IWD: How the appetite for change must be acted upon

When I moved into the gambling industry from the world of big tech, I was met with a mix of enthusiasm and scepticism. It’s an industry often labelled as insular, male-dominated and slow to embrace change. 

And yet, I have found that fresh perspectives – especially those of women – are not just welcomed but needed.

My own career has been built on challenging expectations. 

Competing on The Apprentice in 2014, I had to prove my capabilities in a high-pressure, sometimes male-dominated environment, demonstrating resilience, strategic thinking and leadership. Behind the scenes there were moments of total vulnerability when I didn’t know who to trust or who was going to come after me in the boardroom, so I trusted my instincts and leaned into my integrity. 

Those same skills have been crucial in my move to gambling, an industry undergoing its own transformation. The gambling sector has a unique opportunity to shake off outdated norms and embrace diversity, not just as an ethical imperative but as a business one.

We know that businesses with greater gender diversity in leadership outperform their peers. Companies with at least 30% women in leadership roles can add up to 15% to their profitability. Diversity drives innovation, improves decision-making and strengthens workplace culture – key factors for long-term success in any industry, including gambling.

It’s why it’s so important companies carve out real opportunities.

Laying foundations for change

Having spent years at Meta, I had a front-row seat to the evolution of the ‘Lean In’ movement under then-COO Sheryl Sandberg. I saw the power of structured mentorship, sponsorship and allyship in driving meaningful change for women in leadership.

When I joined Flutter, I knew that fostering an inclusive workplace wasn’t about women supporting women in isolation – it had to be about all of us. That’s why I immediately got involved when Flutter UKI, on International Women’s Day 2024, launched Lean In Together.

This year for International Women’s Day, it’s an opportunity to drive tangible change. The industry has long faced scrutiny for its gender imbalance, and IWD gives us a platform to not just highlight the progress being made but also to hold ourselves accountable for the work still to be done.

With the launch of Lean In Together in Flutter, we took real action to create an environment where women aren’t just invited to the table – they are heard, valued and empowered. In our first year, we’ve seen incredible momentum, growing to over 400 participants. We introduced senior leader sponsorship, strengthened allyship and welcomed men into the conversation.

It’s also important to recognise that some people may feel that efforts to promote women’s advancement create an uneven playing field, where opportunities are being given based on gender rather than merit. This is an important concern, and one we must address transparently. The goal is not to replace one form of imbalance with another, it’s about ensuring that everyone – regardless of gender – has equal access to mentorship, career development and leadership opportunities. It’s about broadening the table, not pushing anyone out of their seat. 

For the gambling industry to truly evolve, we must engage more men in the conversation, not just as allies in name but as active participants in building a workplace that works for everyone. It means challenging outdated norms and being intentional about creating pathways for all employees to lead.

It means recognising that diversity is not a box to be ticked but a competitive advantage that drives better decision-making, stronger teams, and ultimately, a better industry.

The gambling industry has an opportunity to lead by example, to show that meaningful change is possible when we commit to it. I have been hugely encouraged by the openness I’ve encountered, not just within Flutter but across our great gaming suppliers and partners. The appetite for change is there – we just have to act on it.

Roisin Hogan is a standout leader reshaping the gaming industry through strategic innovation and customer-focused excellence. Roisin leads product and content for Flutter UKI, driving cutting-edge strategies that elevate player experiences in a highly competitive market.

Roisin is a chartered accountant and accomplished business leader with a track record of success in finance, big tech and the gambling industry. She began her career at EY before moving to Meta, where she developed expertise in commercial strategy, product innovation and content leadership.

A former finalist on The Apprentice, Roisin has since established herself as a dynamic leader in the gambling sector, driving growth and innovation while championing a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.

A mother of two young boys, she is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of talent to thrive.