Last week, we introduced Être Girls, a mentorship organization for women and girls that partnered with Poker Power to connect students with successful female role models who also happen to be poker players. A highlight of this collaboration is an insightful interview with Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, CEO of the ILO Group and Founder of Women Leading Ed, conducted by Être member Amy Stulman.
In their conversation, Rafal-Baer reminisced about her time at the University of Cambridge, where she was the sole woman in the Graduate Union Poker Society. In a setting rife with gender bias, she defied stereotypes, proving that intellect and skill transcend gender. With every hand she played, Rafal-Baer showed that poker can be a platform where women assert their strengths and challenge expectations in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Rafal-Baer shared three key lessons from her poker experience that have profoundly shaped both her personal and professional life. First, she emphasized the importance of risk assessment and handling uncertainty. “Poker, like leadership, involves making decisions with incomplete information,” Stulman explained. This skill is vital for women in leadership, enabling them to face uncertainty with confidence.
The second lesson centered on the strategic use of silence. Stulman noted, “Sometimes, the most effective action is no action at all.” In both poker and leadership, silence can be a strategic tool, allowing others to reveal their intentions and fostering an inclusive environment that enhances strategic thinking.
Rafal-Baer also spoke about the importance of refusing to feel powerless. Stulman reflected, “Even in less-than-ideal circumstances, one can still play a strong hand.” This resonates deeply with women facing systemic biases. Rafal-Baer encouraged women to recognize their agency and challenge these biases, proving that success is achievable on their own terms.
These lessons extend beyond personal growth; they have practical implications for decision-making, particularly in negotiations. Stulman pointed to a statistic from the Women Leading Education 2024 National Insight Survey: “80% of school system leaders never received advice on negotiation.” Through poker, women can develop critical skills in reading situations, managing risk, and making strategic decisions under pressure. Rafal-Baer emphasized that assertiveness and empathy are not mutually exclusive but can work together, offering women an advantage in negotiations.
The pair also discussed poker’s innovative learning approach. “Poker embodies learning by doing,” Stulman explained, aligning with educational theories that promote experiential learning. “You don’t just study poker; you experience it,” she said, highlighting how the game helps internalize new skills.
For young women contemplating poker, the advice is simple: “Embrace the challenge.” Stulman encourages viewing poker as more than a game—it’s a catalyst for empowerment, fostering critical skills and personal growth. Rafal-Baer’s insights remind us of the power in challenging norms and seizing opportunities for growth, proving poker can be transformative for women everywhere.
The remarkable young women of Être Girls have eagerly absorbed these lessons, producing insightful reflections on their learning experiences. Stay tuned to this blog for more stories of the magic that happens when ambitious girls connect with mentors who are experts in their fields and who also know how to play the game of poker—both literally and figuratively. Today’s trailblazers have much wisdom to share, helping you go from being a spectator to claiming your seat at the table. “So, shuffle up and deal—your next big opportunity might be just a hand away!” Stulman concluded.
Written by Dr. Alexandra Doc Chauran
