The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) continues its monthly Women Powering the Global Card Ecosystem series, highlighting women whose leadership, expertise and perspectives are helping shape the future of the card industry.
For our second profile, we spoke with Karen Brooker, ACE-M, Vice President of the ICMA Board of Directors and Vice President of Growth Strategy at Marketing Card Technology, whose career offers a powerful example of what can happen when professionals embrace opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zones.
From taking a chance on an unexpected career in cards to helping advance industry-wide sustainability initiatives, Brooker has built her career around curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to say “yes” to new challenges. Along the way, she has seen the card ecosystem transform and believes its continued success will depend on the industry’s ability to work together on complex issues, adapt to emerging technologies and support the next generation of leaders.
In this month’s conversation, Brooker reflects on the experiences that shaped her career, the value of mentorship, the opportunities emerging from AI and quantum computing and why being open to change remains one of the most important lessons professionals can carry forward.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the global card ecosystem, and what has been the defining moment of your journey so far?
Like so many of my colleagues across the industry, I landed in the card business by accident—starting with a personal referral for a temporary position that developed into a permanent position, which ultimately blossomed into a rewarding career. It was the 90s, the industry was smaller and U.S. suppliers could barely keep up with exploding demand for cards across all sectors. I took a phone call from my biggest direct mail customer, inviting me to fly to the East Coast and present a one-hour seminar on card manufacturing at their upcoming user conference. The idea of standing up in front of a group of people and speaking words terrified me. But on that day, while I felt a panic building in my chest, what I said to my client was, “Of course, I would be honored. Please count me in.” Through my experience in agreeing to, preparing, and delivering that seminar, I learned that when you say YES to a scary assignment, the stretch will almost always reward you, and in the event the worst-case scenario occurs, it generally turns out that the worst-case scenario wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be.
Looking back on your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and why is it especially meaningful to you?
In 2009 I had the privilege of chairing the ICMA Green Summit and participating in the ICMA EcoLabel workgroup. I assisted in recruiting ESG and scientific speakers to kick off our summit, and I worked alongside my peers within the ICMA to design the ICMA EcoLabel program. In my view, the progress, even the survival of the card industry requires from time to time that we work together as an industry on “the big stuff.” It was our industry’s collaboration with others in the payments space that (finally) brought EMV to the U.S. market. Consumer demand for cleaner, greener card alternatives isn’t going away; so I fully expect to see the ICMA continue to provide a platform for ongoing learning, productive discussion, and problem solving.
The global card ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly. What emerging trend, technology or opportunity excites you most, and why?
We are seeing both new threats and new opportunities emerge in response to advances in AI and quantum computing. In a world where it is becoming harder and harder to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s fake, our industry has an opportunity to introduce new card technologies that add layers of protection for consumers and businesses.
As a leader in our industry, what advice would you give to the next generation of professionals entering the global card ecosystem?
I think mentorship is a two-way street. I learn all the time from my younger friends and colleagues. It seems that, on balance, today’s younger women in business do a better job than my peers and I did of supporting each other and lifting each other up. Some of that may be a natural result of there being more leadership opportunities for women today, but I think it goes beyond that and reflects an aspect of emotional intelligence that perhaps we neglected in the past. My advice? Be there for your friends and be open to change. Change is going to come whether you want it or not, so greet it as a challenge.
Who has had the greatest influence on your career, and what is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I’m going to give my first card industry manager – Nick Cooney – the credit for having had the greatest impact on my career. He had a great temperament and modeled excellent leadership skills. He made time to coach me through numerous role changes at the company. He gave me the space early in my career to be creative and take risks. He held me accountable without being a jerk about it. And he let me get involved with ICMA!
On a lighter note, what’s one item that’s always on your desk (or in your workspace), and why?
Mostly what you will see on my desk are piles of papers and lots of Post-It notes. My office is located deep within our building, but thanks to a grow light in the corner of my office, I have a cheery plant on my desk that keeps me company while I work.
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?
I live in the Chicago suburbs, but when I want some music to put me in a good mood, I sometimes listen to WERS FM 88.9 out of Boston on my mobile app. It’s foot-tapping, head-bopping perfection.