In this episode of ‘Inspired to Lead,’ host Talia Meshiach sits down with Shifra Kolsky, the Chief Accounting Officer at Discover Financial Services. Shifra shares her inspirational journey from overcoming the loss of her father during her teenage years, to working through high school and college, and eventually climbing the corporate ladder. With a special focus on balancing a high-powered career with family responsibilities, Shifra opens up about the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and effective communication. She discusses her motivations, the challenges she faced regarding Shabbos and Yom Tov in a corporate environment, and the significance of a supportive workplace culture. Listeners will gain insights on the value of asking for growth opportunities, the power of mentorship, and the joy of contributing to both family and community.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired to Lead
01:24 Interview with Shifra Kolsky Begins
02:35 Shifra’s Role at Discover Financial Services
06:18 Balancing Family and Career
07:23 Shifra’s Early Life and Career Path
23:43 Challenges and Mentorship in Shifra’s Career
30:20 Balancing Family and Career Responsibilities
31:15 Navigating Maternity Leave in Corporate America
33:09 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Climbing the Corporate Ladder
34:47 The Importance of Asking for Opportunities
38:04 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
41:04 Balancing Religious Observance with Corporate Demands
46:28 Leadership and Personal Growth
52:14 Final Reflections and Advice
Kolsky has been with Discover over 15 years and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in 2020. She was instrumental in driving several key initiatives, including significant accounting changes, major technology implementations and the adoption of robotic process automation in the finance function. She is the executive sponsor of Discover’s Jewish Affinity Group. Prior to working for Discover, Kolsky was in public accounting in the audit practice at Deloitte and Arthur Andersen. In addition to her role at Discover, Kolsky is also active in her community, volunteering with No Shame On U, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma associated with mental health conditions; the Chicago chapter of The JWE; and the Kehillah Fund, which supports Jewish educational institutions in the Chicago area. Kolsky’s husband is a rabbi who teaches in Jewish day schools and high schools. They have four children and two fabulous kids-in-law.
