How can marketing expertise and innate curiosity pave the way for a fulfilling career in financial services? For Katia Paolisso, her professional journey began with a natural drive to understand consumer behavior. After earning her master’s degree in marketing and market research at Sciences Po in Paris, France, she acquired valuable experience through marketing strategy roles at creative agencies and small to midsize companies.
Today, Paolisso works at Discover and creates marketing programs influenced by human-centered design.
“The financial services industry is fascinating,” she says. “I’m able to apply the psychology of money and our relationship to spending and saving to help customers achieve a brighter financial future.”
Here, Paolisso shares why she’s invigorated by her current role, how Discover empowers all employees to learn and grow, and helpful advice for prospective candidates striving for professional advancement.
What led to your job at Discover, and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
Fun fact—when I was 11 years old, I attended a kid’s day at Discover and visited the headquarters in Riverwoods, Illinois, with my dad. Before joining the company, I’d heard great things about Discover, specifically the culture, career mobility, and volunteerism. I also thought that Discover was in a unique position as an issuer and payments network. I was thrilled to join the company in early 2021.
What are your core responsibilities in your current role? What excites you most about this work?
I’m currently Principal Marketing Manager on the strategic partnerships team in Card Portfolio, Consumer Banking. I lead marketing strategy and execution related to digital wallets, working with strategic partners to drive enrollment and usage of digital payment methods. I partner with creative agencies to develop cutting-edge campaigns across owned and paid media channels.
With financial services comes great responsibility—our legal and compliance partners are crucial in ensuring that we put consumers first. Taking marketing strategy end to end and learning about new technology in the payments and financial services space excites me the most.
You’ve been at Discover for nearly four years. Where did you start, and how did you ascend to your current role? How did Discover’s leadership and company culture encourage your professional growth and internal mobility?
When joining Discover, I quickly learned how open and encouraging the culture is regarding career mobility. Leaders advised that the best way to learn and grow was to take on roles in different business areas. I started as a senior marketing specialist in Digital Engagement Strategy; one year later, I was promoted to Lead Campaign Management and joined Rewards. Then, I took a lateral role in Rewards building marketing claims and messaging related to rewards benefits.
Earlier this year, I was promoted to Principal Marketing Manager in Strategic Partnerships. I’ve had supportive managers and mentors; I also went the extra mile to seek new opportunities. I networked with colleagues, joined employee resource groups (ERGs) and nonprofit groups, continued learning through certificates and leadership programs, and prioritized professional development.
What learning and development opportunities does Discover offer? Which ones are your favorite?
Discover offers a myriad of learning and development opportunities. Discover partially or fully covers certificate programs, and undergraduate and graduate degrees. I’ve completed certificates in product marketing and digital marketing, and I’m starting a project management certificate through Cornell University. I also completed a design thinking course through IDEO U.
Another favorite of mine is attending conferences—it’s important to keep up with the latest trends in your industry to stay relevant and gain insights outside of your immediate organization.
I find development opportunities within Discover as well. I’ve enjoyed self-assessment tools such as CliftonStrengths (finding your talent DNA), workshops hosted by ERGs, and sharing knowledge with cross-functional teams.
What is one project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of achieving while at Discover, and why?
I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to adapt my marketing career to the financial services industry—a highly regulated space. Consumer protection and compliance with regulation come first, then the stellar creatives and copy. I’ve learned to work in the complex bounds of financial services to bring relatable, engaging campaigns to life.
In 2023, I won the Excellence Award in Consumer Banking at Discover for my focus on weaving compliance in Rewards marketing strategy and processes.
We understand that you’re Vice Chair of Discover’s Professional Women Impacting Results (PWIR), an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that aims to empower, support, and advocate for women. Why did you decide to join this group, and why are these types of ERGs so valuable at Discover?
I joined Discover when everyone was working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I wanted to meet others across the company and get involved. My first manager recommended I explore ERGs, particularly PWIR. I attended several virtual Leadership Connects, an open conversation with a Discover leader and about 20 attendees. The conversation covers topics like work-life integration, career transitions, financial literacy, and balancing motherhood and career aspirations.
Through these events, I met many inspiring colleagues, joined the PWIR Talent and Networking Committee, and then became co-lead of the Events Committee. This year, I’m working with the PWIR leadership team on strategic planning. Our programming brings tools and opportunities to over 3,500 members. ERGs and affinity groups allow employees to find community at work, learn about different perspectives, get inspired, and upskill through workshops and events.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved throughout your tenure at Discover thus far?
While I’m finding my leadership style, I have a strong grasp of my core strengths. I resonate most with a democratic leadership style, encouraging group participation and allowing others to lean into their strengths. I enjoy a positive, collaborative environment that encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. I’ve developed a clearer understanding of my preferred communication methods and ways to learn and solve problems. I’ve learned bringing in the right stakeholders early on and overcommunicating leads to better outcomes. I’ve also learned to own and voice mistakes. Articulating a clear vision, building and communicating a timeline, delegating, and motivating are useful leadership skills—no matter your level.
What advice would you give prospective candidates—especially women—hoping to forge a career at Discover? What skills do they need to acquire to thrive and become successful?
Learn to articulate your strengths. Voice how you can find solutions related to the role you want to earn. Envision yourself as the hiring manager—what technical and soft skills will help them achieve their goals? Show proof of your wins in past roles or educational experiences.
I’ve found learning the following can be extremely helpful to thrive at large organizations like Discover: how things work, how teams are structured, job responsibilities, and which partners will help you achieve your goals. I felt successful once I understood the environment and my key partners. Another related skill is learning how to cultivate relationships. Cross-functional forums, coffee chats, and attending department events helped me form relationships with my coworkers, which makes achieving mutual goals more seamless.
Why is Discover a great place for those wanting to advance their careers and refine their skills? What about the culture makes it stand out?
The culture can be summed up by the Discover Behaviors: We get better every day, we play to win, and we succeed together.
At Discover, you can expect openness to new ideas, respect for your life outside of work, continuous learning, and building lasting relationships. Bring passion and Shine Bright®!
