HiPower Spotlight: Kathleen Vignos, “If you see it, you can be it.”

Kathleen is a true trailblazer in the tech world, whose strategic insights and innovative projects are setting new standards in the industry.  She currently serves as Vice President of Software Engineering in Card Technology at Capital One. Kathleen inspires us to think about the future of technology, and in doing so, cultivates an environment where every voice is heard, opinions matter, and everyone’s focus is dedicated to paving the way for innovation and success. 

In this Q&A with Kathleen, we explore the thoughts of a visionary leader dedicated to reshaping the way software is built.

HiPower: What is something you are working on these days that inspires you?

Kathleen: As an engineering leader in Card Technology, my work is focused on the technology behind the customer-facing components on mobile and web. It’s been rewarding to see how the power of a digital bank can improve our customers’ lives. It’s also been really exciting to see the progress we’ve been making on standardizing and automating software development to improve the developer and customer experiences. 

HP: What topic most interests you to speak about, read about, and explore?  What makes you interested in this topic in particular?

KV: Technical decision making. I enjoy the process of architecting software systems for the future, negotiating with technical leaders, build vs. buy analysis, technical due diligence. I’ve seen companies in many phases, and those phases dictate which tradeoffs are the right ones to make. Build for a durable future, or get the product to market quickly? Choose a new, innovative technology, or a proven one? There’s a lot to consider, and I love digging in. It also requires me to continuously learn. One of the favorite talks I’ve given was Do you even code anymore? How to keep up your technical skills without annoying your team(s).”

“I enjoy the process of architecting software systems for the future, negotiating with technical leaders, build vs. buy analysis, technical due diligence.”

HP: What do you think are the critical skills, mindsets, and character traits needed in business today?

KV: A lot of engineering leaders love to stay close to the technical details and tactical work. The challenge I ask my technical teams to embrace is to focus on bigger, broader strategic thinking and connecting dots for novel solutions. The status-quo path is an iterative one where we stay the course, but strategic thinking requires completely re-imagining what is needed given today’s competitive environment.

“The challenge I ask my technical teams to embrace is to focus on bigger, broader strategic thinking and connecting dots for novel solutions.”

HP: How can we improve today's business environment?

KV:  I believe that diverse perspectives and workstyles drive better business results. Our customers are broadly representative of the population in our country; we serve them better when we understand and relate to their needs.  I’m proud that Capital One has Women in Tech, Blacks in Tech, Hispanics in Tech and Equality Allies resource groups (in addition to many other business resources groups) to help elevate diverse perspectives through awareness, engagement and education. 

HP: What's a cool thing you have gotten from being a HiPower member?

KV: If you see it, you can be it. HiPower women are crushing it in the business world, while lifting each other up and leveraging an incredible network, and when you see what these women can do, you reach even higher yourself. 

Visit Kathleen’s LinkedIn Page: Kathleen Vignos | LinkedIn

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