Poker for Business: Ellen Leikind's Journey

Ellen Leikind, a veteran marketing executive with experience at Pfizer and L'Oreal, found a surprising connection between poker and the world of business. While playing recreational poker, she observed parallels between the strategies employed in poker and effective business negotiation. These insights led her to found PokerDivas in 2006, after a year away from corporate life.

• Leikind discovered that the principles of poker could be applied to develop leadership and negotiation skills in a professional setting.
• PokerDivas, a two-person company generating mid-six figures in revenue, trains teams at prominent companies like Allure, BMO, Chevron, and more.
• Her training programs emphasize risk-taking, reading people, and strategic decision-making, all crucial elements of successful business ventures.

Training Programs: From Poker to Corporate Success

Leikind's training programs incorporate mock tournaments to help participants identify areas for professional growth. These tournaments simulate real-world scenarios, encouraging individuals to embrace risk-taking and develop their strategic thinking.

• Leikind emphasizes the importance of patience in business, just as it is in poker, where waiting for the right opportunity is essential for success.
• She advocates for being comfortable with risk and not fearing potential losses, a crucial mindset for navigating the dynamic landscape of the corporate world.
• Participants learn to analyze situations, assess their own strengths and weaknesses, and make calculated decisions based on the information at hand.

From Women-Focused to Co-ed: Adapting to Demand

Initially, Leikind's programs targeted women, acknowledging that women often excel in patience and reading people, while men tend to be more aggressive and comfortable with risk-taking. However, due to high demand, her programs now cater to both genders, recognizing that a blend of these qualities is vital for business success.

• Leikind stresses that a combination of patience, risk tolerance, observational skills, and strategic decision-making is crucial for thriving in both poker and business.
• Her co-ed programs create a diverse learning environment where participants can learn from each other's strengths and develop a well-rounded approach to professional success.

PokerWoman: Applying Poker Principles to Life

Leikind authored "PokerWoman: How to Win at Love, Life, and Business using the Principles of Poker," which further underscores her belief in the applicability of poker strategies to diverse aspects of life.

• The book explores how to leverage poker principles to enhance relationships, navigate personal and professional challenges, and achieve success in various areas.
• Leikind's work emphasizes the universal nature of poker strategies, making them relevant for personal growth and professional advancement.

Beyond Corporate Settings: Lessons for Self-Employed Individuals

Leikind recognizes that her lessons are not only valuable for corporate employees but also for self-employed individuals. The fundamental principles of confidence in risk-taking and strategic decision-making apply equally to both groups.

• Self-employed individuals must assess their risk tolerance, make calculated decisions about their business ventures, and navigate the uncertain landscape of entrepreneurship.
• Leikind's approach encourages both corporate employees and self-employed individuals to develop a winning mindset, striving for success rather than merely avoiding failure.

Key Takeaways:

Leikind's insights bridge the gap between the world of poker and the world of business. She highlights the valuable skills that poker teaches and demonstrates how these skills can be applied to professional settings. Her approach empowers individuals to develop a strong sense of self-awareness, enhance their leadership qualities, and embrace calculated risk-taking to achieve success.

• Poker strategies can be effectively applied to enhance leadership, negotiation, and risk-taking skills in the business world.
• Developing a strategic mindset, reading people, and embracing calculated risks are essential for success in both poker and business.
• Leikind's training programs and her book, "PokerWoman," offer practical tools and frameworks to leverage poker principles for professional and personal growth.