With more than 17 years of experience working in the gaming industry, what have been the main lessons, both professional and personal, that you have learned?
I pride myself on being a lifelong learner so, while there are many lessons I have learned; there’s always more to discover and understand. The gaming industry is constantly evolving so, embracing the mindset of continuous learning keeps us open to new perspectives and experiences. However, below are some of the key learnings in my career thus far.
Resilience: Life and work are filled with ups and downs. “No” means “Not right now.” So, be open to feedback and willing to do the personal work needed to prepare yourself for that next opportunity. Learning to bounce back from personal and professional setbacks is crucial for growth and long-term success.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and your personal life is essential for overall well-being and happiness. And like many high achievers, this is not something that comes naturally to me so, you must be intentional about these efforts.
Your Personal Network: Surround yourself with great people (mentors, sponsors or allies). They will challenge your way of thinking, provide honest/critical feedback, and help you navigate life’s journey.
After four years in the position of Vice President & Board Member at Global Gaming Women, in January, you were announced as the new Board President & Chair of the organization. What does it feel to be leading this initiative and what are your main responsibilities in the new role?
I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed as President and Board Chair of Global Gaming Women. This is an incredible opportunity that fills me with great pride and gratitude. In my role as president, I am responsible for setting strategy, ensuring sustainability & scalability, and providing oversight for the organization. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and I am confident with the help of our sponsors, leadership team, and committee members we will achieve great success.
In an industry where women have been underrepresented, Global Gaming Women works towards levelling the playing field. What activities does the GGW organize to accomplished this goal?
Whether it’s through our Leadership Development Programs, Trade-Show Programming, Lean In Circles, or Membership Mixers we pride ourselves on creating continuing education and connection opportunities for all our GGW members. We are also launching three new initiatives this year: a partnership with Harvard Business, the One Up-One Down Mentorship Program, and the GGW Fair Game Podcast. Through these offerings women will have the opportunity to expand their skill sets and create meaningful relationships with women all around the world.
The gaming industry has been making some steps forward regarding inclusion and diversity but there is a long way to go. What do you think is necessary in the sector to raise awareness on the benefits of having more women in leading roles?
I am very proud of the progress our industry has made in creating inclusive workplace cultures that value diversity and create a supportive environment for all employees, regardless of gender. Education is the foundation of our organization and by implementing leadership programs specifically designed to support and empower women in advancing their careers; we are contributing to the growth of tomorrow’s leaders. Tracking these success statistics and sharing them with industry stakeholders will also help drive meaningful change across our industry.
What are the next steps for the organization? In what projects will GGW be focusing on during 2024?
As an organization, we have a very aggressive plan for 2024. Key areas of focus for this year are: Diversified Programing, Domestic & International Market Expansion, and Increased Member & Sponsor Engagement. By focusing on their key areas, Global Gaming Women can continue to make strides towards creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.