Building a tech hub in order to test and launch new products helped keep Mastercard involved in cutting-edge technology
I was happy to join the corporate development group of the emerging technologies group of Mastercard, focused on identifying strategic partnership, investment and acquisition opportunities. I enjoyed the opportunity to conduct research, provide analysis to company leadership, and meet with some of the top technology investors and entrepreneurs in the world.
Realizing the importance of investing in building new technology in-house, I was very happy to join a dozen other employees to start a Tech Hub office in Manhattan, focused on incubating new technology products and being a greater presence in the technology community, in general. By the time I left Mastercard, we had grown the office to more than 150 people focused on new technology development.
Prototypes
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to focus on building, testing, and growing new products and programs at Mastercard. In terms of technology, I participated in prototyping solutions in IoT, conversational applications, connected devices, blockchain, mobile, and developer products. One area of focused investment for our organization was building a developer experience along with new API products for corporate partners such as financial institutes and telecommunication operators and individual developers.
Given my involvement in outside organizations such as Startup Weekend, I was very happy to have an opportunity to produce the first internal hackathon of Mastercard, in which 5% of the company’s global employee base participated who created dozens of prototypes. Working with our Chief Developer Evangelist, I also helped produce and run a series of partner hackathons which we titled Masters of Code. It was fantastic to bring together corporater partners and independent developers to prototype fantastic solutions for all stakeholder evolved. Some of these prototypes went on to become funded companies, including some participating a new startup support program called Start Path.
Masters of Code
Testimonials
``From his involvement in start-up programs to his reach into the academic world to his curiosity around new technology and how they can fit in the grander scheme, Brien is always spinning his wheels to move forward and help the team.``
``Combining both deep analysis and free thinking brainstorming, Brien is a creative strategic thinker. He understands how to turn concepts into plans, plans into actions, and actions into desired outcomes. Brien shares his skills freely, and is an excellent mentor.``
``Brien is a natural leader, communicator, and problem solver. Whether you are working on a new product or engaging the developer community, he is the person you want on your team. I had an absolute pleasure working with Brien and I look forward to doing so again.``
