MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT

SAGITHA GEORGE

Head of Payments Network and Gateway, Europe

Mastercard

Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.

Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?

There are two women. My mother for making the most of the meagre of options she had, and also my 9-year-old daughter, for her ability to find clarity and prioritise amongst the numerous options she has available to choose from.

Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?

Luck follows hard work. I’ve faced a number of experiences in my personal and professional career that have led me to truly believe Paulo Coehlo “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?

The desire to make the most of the opportunities I have had in my life which are not available to everyone, and even less so for girls and women around the world. I am surrounded by a supportive family, a wonderful place to work, fabulous colleagues, the freedom to be myself, make choices, live in many countries, travel the world, meet talented people and experience a diversity of cultures. This has contributed greatly to my professional journey, and it has also made me who I am today.

If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?

Be more intentional in taking care of my health. In the pursuit of professional development and growth, we tend to compromise on our health which is our most fundamental asset.

What was your most favourite job/role and why?

During my college days, I used my spare time to take classes for young children in my small town in India. This was my most favourite role because on one hand, providing knowledge to these young children was very personally rewarding and on the other hand, it taught me the importance of knowing your audience, communication, emotional intelligence, flexibility, and empathy. These skills have come in handy throughout my career, including in my current role as Head of Payments Network and Gateway for Mastercard Europe, where I focus on putting customers first, supporting the careers of those in my team, and building lasting friendships at work.

Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” —Oscar Wilde