Amex’s Culture of Innovation: Career Growth & Development Insights

In today’s financial services space, implementing the latest technologies is key. This is made possible by fostering a culture of continuous growth and innovation.

American Express, a company with a 174-year history, has managed to stay at the forefront of the industry by placing a strong emphasis on career development and company culture. 

Ben Lane, VP of Colleague Experience Group at American Express, shared insights into how the company approaches company culture to deliver of innovative success. 

Amex: Learning and Development 

At the heart of American Express’s strategy is a commitment to continuous learning and development. 

“We implement an enterprise-wide approach to continuous career growth and development that enables colleagues at all levels of the organisation to continue to learn, grow and lead,” Ben explains. 

This approach is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of employees across various functions and business units, reflecting the company’s understanding that career development is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

One of the key elements of this strategy is the cultivation of a robust feedback culture. Ben emphasises the importance of both formal check-ins and spontaneous feedback: “We encourage giving feedback in the moment. 

“Not only does this provide real-time clarity and is easier to apply in the day-to-day, but it also ensures colleagues are continually learning on the job and receiving feedback that supports both their short- and long-term goals.”

This focus on immediate, actionable feedback serves as a ‘North Star’ for American Express’s approach to career development, supporting both individual growth and the organisation’s overall feedback culture. 

It’s a method that aligns well with the fast-paced nature of the fintech industry, where agility and continuous improvement are essential.

The company’s approach to career development is deeply intertwined with its culture. “Career development looks different for everyone and takes many forms,” Ben notes. 

“For some, it is gaining experiences in different parts of the business; for others, it is upward growth in their specialty area, learning new skills or strengthening their leadership skills.” 

This flexibility allows American Express to support a wide range of career paths, catering to the diverse ambitions of its workforce.