Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week, Ester Marchetti, Head of Innovation and Co-Founder of Bolt Insight, speaks on developing an “analytical mindset”, the importance of placing first a creative approach to problem solving and revealed her “turning point” in which this all came together.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I studied Business Administration at Università Bocconi in Italy and earned a Master’s in International Business at LUCA School of Arts in Brussels.
This solid academic foundation shaped my strategic and global outlook, which has been central to how I approach market research and innovation. It gave me both the analytical tools and the international perspective that now underpin the way I help brands understand and connect with their audiences.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
I wasn’t heavily involved in formal clubs, but I always sought opportunities to connect and collaborate—whether through study groups or international projects. When I studied in Canada, connecting with international students gave me a first flavour of working in a multi-cultural context, which was invaluable.
These experiences helped me build the teamwork, leadership, and networking skills that have proved essential in growing Bolt Insight and leading high-performing teams.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first role in the industry was at Nielsen BASES, working on innovation and renovation for big FMCG companies. It was a dream job: getting involved in strategic decisions, having early access to understanding consumer pain points and how to solve them, made me fall in love with insights deeply.
I learned the importance of turning complex data into actionable insights and truly understanding clients’ needs beyond the numbers. That principle—focusing on the “why” behind the data—still drives everything we do at Bolt Insight today.
Who was your biggest role model—inside or outside of your industry—who continues to inspire you in your current career?
I’ve always been inspired by leaders who combine vision with execution, and by entrepreneurs—especially women in tech—who have paved the way in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their ability to break barriers and innovate with purpose continues to motivate me as I grow Bolt and work on initiatives like women-in-AI training programs to reduce the gender gap in tech.
Also, I am grateful for the fantastic managers, women and men, who encouraged me in my career path and taught me the importance of accountability, passion and curiosity.
When was your first big break in the industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
Co-Founding Bolt Insight was the true turning point in my career. It allowed me to bring my vision to life: connecting brands with hyper-relevant audiences through data, advanced analytics, and technology.
It was more than just a professional milestone—it was the moment I stepped fully into entrepreneurship and began shaping the future of market research.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
Launching a company in such a competitive space—especially during Covid—was an enormous challenge. There were moments of real uncertainty, but focusing relentlessly on our clients’ evolving needs, leveraging AI to innovate, and building a strong, supportive team helped us not only navigate the crisis but emerge stronger and more resilient.
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry and how have yours developed over the years?
A willingness to take calculated risks, an analytical mindset, and a creative approach to problem-solving are crucial. Over time, I’ve learned how to balance bold innovation with the discipline of delivering measurable business impact—an equilibrium that drives both growth and trust with clients.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
Stay curious and never stop learning. Market research and technology evolve quickly; those who thrive are the ones who embrace change and think creatively about how data can unlock real human insights.
Build a strong network, take smart risks, and don’t be afraid to bring your unique perspective to the table—because innovation often starts at the intersection of diverse ideas.
