Experience

NIKE, Inc.; BlackRock, Inc.; Ernst & Young Global Limited (EY)

HBS Activities

VP of Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery, SA DEI team

“The frequent access that I have to brilliant minds across so many sectors of global business and academia is unlike any environment I have ever encountered.”

Coming to HBS is like...

A transformational experience that continues to shock me to this day. The frequent access that I have to brilliant minds across so many sectors of global business and academia is unlike any environment I have ever encountered.

What is your most memorable classroom moment?

In my Technology and Operations Management (TOM) course during the first semester, we stepped outside of the classroom and completed a two-day live simulation resembling a factory assembly line. We organized production groups of eight classmates per team to make as many circuit boards as possible in a time-constrained environment. This exercise was memorable because real world events often vary from strategic plans, and the step of evaluating all elements of a process, from the throughput unit numbers to organizational culture and design, is critical to maximize morale and efficiency.

What is one thing you brought with you to campus, and one thing you’ll be leaving with?

Moving all the way from Los Angeles to Boston, I frankly didn't bring much—no expectations nor understanding on what my life would be when I first arrived on campus in August of 2023. I’ll leave with the conviction that when I step into the unknown, I can surprise myself with what I can accomplish.

How have diverse perspectives in your section contributed to your understanding of business concepts, leadership, and/or problem solving?

I've learned that there is rarely a right answer in the business world, and how you do something will always be more impactful than what you do. Additionally, my takeaway is to lean into relationship-building, as people are always the greatest asset of any organization. The classroom setting has given me thousands of hours of practice in active listening—the best skill that I can take into life after HBS.

If you could give one piece of advice to prospective students, what would it be?

Do not self-select out. Many students here, including myself, never saw themselves as an HBS student and overcame significant obstacles to end up where we are today. Stay focused—you can do it!