Women in Treasury

Women in Treasury: Colleen Ostrowski, Visa

Published: Mar 2025
Colleen Ostrowski, Senior Vice President, Global Treasurer, Visa

This much I know

Visa’s Colleen Ostrowski talks family, purpose and the importance of being part of a team.

Colleen Ostrowski

Senior Vice President, Global Treasurer
Visa logo

Colleen is responsible for Visa’s Global Treasury Function including Global Cash Management, Capital Markets, Insurance, Financial Risk Management, Global FX Solutions and Settlement Operations. She is co-lead of Diversity & Inclusion for Finance and a member of Visa’s woman’s network and on the steering committee of Women in Finance. Her previous roles include SVP, Treasurer, and Head of Investor Relations at Mylan (now Viatris) and an 11-year career at Pfizer where she worked in various treasury roles. Colleen received her MBA from Pennsylvania State University and B.S. in International Business from Juniata College.

Describe your typical workday

My day begins with a quick check of the markets as soon as I wake up. There’s always something happening in the world, and I like to stay informed. On my train ride to the office, I catch up on emails, check if anyone is issuing and sometimes glance at my calendar. Admittedly, I’m a “just in time” reviewer of my calendar, which has its downfalls!

Once I arrive at the office, my day often feels like a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings. Despite the busy schedule, I make it a point to carve out “work time” and roam the office to check in with my team. Our open floor plan makes it easier to connect with everyone and stay engaged.

In essence, my workday is a dynamic blend of market analysis, email correspondence, meetings and team interactions. It’s this variety and the constant flow of new challenges that keep me energised and motivated every day.

Describe your style of leadership?

I strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to do their best work and to show up as their authentic selves. One of the key aspects of my leadership is being approachable and available for my team. I make it a point to be present and engaged, offering support and guidance whenever needed.

What are the key ingredients of career success?

For me, one of the main key ingredients to my success is my family. In the list of ingredients, they come first. I also believe that having a strong sense of self and purpose is crucial. If you are working solely for more pay or a bigger title, success can be elusive. However, if you are driven by a desire to make an impact and support others, success tends to come more naturally and quickly.

It’s important to be willing to put in the effort and roll up your sleeves to do what is needed. This includes being open to taking lateral moves and learning new areas outside of your comfort zone. Embracing these challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.

I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all set of ingredients for everyone or for every career. However, I believe that having strong values, being your authentic self, and consistently showing up for your team are three key elements that likely stand the test of time and are relevant across any career. These principles not only help in achieving career success but also in building meaningful and lasting relationships in the workplace.

I make it a point to carve out ‘work time’ and roam the office to check in with my team. Our open floor plan makes it easier to connect with everyone and stay engaged.

What gets you up in the morning?

I’m a morning person, so it doesn’t take much to get me up in the morning! Plus, I have two kids, two dogs and two cats, so someone is always making sure I’m up. But beyond the early morning chaos, what truly gets me up in the morning is the excitement and energy I feel for my job.

I have been in treasury for many, many years, and it never gets old or boring. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, and I love the thrill of making progress against a to-do list. Whether it’s positioning my company’s balance sheet for the best market environment, answering the never-ending FX questions, or meeting with banks, rating agencies, insurance brokers or underwriters, I am constantly engaged and motivated.

One of the things that really energises me is the sense of accomplishment I get from helping my company achieve its growth ambitions. I take pride in knowing that my work has a direct impact on our success, and that drives me to give my best every day. I also find great satisfaction in solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions that benefit our team and the company as a whole.

In summary, what gets me up in the morning is a combination of my passion for my job, the sense of accomplishment I get from helping my company succeed, the inspiration I draw from my team, and the love and support of my family. Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference, and that is what keeps me going.

I strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to do their best work and to show up as their authentic selves.

What inspires you and how do you inspire others? What advice do you have for those seeking to advance their careers?

I am truly inspired by my team. Their dedication, creativity and hard work motivate me every day. I strive to inspire others by being open and transparent in my leadership. I believe that honesty and clear communication are essential in building trust and fostering a positive work environment. I hold myself accountable for my actions and decisions, and I always have my team’s back. By supporting them and standing by their side, I aim to create a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. This approach not only helps in achieving our goals but also in building a strong and cohesive team. By being there for each other, we can overcome any challenge and achieve great things together.

In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am also deeply committed to my family. They are my biggest supporters and my greatest source of joy. Balancing my career and family life can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I am setting a positive example for my children and providing for my family motivates me to keep pushing forward, even on the toughest days.

Advancing your career is a journey that requires dedication, a positive mindset, and a willingness to go above and beyond. One of the most important aspects is to consistently put in the effort and show that you are reliable and capable. This means not shying away from any task, no matter how small or challenging it may seem. By demonstrating your readiness to tackle any job, you build a reputation as someone who is dependable and proactive.

Another key element is maintaining a positive attitude. Approaching your work with enthusiasm and a can-do spirit can make a significant difference. It not only boosts your own morale but also positively influences those around you. People are naturally drawn to individuals who exude positivity and are willing to take on challenges with a smile.

Equally important is having strong values and integrity. Upholding ethical standards and treating others with respect and kindness will earn you the trust and admiration of your colleagues and superiors. This trust is invaluable as it forms the foundation of strong professional relationships and opens doors to new opportunities.

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