Zivan Mynhardt
Marian University of Indianapolis, Byrum School of Business
“Turning problems into opportunities, whether in business, sports, or life.”
Fun fact about yourself: At 13, I became a blackbelt in karate and rode an ostrich – a terrifying, exhilarating, and surprisingly strategic test of balance and trust.
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
High School: Stellenberg High School, South Africa
Major: Accounting, Finance and Business Analytics (Triple Major)
Minor: None – triple major keeps me busy!
Favorite Business Course: “Mergers and Acquisitions” – Team lead and finalist in Elanco’s acquisition strategy competition.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- Captain, Men’s Rugby Team (led to 13th at Nationals)
- Three-time Scholastic All-American
- Student Athlete Advisory Committee Board
- Dean’s List (each year)
- 2023 Financial Executive Institute Award for Outstanding Achievement
Where have you interned during your college career?
- Deloitte, Indianapolis: Tax Intern
- Cummins, Indianapolis: Internal Controls Intern (SOX Team)
- Fastenal, Indianapolis: Supply Chain Associate
Where will you be working after graduation? Deloitte, Tax Associate
Who is your favorite business professor? Professor Gates had a profound impact on my journey. When I was still undecided on my major, I doubted whether I was smart enough for accounting. She was the one who encouraged me to go for it, seeing potential in me before I saw it in myself. Her passion for tax made complex concepts not just understandable, but genuinely interesting. Her classes challenged me, pushed me, and ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a career in taxation. Beyond being incredibly knowledgeable, she was always approachable and willing to help. Without her guidance, I might have taken a different path, but thanks to her, I found a field I truly enjoy and want to excel in.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Pick mentors who challenge you, not just cheer you. Stay curious. Question everything. Learn from the best. And don’t be afraid to take risks.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? I would make more time to connect with people outside my usual circle. Everyone has unique insights and experiences, and you never know when an unexpected conversation could lead to a valuable lesson or opportunity.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? AI played a major role in our Business Analytics courses, especially in programming and financial forecasting. We used AI models to analyze large datasets, automate risk assessments, and even generate financial projections for case studies. One key insight I gained is that AI is only as good as the questions you ask. It can process massive amounts of data, but interpreting the results and making strategic decisions still requires human intuition and critical thinking.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Leading my rugby team to 13th at Nationals in Washington, D.C. – Marian’s best finish ever, just four years into our program. We weren’t the biggest or flashiest, but we had heart and hustle.
Which classmate do you most admire? Fergus Washington-Smith. Fergus is a financial ninja, always providing valuable insights when I needed it and finding ways to make things happen. From winning Marian’s first CFA State competition, he has pushed me to set higher standards for myself.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My dad. His work ethic, sacrifices, and mindset have shaped me more than anything else. Growing up in Cape Town, I watched him pour relentless effort into everything he did: long hours, no shortcuts, always pushing forward. That example wasn’t just inspiring; it essentially became my blueprint. He made it possible for me to study abroad, footing the bill for this journey. However, it’s more than that. He instilled a belief that hard work and resilience can overcome any obstacle.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
- Become a Deloitte tax partner – Mastering taxation’s complexities and leading at the highest level is a pinnacle worth pursuing.
- If I’m not identified to be on the partner track, then I would consider entering M&A. I am drawn to a fast-paced, high-stakes environment demanding strategic thinking and resilience.
What made Zivan such an invaluable member of the Class of 2025?
“Zivan is a leader in the classroom and as a student-athlete at Marian University. In class, his contributions benefit everyone around him because he always tries to go above and beyond to understand the material. Everyone wants to be in his groups and I always enjoy his thoughtful questions. Zivan’s leadership and grit will serve him very well in the future. His homeland of South Africa should be proud.”
Charlie Pride, CPA
Assistant Professor of Accounting
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