On Innovation and Authenticity
Meet Nick Gibson, a Product Manager focusing on our Upgrade Card! Nick serves as the bridge between us and thousands of Upgrade Card customers, identifying their needs and then rallying our teams to deliver effective solutions. Working at the intersection of our UX, business, and tech teams, he defines and communicates the vision for Upgrade Card and related products; prioritizes products and features; and aligns all teams in their work to bring products, features, and solutions to life.
Beyond his work in product management, Nick also leads the San Francisco branch of our “Pride @ Upgrade” Employee Resource Group (ERG.) The group encourages LGBTQ+ team members and their allies to bring their authentic selves to work, celebrate who they are, and cultivate a more inclusive and accepting environment for all.
Nick’s Journey at Upgrade
We met with Nick in cyberspace to learn more about his several years with Upgrade. Here’s what he had to say.
What brought you to Upgrade?
I worked with my current manager and a number of other Upgrade employees at another company prior to Upgrade. At this point, it's like working with a bunch of friends on a daily basis — which is great!
What is your favorite thing about working at Upgrade?
I think we have a great "test" culture. When we want to explore a new product or feature we think will benefit customers, we are able to rapidly bring a concept to market, gather feedback and iterate to improve, and ultimately exceed our customer's expectations. We can innovate and react very quickly and I think that really shows in our products, reviews, and reputation in the marketplace.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned since joining Upgrade?
Upgrade has been an exceptional learning opportunity for me in general, but especially in card products and payments. Over the last several years I've learned a lot about credit cards and reward programs, and I value the opportunity we have at Upgrade to improve people's lives by innovating in this space.
Pride @ Upgrade
Pride @ Upgrade was founded to “support LGBTQ+ team members, friends, and allies within Upgrade and our communities,” as well as to “create a safe, representative work environment for individuals that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.” To this end, the group hosts, sponsors, and promotes Pride events in their communities; supports social initiatives that improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people; shares relevant information and resources; and more.
Each of our three offices (San Francisco, Phoenix, and Montreal) has its own leadership team. As a co-leader of Pride @ Upgrade’s San Francisco branch, Nick drives the group’s initiatives forward.
What motivates you in your ERG work at Upgrade?
It's been amazing to watch our progress over the last several years. When I started, we had a handful of tight-knit employees, but no ERGs. Initiatives over time led to us rolling out our first "Pride Month" in June a few years ago. It was very well-received and I noticed a lot of folks wanted to do more.
As we scaled the company, more and more people got involved in Pride Month each year. With strong support from our executive team, we launched Pride @ Upgrade in the first year of the pandemic. It was the first of what would become many ERGs. Fast forward to today, we now have 2 to 3 times more members in Pride @ Upgrade than Upgrade had employees when I started!
What changes would you like to see for future LGBTQ+ folks and their allies in tech?
I want to normalize bringing our true, authentic selves to the workplace and for our workplaces to be welcoming, supportive environments where all employees feel comfortable. And I'd like that to be a consistent experience - the norm, not the exception, in all companies across the country, from big cities to small towns.