This Product Owner Doesn’t Own a Cookie Cutter

Name: Daniel
Job Title: Product Owner

When I was first starting out, I considered many career paths including being a pilot. However, in the end, I chose to study Information Technology, and that’s where I discovered my passion for the latest and greatest technologies.

While in college, I supported the school administration, school board, and president. I then had the opportunity to transfer my skills into developing custom technology solutions for retailers. These leadership interactions and problem-solving experiences allowed me to make the move to Discover and support the executives and board members. Over the last six years, I’ve found that every role has helped prepare me for greater responsibility and success in the next position.

Outside of work, I am a proud dad to a one-year-old daughter, and, in my downtime, I enjoy music, learning how to play new instruments, and watching or listening to Chicago Cubs games (I’ve been a die-hard fan since I was 12-years-old!).

How have you been able to “Be Your True Self” at Discover?
Before joining Discover, I thought the leadership made most decisions in a large company. However, my experience here has been quite the opposite.

There’s truly an open door policy here at Discover. Employees are encouraged to ask questions, offer input, and voice ideas—it’s ingrained in our culture. From day one, I have been able to voice ideas to leadership all the way up to the executive team.

How do you make a real difference at Discover?

With our new Working Smarter initiative, a program which introduces collaborative tools to help drive productivity and efficiency in our open workspace. I feel we have really hit on something that is making a difference.

For example, I strive to offer technology solutions that provide the best experience possible without impeding the end users ability to get things done. Also, I’m given the flexibility to collaborate with each department to help me understand how each team works. Rather than a cookie-cutter approach, this collaboration allows me to provide unique solutions tailored to each team’s needs. Seeing everyone’s positive reaction gives me confidence that personalized solutions work and are making a real difference at Discover.

What are some of the benefits of working here? Is there anything that surprised you?

The 401k match is extremely competitive. Plus, as a new dad, I was able to take two weeks paid parental leave to adjust to my new family life. Finally, our generous paid time-off policy and our great medical coverage have led me to brag about our company benefits to all my friends!

What would you say to someone who wants to work here?
Discover functions as a large technology company that helps people find financial freedom. I love being part of an organization that is proactive and competitive in the Fintech space. We don’t react to the industry; we are trendsetters and are leading our industry in technology advancements and customer experience.