CEO and Founder of Women Leading Ed and ILO Group, the writer recounts her experience as the only woman in a poker society in 2007, sharing how the game honed her leadership skills. She explains how poker taught her to be ambitious, assertive, commanding, and strategic. These lessons have become her superpower as she leads two organizations and coaches women leaders to advance in their careers. She notes the challenges women face in leadership roles and emphasizes the importance of women learning to excel in male-dominated environments.
The author highlights the launch of a poker platform for women in 2020, emphasizing that success, especially for women, is not based on luck but on skills like confidence and strategic thinking. She draws parallels between poker and leadership, noting the importance of assessing risk and uncertainty before taking action. Education leaders, like poker players, must make decisions with incomplete information and manage risks effectively. The author stresses the value of trust, flexibility, and confident decision-making in leadership.
The article discusses the interpersonal lessons learned from poker, such as the power of observation and silence. Understanding nonverbal cues and giving space for others to speak can be valuable skills in both poker and education leadership. The author emphasizes the need for women in leadership to refuse to be underestimated or powerless in a system that often stifles their rise. She encourages women to set goals, challenge their fears, and actively negotiate their worth in order to overcome self-doubt and achieve success.
The article touches on the disparity between men and women in leadership roles, noting that women often doubt their readiness and skills more than men do. However, targeted training in negotiation and compensation can significantly increase women’s chances of reaching the top. The author suggests that understanding poker psychology and strategies can help level the playing field for women in leadership. She stresses the importance of tenacity, adaptability, and strategic decision-making in leadership, highlighting the need for women to assert their power and play a strong hand in advancing their careers.
The author concludes by emphasizing that leadership, like poker, is not about chance but about skill. When women possess the necessary skills and believe in their own power, they can create their own luck and succeed in male-dominated environments. She envisions a future where women in leadership unite to cultivate winning qualities in the next generation of women. The writer urges women to stop waiting and start playing their strong hand in leadership, challenging outdated notions and striving for success in their careers.
