Global Gaming Women (GGW), the leading organization that supports, inspires, and influences the development of women in the gaming industry, in partnership with the All-in Diversity Project, an industry-driven initiative that aims to benchmark diversity, equality, and inclusion in the global betting and gaming sector, held the first-ever “Virtual Lean-in Breakfast” on January 13 and 14, 2021. Leadership Coach and Bestselling Author Natalie Fikes served as Keynote Speaker.
Traditionally, the GGW Lean-in Breakfast is a mainstay event of the G2E experience with sold-out attendances. However, the change in the current environment took the breakfast virtual over two days and brought together both men and women from all gaming industry facets. Inspiration, encouragement, and connection were the overarching themes throughout both 2.5-hour sessions. The two-day event provided professional women in multiple time zones the opportunity to attend when ordinarily, the G2E Las Vegas in-person event is not an option.
The “Lean-in Circle Virtual Sessions” was hosted by prominent female leaders in gaming and moderators for active GGW Lean-in Circles with topics centered on current issues women encounter in the workplace:
- The Power of Empathy and Gratitude
- Childcare Challenges and Solutions
- Breaking the Burnout Cycle
- How to Pivot Your Career
- Promotion and Assuming a New Leadership Role
- Mentorship, Career Coaching, and Sponsorship
Three hundred sixty-three women participated in 37 Lean-in circle virtual sessions. They represented 15 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Ghana, Gibraltar, India, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States. The conversations were personal, thoughtful, dynamic while encouraging practical and inspirational life hacks that helped all face 2021 in an entirely new way.
“Global Gaming Women has proven to be more resilient than ever throughout 2020 and the changing environment we work in. This event is the culmination of the organization’s efforts to lift women in the gaming industry,” stated Holly Gagnon, GGW mentoring committee co-chair. “The partnership with the All-In Diversity Project was groundbreaking and I am so proud to report that our first European Lean-in Circle will launch in 2021 as well.”
“I was overjoyed to partner with Global Gaming Women. I believe this global collaboration will lead to improving our entire gaming industry by creating an inclusive culture for gaming and equalizing opportunities for women, which will lead to top talent across the work force,” said Kelly Kehn, co-founder of All-in Diversity Project and Global Relationships Director, SBC.
The 2020 Lean-in Breakfast kicked off Global Gaming Women’s 2021 Lean-in Circle application process (now closed) with more than 150 applications submitted exceeding expectations. By creating Lean In Circles specific to the gaming industry, GGW generates an opportunity for women within the industry to connect, learn, build relationships, and grow their careers.
