MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
BRITTANY MARTEN
Managing Director; Treasury Sales Executive
Bank of America
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
People and relationships—the meaningful connections we make and the impact we have on each other’s lives, both professional and personal. For me, that includes clients, peers, mentors, sponsors, mentees, and business partners. When I look back on my career—the risks, challenges, successes, and setbacks—it’s those connections that make it rewarding. Moments where I overcame a challenge, helped someone else succeed, or benefited from advocacy are the most memorable. We spend so much time at work—away from family, friends, and hobbies—facing highs and lows. That’s why having a sense of purpose and strong ties to your company and team matters. I’m fortunate to work in a collaborative culture and have made that central to my leadership style. My team works hard to support each other, share ideas, overcome challenges, and celebrate wins together. When we lift each other up, we become a stronger force for our business and clients—and that’s inspiring.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
Definitely hard work—though the two often go hand in hand! I agree with the saying: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” I’ve always had a strong work ethic, reinforced by my parents. But when I stepped into my current role leading an industry vertical in Global Payments Solutions, hard work alone became a roadblock. The vertical tripled in size, I was leading former peers, winning client trust, and redesigning strategy—all at once. My instinct was to work harder, but that wasn’t sustainable. The real challenge was shifting from doing everything myself to influencing partners and building a strong team of leaders. Inspiring others to share the same passion and commitment became the hardest—and most important work. There were moments I thought I might fail, but I never gave up. I leaned on mentors, doubled down on my strengths, and ultimately built a resilient, talented team driving our business forward. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
Two things keep me focused and motivated: 1. Making a difference—helping clients, colleagues, my team, and future leaders succeed. Having an impact on someone’s career is inspiring and often reminds me why my work matters. 2. Growth and resiliency—taking on new responsibilities, pushing beyond my comfort zone, and learning from mistakes. These experiences show me how resilient I am, especially when imposter syndrome creeps in.
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
Early in my career, I focused heavily on fixing weaknesses because I thought that was the path to growth. A mentor later advised me to double down on my strengths instead—and she was right. Leaning into what we do best has a far greater impact on performance and confidence than obsessing over weaknesses. That shift changed everything. I pursued roles and projects that showcased my strengths, solidified my brand, and boosted my confidence. It was liberating and rewarding—and advice I wish I’d received much earlier!
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
Honestly, my favorite role is always the one I’m in now! Either I’ve been lucky to love my jobs, or I make it a priority to find something to love in each. Today, I’m the Global Industrials Treasury Sales Head within Global Payments Solutions at BofA—and I truly enjoy it. The Industrials vertical spans 15+ subsectors, giving my team exposure to nearly every product and market we serve. The payments space is complex and fast-changing, and clients rely on us for guidance in a challenging geopolitical environment. That makes the work exciting—but what really sets it apart is the people. We’ve built a strong culture of collaboration, attracting talented, passionate professionals committed to delivering for clients and each other. I’m lucky to work with an incredible team and partners who know we’re strongest when we work together.
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” This quote reminds me that even in moments of frustration or feeling powerless, we all have the strength, grit, and tenacity to overcome challenges. It’s about digging deep, seizing the opportunity, and making it happen.