MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
LYNDAL CARDY
SVP Technology
Mastercard Asia Pacific
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
Honestly, curiosity brought me here. I have always loved solving problems and finding the next thing to build, change, or develop. Many say they spent their childhood playing with ideas and pulling gadgets apart just to see how they worked, and that is me, even now, whether at work or home. I am constantly seeking the next challenge! All through my career, I have always been drawn to people who can take something complicated and turn it into real, practical results—it is just so interesting and cool to see that happen. Sure, I have had lots of people inspire me, but it is really their way of doing things and what they have achieved that sticks with me. When people are curious, dedicated, and passionate, it creates such a positive environment, everyone benefits and shares in the success. I love being in places where enthusiasm is contagious and everyone is involved in the result.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
Success is rarely straightforward or one-dimensional. While I have benefited from the guidance of exceptional mentors and valuable opportunities, I recognise that luck can only take you so far. Hard work, sticking with it, and always being ready to learn are what really matter. I always tell my children and even those who work with me, skills are something you can learn and whilst important, having a strong work ethic is indispensable. The saying I like a lot is “Luck might give you fertile soil, but hard work is what makes the garden grow.”
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
Opportunities to create meaningful impact. It is not just about developing new technologies; it is about harnessing those innovations to create positive change. I am driven by the idea that technology can bridge gaps in access, equity, opportunity and hopefully solve for our environmental changes. Personally, I am extremely proud of the initiatives we have supported on the ground, such as STEM classes, creating community tech hubs, environmental clean-ups, planting trees, and creating products for the visually impaired. Its not only about new advancement leveraging technology, it is also about working for a company that has a culture of doing ‘the right thing.’
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
“I’d have told my younger self to trust her instincts more. Early on, I sometimes waited for permission to take the lead or waited till I was 110% sure on something before speaking up (you do not see that today!!) Looking back, confidence needs practice. I would take more calculated risks sooner and embrace the discomfort of growth. Also, I would have said ‘no’ more often. Early on, I overcommitted trying to prove myself. Learning that ‘no’ is strategic—not a weakness—transformed how I manage time and impact.” But I am honestly still working on some of these things especially “no.”
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
My current role, without question. It is the culmination of years of learning, leading, and unlearning. Being SVP of Technology for Asia Pacific means I get to sit at the intersection of innovation and impact, working with brilliant teams across diverse cultures. It’s dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding—I genuinely feel like I’m doing some of the most meaningful work of my career and as mentioned earlier is now giving me the opportunity to be that leader who is taking the complex and turning it into real, practical results. Collaborating with such diverse teams brings fresh perspectives and ideas, making each day an exciting adventure. The challenges we face locally and the solutions we are developing across Technology globally have a profound impact on the region, and being part of that journey is incredibly fulfilling.”
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
“Talk, don’t type—speaking builds trust, aligns teams, and drives ideas forward. It fosters clarity, speeds progress and strengthens relationships. In today’s world and especially past the pandemic where people where isolated, real conversation is transformative.” This complements my other favourite: “If you aren’t changing it, you’re choosing it.” Both emphasise the importance of active communication and making deliberate choices through conversation rather than passively allowing things to happen.