10 Women Rising in Gaming
Kiley Proffitt
Company, position: Konami Gaming, Senior Systems Business Development Executive
Years of experience in the gaming industry: 9
Hometown: Ozark, Arkansas
What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?
I had little exposure to gaming when I started in the industry as Director of Marketing for the Seminole Nation Gaming Enterprise. Until then, my career experience was primarily communications, creative services and marketing. I witnessed the incredible social and community impacts of tribal gaming first-hand while working for the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma in a role responsible for creating content and assisting in the design and production of the Chickasaw Country Travel Guide. Many Oklahoma communities are thriving due largely to tribal developments and enterprises, as well as strong relationships between municipalities and tribes. The immense growth and social impacts were inspiring, and I dreamed of being a part of it! It was during this time a friend and mentor, Erica Kosemund, was also employed with the Chickasaw Nation. Her career success in gaming marketing played another crucial role in my personal aspirations to take the leap into gaming.
Were you familiar with gambling, casinos, sports betting or any of the other facets of the industry before you started? Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?
I was slightly familiar with gaming operations before I started in the industry. The diverse landscape of technology and operational verticals has been most surprising.
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
I thrive in environments full of connection, or the opportunity for it. I view the operational landscape, both people and technologies, as a web of equally important and connected pieces that each significantly impact and fuel one another. A missing link or break in the systems of people, processes and technologies used across an organization can significantly impact employee and patron experiences. The unique part of gaming operations is the multitude of business areas and need for each to have thriving processes and functional technology resources. It’s important for all systems to communicate and bring the operation together.
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
Don’t be afraid to jump right in! Find a sponsor or mentor and grow your network. The industry is full of opportunity and there are many resources available, like Global Gaming Women’s One Up One Down Mentorship Program or Lean in Circles, to aid in development and connection.
What are your long-term goals? What do you hope to accomplish?
My current business development role with Konami’s SYNKROS team has allowed growth in product sales operations and processes. The previous 5+ years of my career were primarily product marketing and branding. I’m a firm believer neither sales nor marketing can exist without one another, and both are crucial to customer journeys, relationships and product adoption. Long term, I plan to continue developing in these areas and bridging gaps across teams to provide stronger customer experiences, teamwork and brands as I accomplish leading successful revenue-impacting teams. Continued contributions to GGW’s Mentorship Committee and furthering my impact within the organization is also important to me.
Do you think there is a personality type that’s well suited for this industry? What personality traits do you possess that help you in this industry?
When you think of the numerous areas across the industry, you realize there are many skillsets and personalities – supply chain, sales, project management, development, food & beverage, hotel, analysts, etc. So many! If there are a few things we all need to be well-suited, I’d say: empathy, grit, creativity, flexibility, courage and problem solving.
What do you wish you would have known starting out in gaming?
I’ve always been curious and have never been afraid to seek mentorship and learn something new. However, I wish I had a little more confidence and courage early on to acknowledge that although I walked in with little gaming experience, my experience was credible and created a solid foundation for a successful career in the industry. I held the reins back a bit before feeling confident enough and finding my voice.
Do you have any resource recommendations/suggestions for other people who desire a career in gaming?
Some of my most influential mentors – who have also become friends – are female leaders met through Global Gaming Women. GGW provides many free resources and educational opportunities. Also, take advantage of sessions at events like OIGA or G2E where you can hear conversations on trends to spark self-education, grow your network and find other vendors/resources.
How do/did you overcome adversity in the industry?
Realizing I was not alone in my career journey and self-development as I entered the industry was helpful. I’m fortunate to have a handful of mentors on my personal support team who have guided me in different ways or thrown opportunities my way because they believed in me. Some of these relationships have developed beyond work into true friendships.
We all know life and work are not easily balanced and are best described as a work-life flow. Within the past year, I experienced an unimaginable life event and lost my son, Jack. To be receiving this recognition, 10 Women Rising in Gaming, after working through such, is quite honorable. So many people I have met through the industry have helped and continue to help me rise from one of the hardest things I will ever experience. I find inspiration in so many around me, as I continue devoting time to GGW Mentorship and other programs or efforts. Know you are never alone and that you can do hard things. It doesn’t have to be perfect, productive or pretty, just keep showing up. Others will show up for and with you. Find gratitude in little things and when you’re ready, seek the opportunities within the hardship. You will likely find you are braver and stronger than you ever dreamed.
