IWD: The importance of role models and becoming one yourself

When I joined the igaming industry, several companies had adopted the Swedish Film Institute’s 50/50 by 2020 gender parity campaign as their own targets, especially executive teams. This was a hugely positive move, and there have been many other noteworthy initiatives, non-profit organisations and communities that have sprung up since.

The companies that I have worked for both enjoyed a good gender split and an open-minded, international company culture. However, it cannot be said that that is enjoyed by all and there is still a long way to go to reach a truly unbiased work environment within our industry and beyond. This not only applies to women but all underrepresented minorities.

Sadly, we still see panels, boards and events that clearly lack varied representation. And yet, as long as we keep breaking barriers and learn to truly appreciate that innovation can only stem from embracing diversity and new perspectives, then we will keep moving in the right direction.

It is not just about reaching quotas. As a woman, I can truly say that I would never want to be hired for a job simply because I’m a woman. I’d want to know that I was hired because I was hands down the best candidate for the job.

The aim here is equal opportunity, equal pay, and a true, deeply ingrained lack of bias – towards woman, and in general. We are seeing more women holding space as conference keynotes. They are sitting at exec level, operating as CEOs, successfully opening their own companies, and driving important initiatives within the industry. All of that is brilliant – and hats off to every single one of them.

We can keep encouraging women into the space by continuing to network, educate, remove stereotypes, create opportunities, embrace equity, diversity and inclusion and aim to stop referring to male roles and female roles, or any other form of gender/minority boxing.

If we do truly observe a field where there is a distinct lack of gender diversity, we need to ask ourselves why that is and what we can do about it. Could we speak to high school or university students to encourage them to choose a path they otherwise perhaps wouldn’t have by explaining the opportunities available and offering internships? Could we train someone willing to try a new field? Simply put, we need to remember that we all have the power to impact change.

Being yourself

The simple answer is that I truly hope I am a role model. I have always done things with integrity, heart and humility, and if I manage to inspire others along the way, that would be extremely rewarding.

In relationships, I’m fiercely loyal; in business, I’m ambitious, pragmatic and devoted. As a manager, I pride myself on mentorship and empowering my team to work independently, recognise their true potential and grow in their careers. As a mother, I constantly feel like my heart is going to explode with pride and joy, whilst aiming to always make my children feel loved, heard and secure. I want them to know they have the support and confidence in life to be whoever they want to be and know that they can achieve anything they want to achieve.

Guiding hand

I truly believe that every single one of us is inspiring in our own way, and different people may inspire you in different ways depending on your own journey. Although there have been countless moments of inspiration and individuals who I saw as inspirational at different points, there have been some who stand out:

Growing up:

My parents. I won the lottery in this regard and am lucky to have parents who have always guided me to recognise what matters most, speak openly – and decisively, be independent, live passionately, express gratitude and be true to myself.

My parents do everything they do with a lot of love, and I would like to believe that has shaped me to do the same. As individuals, they have inspired me in too many ways to list here, and as a couple, they taught me what true teamwork is and what a genuine connection is all about.

Early adulthood, and still:

Pink, world renowned superstar, for her bravery, spirit, endless energy, lyrical genius, undeniable talent, humour and honestly, everything about her. She was a role model for me since her first song was released in 2000, and continues to be an inspiration for me to this day. Her approach to motherhood is also something that relate to, as I adore my children endless and seeing the world through their eyes. They teach you so much and are incredibly smart.

From a business perspective:

Sara Blakey, founder of Spanx, for her power of visualisation, humble nature, honest approach and fearless determination. She’s a true inspiration simply by being herself and talking openly in an effortlessly charismatic way about the good, the bad, the ugly within her journey to success.

Her focus on trusting your gut is also something that always resonated with me as it’s also a tool I have always used, and which I try to encourage my team and those I mentor to use without hesitation too, by trusting themselves. In my opinion, expressions like ‘common sense is not so common’ tend to stem, in part, from the fact that we overthink – in everyday moments, in leadership and all areas – rather than being intuitive.

Marija Hammon joined Relax Gaming from Catena Media in 2019 after a successful career in marketing and business which began after she completed her dual Masters Degree in Business Administration and Integrated Marketing at the University of Malta and San Diego State University.

Her career at Relax saw her start as brand and communications Manager. It was in this role that she quickly made her mark, helping rebuild the brand and revamping Relax Gaming’s website. She later moved into the role of product marketing manager before being promoted to head of marketing and most recently marketing director.