Emily Leeb, founder of Saroca, explains how companies can maintain their culture despite the move to remote work and establish a trusting environment.
It is not easy to create a culture in a business that goes beyond the office. This has been an issue that many companies have faced, both within the gaming industry and beyond.
The onus falls on the company leader to optimise cultural interaction and support their team.
What is meant by optimising interaction?
Saroca was founded with the intention of giving companies the chance to invest in themselves and their culture. After working in corporate transformation for over 11 years, I decided to apply my experience to igaming.
I admit that when I started in the industry I knew very little about igaming. Although I knew about online poker and casinos, I had no clue how complex and vast the ecosystem was. I was totally taken aback! It was not long before I became enamoured by the world of online gaming.
When CalvinAyre.com launched in 2009, I was the first production manager. My new role would require me to travel all around Europe covering igaming conferences, parties, and events as well as manage reporters, cameras, promo models and budgets. It was not until later that I realised how many opportunities this role would bring me.
Attending events in Europe and North America taught me so much. In my interviews, I had the opportunity to gain unique insight into our evolving industry from high-profile igaming executives like Sue Schneider or Bill Pascal III.
The first Women in Gaming Awards were covered, as well as Ivonne Montalegre’s Punta Cana Poker Classic. We also spent several years covering the WSOP, including interviews with poker stars like Daniel Negreanu, and Annie Duke. These experiences have taught me so much and I’ve formed incredible friendships that continue to last today.
Define company culture
The fun I had along the way and the people I met were the reasons I joined the industry. I loved the innovative, creative, genuine, and honest individuals that seemed to gravitate to this area. This hasn’t altered 11 years on.
How we define corporate culture is one of the most significant changes I’ve seen. It has become more apparent in the past 18 months as people return to work.
Many people believe that culture is the “way we do things around here”. It’s true, to an extent. But culture is so much more. The way in which we communicate with each other is a reflection of our culture. This includes verbal, nonverbal, and transactional communication styles, as well as how we interact and treat our clients and vendors.
How to create a virtual culture that is strong
The culture can be measured by how much blame, shame, and complaint we do or see, and also how transparent the leadership is about what’s happening and how we receive and give feedback. Organisational culture is a complex issue, and there are many ways to improve it.
We at Saroca believe that culture is present in every interaction between people, be it with colleagues, clients or vendors. This means that culture can be found in email, at the water-cooler, during a virtual conference or with a client.
Our partners learn that by improving the way they communicate with each other, their customers and their vendors you can create a virtual culture.
Saroca can tailor training programs to optimize cultural interactions. We help employees see how their actions, communication, and conduct affect the company’s culture.
Trust in the workplace
You need to create an atmosphere of trust if you want your virtual business to be successful. It is important to trust that others will do their jobs, while also having tools available to quickly and efficiently rebuild trust. Our managers must develop close relationships with their direct report, which will inspire them to do the best job they can.
If you are running a virtual business, a hybrid one, or if your company is in person, it’s important to invest into your team. It is important to hire a HR professional who understands how to develop each department’s head, and then those working under him or her.
It is particularly important if your business operates remotely or in a hybrid environment. By doing retreats, off-sites and team building, you can bring humanity to your workplace.
Some companies don’t have budgets for these things. They can however start by inviting virtual guests to their meetings or adding something new, such as a virtual game, or an icebreaker, into the mix.
A new approach to company culture
It may seem difficult to create and maintain a corporate culture at first. It doesn’t need to be. You are in the right direction as long as your intentions are good and you have a vision of what you would like to see your business stand for.
Saroca is a company that makes its living from this. We do this – well.
Our customised services allow organisations to make the most of their talents. We offer customised opportunities for organisations to invest in their talent.
Since over 11, I have worked in corporate transformation. I know what works, and more importantly what doesn’t.
The company was about to go public. The company is based in Palo Alto California and has 17 offices around the globe. Virtual workers are also located all over. Saroca came in as a result of two failed attempts to develop virtual talent.
Now, we’re launching with them our third global virtual leadership programme. We are proud to be their partner in leadership development. They announced their IPO this spring.
What else could I say about our ability to make a difference by working with Saroca?
Emily Haruko Leeb, a life and leadership expert with over ten years of experience in the corporate world. Her experience spans over 10 years in corporate transformation. At the age of 19, she began her journey as a serial entrepreneur when she started her direct sales business. She then went into advertising and has since worked in the media production sector within igaming.
