At Delivering Good, we believe that when women are empowered, they create opportunities for others to thrive. As we lead up to our Women of Impact Summit on June 4, we’re proud to spotlight incredible women who are making a difference in their industries and communities. Kicking off our “Leading with Purpose” blog series is Michelle Carter, EVP of Services Business Development, North America for Mastercard, one of our esteemed speakers at the upcoming summit. A leader who exemplifies impact, integrity, and purpose, Michelle has navigated both small and large organizations, using her experience to mentor, support, and uplift those around her.

Why does this matter? Because leadership isn’t just about success—it’s about impact. Michelle’s journey highlights the power of advocacy, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others. She, like so many of the inspiring women we’ll feature, understands that true leadership is about lifting as you climb. Their stories remind us that mentorship, advocacy, and support are powerful tools for shaping the next generation of leaders. 

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your journey as a leader?

I spent 11 years at Applied Predictive Technologies (APT), a software consulting firm, until we were acquired by Mastercard in 2015. Being a leader in a smaller organization is very different from being a leader in a large one, and I believe the best leaders have experience in both environments. The acquisition by Mastercard significantly altered my career trajectory as I was exposed to additional geographies, industries, and product sets. I was fortunate to have incredible internal advocates at Mastercard who were supportive and helpful during those early days. Their influence has shaped how I lead my team today. I feel incredibly grateful to have joined Mastercard 10 years ago, and I often reflect on how different my journey might have been if the acquisition had not occurred.

How do you define impact in your work and leadership?

In Sales, numbers are the definitive measure of success. That said, numbers only tell part of the story. It's equally important to look at other factors like customer satisfaction, referrals, and overall client engagement. Additionally, when I look at my team, I focus on ensuring that we're consistently seeking career growth opportunities, which could be anything from a complete role change to an expansion of responsibilities or becoming a people manager for the first time.

At Mastercard, we do a great job of surveying the organization to collect feedback on what's working well and where improvements are needed. I find this feedback incredibly valuable as it enables me to make concrete changes to address growth opportunities.

Why do you believe supporting organizations like Delivering Good is important?

Having a good mentor can significantly change the trajectory of one's career. While some of the best mentors may come from outside one’s organization, finding external mentors can sometimes be challenging. Organizations like Delivering Good help individuals who may not have resources at their fingertips, offer alternative avenues for group and one-on-one career feedback, advice, and support. Through DG's network of corporate and nonprofit partners, they connect professionals with industry leaders, facilitate mentorship opportunities, and provide access to career development programs that empower individuals to grow, learn, and succeed. By fostering these connections, they help individuals advance in their careers and strengthen communities—ensuring that those facing economic challenges have access to opportunities that create long-term stability and success.

What excites you most about participating in this year’s Women of Impact Summit?

I attended my first Delivering Good event in November 2022 and was immediately impressed by the tremendous impact the organization achieves each year. This impact enables our communities to reach milestones they once thought impossible, often due to limited resources. The event’s specific focus on amplifying and accelerating career growth for women is a passion of mine. I'm excited about all the progress we've witnessed over the past 20 years at Mastercard and across industries with women in leadership positions and look forward to seeing even more change in the next 20.