Mastercard’s Olivia Leonard discusses her role as a senior technology leader, how women who have ‘made it’ have a responsibility to hold the door open for others, and the technology revolutionising the industry.

When we think of a STEM professional, the thought that often comes to mind is of a person who is technical, deliberate in their studies and curious about how the results of scientific research impact our day-to-day lives. While this is very often true, STEM experts can also have interests that span multiple disciplines. 

Olivia Leonard is one such professional. Growing up, the executive vice-president of transfer solutions engineering at payment platform Mastercard was a strong student in the areas of maths and science, but also loved literature. For her, this was a space in which she could explore her curiosities not only about the world around us, but in how people think and how language helps us understand a “shared humanity”. 

“That influenced my choice to study English literature and mathematical physics at university,” Leonard told SiliconRepublic.com. 

“While my degree didn’t point directly to a career path, I had a growing interest in computers. I had a PC at home and was becoming curious about the internet and its incredible potential, so I cross-skilled into technology through a higher diploma course in computer science.”

Having joined the technology space almost 30 years ago, in 1998, Leonard explained that the ever-evolving environment created opportunities for continuous learning and career growth, giving her the chance to diversify and develop professional skills. And as problems arose, she found herself leaning on the support of others and offering it in return. 

“The biggest challenge I have faced – and I see this also in people I mentor – has been developing the self-belief to continue to take on expanded roles, to translate potential into opportunity,” she said. 

“I have been very fortunate to have had leaders along my career journey who have challenged, encouraged and coached me to take the next step. I now see this as a major part of my role as a leader, providing the same support to develop others to their full potential.”

Momentous momentum

When she first started out, Leonard anticipated the importance of the internet, identifying it as a medium that would “revolutionise the way we live our lives”, but she didn’t fully predict just how transformational it would be, noting how it only took two decades for the proliferation of smartphones and ubiquitous high-speed connectivity to change the world.

Now, she is of the opinion that we are once again bearing witness to significant change in the technology ecosystem as AI and quantum computing drive the next wave of transformation. 

“AI will transform the way we work and the way we live, the augmentation of human skills, with the potential of generative AI. The ability to synthesise information with the processing opportunities of quantum computing will open us up to new horizons,” she said.

“At this moment, we are witnessing the dawn of the next wave of technology transformation, creating opportunities to solve new challenges.”

Amid this rapid evolution of technology, Leonard also noted that now more than ever, it is critical that women be encouraged to further engage with engineering and STEM topics. She is of the opinion that because AI has the power to genuinely impact reality, it is vital that AI data and algorithms are drawn from a broad perspective. 

“This brings me back to my initial education, the curiosity to understand people – the greatest value is derived from the broadest and most inclusive perspectives.

“It’s great to see how integrated STEM is into education and after-school activities. 

“My niece recently presented at the National Lego League competition finals. She and her team participated through a project they completed in their National Girl Guides organisation.

“The young people at school now have great potential to use their creativity and critical thinking skills to shape technology to drive economic growth and social progress.”

And for Leonard, it can’t stop here. Having been the beneficiary of what she described as exceptional mentorship throughout her career, she is conscious of how crucial support can be for women, not just at the beginning of their professional lives, but throughout. 

“Ultimately, supporting women and girls in STEM is about consistency, listening, encouraging and removing barriers over time, so that diversity becomes part of how technology is built from the outset, rather than an afterthought.”

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