Transforming Discover through a focus on learning, automation, and efficiency
Throughout his work experience, Joe Mills has been fascinated with solving problems that intersected people, processes, and technology. After spending time working in multiple industries in a consulting role, he realized the power of technology to drive innovation. Joe’s current role as Director of Transformation Strategy and Automation at Discover® bridges his love of problem-solving with his appreciation for technology as he empowers his teams to use up-and-coming technology to transform how Discover creates value for its customers.
He leads several teams that are responsible for:
- conducting immersive learning to enable modern engineering and consistent agile practices
- enabling the business process automation capabilities throughout Discover
- internal consulting to help teams become more efficient
His team of expert engineers, process engineers, automation experts and management consultants work on cross-functional processes to redesign into modern ways of working, and pair with teams to instill core DevOps, Agile, and modern engineering practices. "I am passionate about driving consistent and modern ways of working that lead to more value to our customers with higher quality and faster time to market," says Joe.
Under his leadership, Discover has saved 1.5 million in annual hours due to automation and sent 250 product teams through Dojo training land upskilling in DevOps and Agile practices. His incredible results have recently garnered him the honor of a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Technical Professional of the Year Category.
Why Discover?
"Discover is anchored to improving the financial lives of our customers, with an equal importance of how we deliver great products through our commitment to our employees," says Joe. "Discover has inspired me to continuously invest in our ways of working and to create an ongoing learning environment so we can constantly improve upon the value we create for our customers."
Joe is particularly appreciative of the engineering culture at Discover that uses modern engineering practices which are continually improved. He also notes the support environment that enables engineers to lend their individual strengths, swarm on opportunities, connect through internal and external communities, and take time to refine their craft each day. "Our leaders inspire growth individually and create environments for team autonomy to drive value for our customers!"
