Since joining Upside in September, Principal Brand and Campaign Manager Marie Marcus has been focused on turning sharp consumer insight into campaigns that make our value simple, tangible, and impossible to miss. 

What brought you to Upside?
I was drawn to Upside because it delivers real, everyday value that people can actually feel in their lives, which isn’t always the case in consumer fintech. I’ve spent my career focused on consumer brands where trust and relevance matter, so joining a company with such a clear, tangible value proposition made sense. From a marketing perspective, it’s exciting to help build a brand that stands out, stays consistent, and truly delivers on its promise.

What do you love most about your team?
What I appreciate most about my team is our genuine collaboration. Everyone brings a unique perspective, and we work closely across consumer research, product marketing, and retail and partner marketing. That keeps us grounded in what customers truly care about, not just our own assumptions. It also helps us move quickly and create campaigns that feel consistent across every touchpoint. It’s a thoughtful, strategic team that’s focused on getting great work out into the world.

How has your role evolved since joining?
Since joining Upside in September, I’ve focused on understanding both our customers and our product, learning what resonates, what’s confusing, and where the brand can bring clarity. I’ve worked to build strong working rhythms within the Go-to-Consumer team and with our partners, helping turn foundational brand work into campaigns people can actually experience. The most rewarding part is knowing we’re setting the stage now for even sharper, faster, and more impactful work in the future.

What’s the day-to-day of your role like?
My days blend strategy and execution, turning consumer insights into clear campaign direction across channels. A big part of my role is shaping how the Upside brand shows up: what we say, how we say it, and how we prove our value in a way that’s simple and consistent. I collaborate closely with consumer research, product marketing, and retail and partner marketing to stay grounded in what customers care about, then partner with creative and channel teams to review and refine our work so it feels like “one Upside” everywhere you see us.

What was your first job?
My first job out of school was in European marketing at Tesla, supporting launches across multiple markets. It taught me that marketing works best when the value is real and it’s easy for people to act on, people don’t just want to hear about a product, they want to feel how it fits into their day-to-day. That’s what excites me about Upside: we make it easy for people to build a smarter everyday habit and actually see the benefit. I still bring that same approach to my work: keep the story simple, show the proof, and make sure the brand feels consistent wherever people meet it.

What does your perfect weekend look like?
Living in New York City, I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants, so my perfect weekend usually includes a long walk and trying a new spot. Extra fun when it’s a place I found on the Upside app and I get a little cash back too.

‍

Looking for a career that invests in your future? We’re hiring! Learn more about our open roles and apply.

‍