In the iGaming industry, the annual "Most Influential Women" awards are like a splendid gathering, giving everyone a chance to pause and see the remarkable achievements made by women who quietly propel the industry forward. According to the industry information followed by PASA's official website, this year's selection received a record number of nominations, making the competition particularly fierce. The judges admit that selecting just ten from the many outstanding candidates is a highly challenging task. Today, let's get to know four of the winners and hear how they "accidentally" entered this industry and how they are shaping the future of the industry with their unique leadership.
From "Mis-spelling Words" to Leading Trends: An Unexpected Career Start
Many industry leaders have unexpected beginnings. For example, Elaine Gardiner, Managing Director of TAG Media, recalls with a smile that at 22, she couldn't even spell "Affiliate" correctly when she was entrusted with managing the affiliate mailbox. Yet, her attitude of "since it's given to me, I can handle it" turned this unfamiliar job into a lifelong career. Similarly, Pallavi Deshmukh, CEO of NetGaming, initially refused when invited to start a business. Accustomed to the stable environment of multinational corporations, she hesitated to operate a startup studio. It was with her family's encouragement that she took the step, and now the company has successfully entered the American market, a feat she considers "a tremendous achievement." These stories tell us that opportunities sometimes hide in challenges that seem underprepared.
More Than Business Success: The Power of Humanized Management and Cultural Heritage
True leadership goes far beyond performance numbers. Elaine Gardiner has implemented a distinctive #ThisYearsRule policy at TAG Media, a truly people-centric framework. Simply put, the company encourages paid volunteer service, and Gardiner herself has long provided emergency support for Scotland's St. Andrews Ambulance Service. This focus on personal growth and welfare has helped the team achieve explosive growth—the company's revenue has increased by 400% in four years, and the team has expanded from 3 to 16 members. Erica Kosemund, from the Choctaw Nation, has brought centuries-old matriarchal traditions into modern business practices. Not only has she made the brand shine through collaborations with professional sports teams and athletes, but she has also deeply engaged in mentorship, actively planning projects in the "Global Gaming Women" industry organization to help more women balance career, leadership, and mental health.
Advancing DEI Processes: Acknowledging Gaps, Taking Firm Actions
Although women's visibility in the industry continues to increase, the winners are keenly aware that the road to true diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is still long. Dr. Alexandra Krone, Managing Director of Gamomat, openly states, "The gaming industry has not yet reached the level it should in this regard." She points out that structural barriers still hinder women's advancement. Pallavi Deshmukh also reflects on her entry into the industry over 20 years ago, when there were few women in senior positions, although the situation has greatly improved, continuous effort is essential. Dr. Krone has deeply embedded DEI in the company's daily operations, believing it is not only key to business success but also a responsibility the company must bear as a socio-political entity. Their consensus is: only when more women reach senior positions can they pave the way for successors and bring about tangible changes.
Insight: Be Your Own Champion, Harness the Power of the Team
The experiences of these four women offer us dual insights. On one hand, self-motivation is crucial. Elaine Gardiner's advice is straightforward: "You must be your own champion. If you want to apply, just apply, don't wait for someone else to act on your behalf." On the other hand, outstanding achievements rely on team support. Pallavi Deshmukh passionately states, "Having a strong team is absolutely crucial. Without our team, I couldn't achieve these things. They are my everything." From accidental entry to leading change, their stories confirm that combining firm self-belief with people-centric team management is the relentless force driving both individuals and the industry forward.
————
This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leaders," a gambling industry news channel:https://t.me/pasa_news
Original deep channel for gambling:https://t.me/gamblingdeep
Free data reports: @pasa_research
PASA Matrix: @pasa002_bot
PASA official website: https://www.pasa.news
