In a unique blending of leisure and professional development, poker is entering the workplace, guided by the efforts of Jo Living, an avid card player. After achieving significant personal success in international poker, Living has embarked on a mission to empower employees, especially women, through poker workshops administered via her organization, Aces High. Her workshops aim to cultivate vital skills like negotiation and decision-making that are equally valuable on a poker table and in the boardroom.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Introduction to Poker in the Workplace |
| 2) Living’s Background and Love for Poker |
| 3) The Concept Behind Aces High Workshops |
| 4) Testimonials from Participants and Companies |
| 5) Future Plans for Aces High |
Introduction to Poker in the Workplace
The concept of using poker as a tool for workplace development is gaining traction, thanks to the innovative approach taken by Jo Living. In a landscape where team-building and skill enhancement are paramount, Living has recognized the potential of poker to teach critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and effective communication. Her workshops bring an unexpected twist to traditional corporate training, offering a fun and interactive environment for employees to learn and grow. By integrating poker into the workplace, Living is not only breaking down barriers but also helping employees harness their inner strength in unique ways.
Living’s Background and Love for Poker
A passion for cards has been part of Living’s life from a young age, with both of her parents being bridge teachers. Growing up, she developed an affinity for various card games; however, her journey into poker began only in her thirties. Her first taste of the gambling world’s excitement happened during a trip to Morocco nearly a decade ago. There, while pregnant, she not only ventured into a casino but ended up winning her first international poker tournament against hundreds of competitors.
Living recalled her experience vividly, saying,
“I was pregnant and sat in a smoky Moroccan casino at four in the morning, and I’d actually just beaten 200 men to win my first international poker tournament.”
This significant victory ignited a passion for the game that propelled her to share her skills with others. She began hosting informal poker games for her female friends and quickly observed their progress, with many gaining confidence to close deals and earn promotions at work.
The Concept Behind Aces High Workshops
With the aim of democratizing poker, Jo Living established Aces High, an organization dedicated to conducting workshops across the U.K. through which employees can harness the art of poker for personal and professional development. The workshops are particularly aimed at women, focusing on elevating their skills in a historically male-dominated environment. Living states,
“People think it’s about bluff and bravado, but actually it’s a lot of female skills.”
She stresses that many skills acquired from poker—like negotiation, communication, and deep listening—are directly transferable to business scenarios.
The workshops involve immersive experiences where participants engage in multiplayer poker games, under the guidance of professional dealers. Activities are designed not just to teach the rules of the game, but to enhance strategic thinking, risk assessment, and adaptability—qualities that can significantly impact an employee’s effectiveness in their job roles.
Testimonials from Participants and Companies
Companies like Stepping Stone Media have benefited from Aces High’s unique approach, rolling poker tables into their London office for tailored workshops. David Mynard, the managing director of Stepping Stone, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, stating,
“It feels good, I wouldn’t mind having a poker table in more often to be honest.”
His endorsement reflects a growing recognition of the value that such engaging activities can bring to company culture and employee morale.
During one of the recent sessions, approximately thirteen employees, both novices and experienced players, gathered around the tables as Living facilitated exercises emphasizing decision-making strategies and risk evaluation as they played. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere not only made learning enjoyable but also fostered team cohesion and communication among participants.
Future Plans for Aces High
Having witnessed the positive impact of her workshops, Jo Living has ambitious plans for expansion. She aims to franchise Aces High workshops throughout the U.K., with a long-term vision of extending her offerings into the U.S. market. This intention highlights not only the success she has garnered but also her commitment to empowering others through the lessons of poker. Living is adamant that poker teaches not only how to think strategically but also how to present oneself boldly, skills that are essential for women’s advancement in all spheres of life.
Furthermore, a key aspect of her workshops is that no real money is involved. Instead, participants use chocolate chips as a fun alternative, reinforcing the concept that betting on oneself is the most significant gamble of all—no matter what hand you are dealt in life.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jo Living is introducing poker as a professional development tool through her company, Aces High. |
| 2 | Living’s love for poker was ignited by a notable win at an international tournament while pregnant. |
| 3 | Aces High workshops focus on teaching critical skills through practical poker exercises. |
| 4 | Companies like Stepping Stone Media are embracing this innovative approach to employee training. |
| 5 | Living plans to expand Aces High internationally while maintaining a focus on empowerment and skill development. |
Summary
Through Aces High, Jo Living is redefining workplace training by merging poker with essential skill development. Her workshops not only bolster employees’ confidence and strategic thinking but also create a more engaging and inclusive corporate culture. With plans for expansion, Living’s initiative symbolizes a groundbreaking shift in how businesses approach professional development, illustrating the diverse skills that can be cultivated through unlikely avenues like poker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How does poker enhance workplace skills?
Poker enhances workplace skills by fostering strategic thinking, risk assessment, negotiation abilities, and effective communication. Players learn to make quick decisions based on limited information, a vital skill in a fast-paced work environment.
Question: Who benefits most from the Aces High workshops?
While Aces High workshops benefit all employees, they particularly aim to empower women in the workplace. Living focuses on fostering confidence and skills that can help bridge gender gaps in corporate structures.
Question: What is the significance of using chocolate chips instead of cash during workshops?
Using chocolate chips instead of cash allows participants to focus on the strategic aspects of the game without the stress of financial stakes. It ensures that the workshops remain a fun, low-pressure environment centered on personal growth and self-betting.
