MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT

SOLANA COZZO

 Senior Vice President, Consumer Acquisition and Engagement

 Mastercard

Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.

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

I am deeply inspired by the idea of making an impact at scale. I anchor my teams’ ambitions around a North Star that is bigger than any one of us, and my passion lies in leading us collectively toward it. This is why Mastercard’s values resonate so strongly with me—creating value, growing together, and moving with agility toward a vision of ‘Doing Well & Doing Good’. Every day at Mastercard, we imagine and pursue a world beyond cash, that enables financial prosperity around the world.

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

I believe we are each responsible for charting our own path. Success begins with a clear vision and an unwavering passion for it. Hard work, consistency, and resilience are what turn that vision into reality. Every chapter—whether exhilarating or challenging—moves us forward. Passion, tenacity, drive, and consistency have been the foundations of my journey.

What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?

Stretching beyond comfort zones—to grow, to lead, to inspire—is what drives me. I believe we are here to give our very best to the world, and that requires constant learning and reinvention. My passion for personal and professional growth is a continuous thread in my life—as a mom, a wife, and a leader. I hope to inspire my children, my extended family, and the next generation of leaders at Mastercard and beyond by leading by example.

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

What was your most favourite job/role and why?

I thrive when I have ownership—when I can act as the “CEO” of my business. Whether in Product or Sales, I lead with full accountability for strategy, go-to-market, and execution. Today, I’m energized by my role leading Services Consumer Acquisition and Engagement for North America at Mastercard. Integrating Marketing, Loyalty, and Personalization into One-Team creates a blueprint for outsized growth—for Mastercard and our customers. I’m inspired by what lies ahead.

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

“Create the life you can’t wait to wake up to.” This quote came from my 10-year-old daughter, who dreams of becoming a designer and constantly creates. One day, she designed wallpaper for my phone with these words engraved in a little window. It moved me—and I’ve kept it there ever since to remind me every day to actively create and live the life I choose.

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