The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is proud to launch Women Powering the Global Card Ecosystem, a monthly column highlighting women whose leadership and expertise are advancing the payments, identity, security, gift card and card manufacturing ecosystem.
Through their career journeys, accomplishments and industry insights, these profiles will recognize established leaders, emerging voices and mentors who are helping move the industry forward. The series begins with women serving on the ICMA Board of Directors before expanding to professionals from across the global card ecosystem.
For our inaugural profile, we spoke with Megan Anthony, ACE-M, ACE-P, President of the ICMA Board of Directors and Director, Pre-Sales & Design at CPI Card Group. With more than 20 years in the industry, Anthony has built a career at the intersection of design, manufacturing and innovation while helping elevate the role of design within both her organization and the broader card industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the global card ecosystem, and what has been the defining moment of your journey so far?
My inspiration came from a love of the print and manufacturing techniques found in card manufacturing —learning how to design a product that comes to life with the sparkle of a silkscreen ink and having ability to work with different materials and finishes to bring cards to life. I don’t think there has been one single defining moment of my journey. It has been the entire journey from starting in the manufacturing plant more than 20 years ago to being able to make connections with people all over the globe with a common mission to move the industry forward.
Looking back on your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and why is it especially meaningful to you?
I am most proud of creating a space where design could grow in my organization and later helping it to grow in our industry. It took some convincing at first, but I was fortunate to have leaders who recognized the importance of design, enough to support creating a focused role for it. 20+ years later, I feel so lucky that it has grown from a single role to a team. Seeing how it is recognized as a specialized skillset and celebrated by my own company and the industry is great. Working with a talented team of designers and seeing their focus on card design and innovation is a true accomplishment that didn’t happen overnight.
The global card ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly. What emerging trend, technology or opportunity excites you most, and why?
The thing that excites me the most is the convergence of materials from metal to wood and plastics and incorporating NFC/contactless technology to enhance the journey from physical to digital. We are creating a functional product that now engages with all the senses. It is exciting to see how beautiful cards can be and the unique experiences they can inspire.
As a leader in our industry, what advice would you give to the next generation of professionals entering the global card ecosystem?
Get to know one another. Get out on the production floor. What makes the card industry so strong is the incredible network of people. I have found that for every challenge, there tends to be someone on this globe working on a solution. Getting to know one another is the key to ensuring that we continue to grow and create amazing products.
Who has had the greatest influence on your career, and what is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The influence certainly started with my parents and grandparents who taught me the importance of a work ethic. My uncle taught me how cool art is, and how it’s good to be a little weird. Leaders along the way taught me about marketing and branding. Colleagues who took the time to introduce me to others in the industry and advocated for me to get involved with ICMA. Sales leaders who weren’t afraid to bring me along to meet customers and talk about design—they all collectively advocated for and influenced me. The best advice isn’t something that was necessarily said but observed. I’m grateful to have worked with so many people, from leaders to employees, who have shown me the power of being kind, direct and knowledgeable at the same time.
On a lighter note, what’s one item that’s always on your desk (or in your workspace), and why?
I am a rock nerd. I have a piece of hematite that I’ve had since I was about 12. It’s in my hand 90% of the time that I’m in meetings to fidget with.
What song or artist is guaranteed to get you energized before a big meeting, presentation or challenging day or what’s your favorite way to recharge after a busy week?
If I had to pick “one,” it would be the Legend Album by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Whether I’m driving through a horrible snowstorm, trying to focus and work or relaxing on vacation, that album has been in constant rotation for nearly my whole life.