10 Women Rising in Gaming
Sharon Blecker
Current company and role: Executive Director of Transformation for Gaming at Light & Wonder
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
First job in the gaming industry: Organizational Change Management Consultant
Did you apply for work in other industries? Do you think it was easier to find a job in gaming than other career paths?
I worked in pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defense, utilities, financial services, gaming, higher education, child services, and mental health. With all my experience, I can confidently say there is nothing like a career in gaming. I do think getting into the gaming industry can be very competitive. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a part of creating worlds of play?
What do you like about working in gaming?
Growing up in Las Vegas, I grew up seeing the bright lights and hearing stories about people’s jobs in the gaming industry. They were so excited about the projects they were working on and the casinos they got to enhance. Now it’s my turn. Just like that feeling of pulling a seat up to your favorite machine anticipating a jackpot, that’s the rush I get when I pull up to work. I have a seat at the table where we create, implement, and collaborate on the next great ideas to take the gaming industry to the next level. It’s my job as the Executive Director of Transformation to make sure that we are on task and on budget to break through boundaries.
Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?
As established, powerful, and as massive as the gaming industry is, everyone is always looking for the next great idea. For someone who does change for a living, this is the ultimate career jackpot!
Were you familiar with gambling before landing a job in the industry? What were your thoughts about it before starting to work in gaming? Has your impression of the industry changed at all?
I grew up in Las Vegas and witnessed the positive impact the gaming industry made on our community. It provided lifelong career paths with unique growth opportunities in all areas of the business. Now, I am proud to be a part of an industry that boldly stands for what is right. From promoting women in gaming, to supporting problem gambling prevention, to creating awareness around sex trafficking, the list goes on.
Can you envision making a career in the gaming industry? What are your long-term goals?
Absolutely! My goal is to serve as a role model for young women. I want to demonstrate that the gaming industry welcomes all walks of life and encourages diversity of ideas.
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