Redefining Leadership with Purpose and Empathy
From fintech boardrooms in New York to classrooms in rural India, Jyoti Menon has built a life that bridges professional excellence with community impact. With over two decades in product leadership and a parallel journey in education, philanthropy, and the arts, she embodies the spirit of a global Indian whose influence spans industries and generations.
Jyoti’s journey began in India, but her formative years were spent in Short Hills, New Jersey, where she was among only a handful of Indian families. “Going to Barnard College at Columbia was a turning point,” she recalls. “Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who not only pronounced my name with ease but who shared my heritage.” That sense of connection and belonging became a throughline in her life.
Her father, an unwavering supporter of causes tied to India and education, instilled the importance of giving back. This shaped her lifelong commitment to service, whether through mentoring students, championing women in leadership, or investing in initiatives that break the cycle of poverty.
Professionally, Jyoti has always been at the forefront of change. “I was doing fintech before it was called fintech,” she says with a smile. What began as an unexpected role in product management at American Express blossomed into a dynamic career. From designing mobile solutions to reshaping client reporting systems, her early years were defined by curiosity and bold execution.
She went on to lead payments at Citi, where she drove innovation in digital wallets, e-commerce, and funding strategies—well before these became mainstream. Today, as Vice President of Product at Bread Financial, Jyoti oversees payments, collections, rewards, loyalty, and customer servicing. Her mandate: to deliver seamless digital experiences that anticipate customer needs and set new industry standards.
With her leadership, Bread Financial continues to launch transformative products that enhance engagement and streamline operations. For her contributions, Jyoti has received honors such as the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award (2024) and Columbia University’s Alumni Medal (2023).
What sets her apart is her belief that leadership is about connection, not hierarchy. “One of my greatest strengths is building authentic relationships and creating environments where people feel seen and valued,” she reflects. Whether uniting teams or navigating complex dynamics, she brings empathy and clarity to the table.
She is also candid about her growth. “I used to over-function—jumping in to solve problems myself. Over time, I’ve learned that true leadership is about stepping back so others can step up.” This approach has helped her build empowered, resilient teams.
Her style emphasizes trust, transparency, and humility. She creates space for bold ideas and models vulnerability, showing that leadership is as much about listening as guiding.
Alongside her corporate career, Jyoti has invested deeply in service and education. On Barnard College’s Board of Trustees, she has championed initiatives such as Beyond Barnard and the Athena Center for Leadership, while mentoring students and alumnae. For her service, she received the Award for Service to Barnard in 2016.
Her philanthropic work also includes the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project, a pioneering boarding school for children from India’s lowest socioeconomic class. By providing education from pre-kindergarten through college, Shanti Bhavan breaks generational poverty—an effort Jyoti proudly champions as a board member.
She also serves on the board of the Indo-American Arts Council, dedicated to promoting and showcasing artists of Indian heritage. For Jyoti, supporting the arts is a way of preserving culture while fostering dialogue and creativity in a global context.
When asked about balancing work and life, Jyoti is candid: “Balance is a misnomer—it suggests a perfect division that doesn’t exist. What matters is flexibility.” Some days demand her in boardrooms, others with friends or family. Her secret lies in clear priorities and intentional choices.
Living in New York allows her to recharge through culture, cuisine, and community. She enjoys exploring restaurants, attending arts events, or simply relaxing with Netflix, long walks, or a good book.
For Jyoti, work is never just about deliverables. “It’s about the people, the conversations, and the small moments where ideas take shape,” she says. Her message to aspiring leaders is simple yet profound: stay curious, give back, and never underestimate the power of generosity.
She encourages others to mentor, to share experiences, and to create space for those finding their path. “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” she reflects. “It’s about helping others find their voice.”
Over the years, Jyoti’s contributions have been honored by institutions she deeply values:
●Award for Service to Barnard (2016) – Recognizing her dedication as an alumna volunteer.
●Leaders in Excellence Award, Citi (2017) – Celebrating her impact and leadership potential.
●Columbia Alumni Medal (2023) – Acknowledging her role in building Columbia’s global community.
●Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business (2024) – Honoring her influence across the corporate landscape.
At her core, Jyoti Menon represents the essence of a global Indian: someone who thrives on the international stage while staying deeply connected to her roots. Her career in fintech, her advocacy in education and the arts, and her leadership philosophy all reflect one truth—success is most meaningful when it lifts others along the way.
