2004 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader

Cynthia Freschi

President
North American Video

 

Cynthia Freschi embodies her job, her industry, and her success. She is also proof that to do that, you don't always have to go far from home. Born and raised at the New Jersey shore not far from where she presently lives (and not far from her company's corporate headquarters in Brick, NJ), she is quick to mention her family as a major influence. She also keeps a solid ideal for herself in the business world. "Aside from my parents, husband and daughter, I have to say I've always admired people who started their businesses with nothing other than a vision and the determination to make it work," she says. "There are several—those who just felt they had a better solution than the mega-corporations of their day. And some with a dream that turned into a vision that became modern day Las Vegas. That's not to say that everyone who acts on an impulse will succeed. It is important to have a sound plan to fulfill your vision, and not even the best planned business ventures make it. No doubt there is an element of luck that needs to be in sync with your efforts."

Freschi is also idealistic about her own success, placing great value in knowing the "golden rule" and following it. "Treating people and customers the way you want to be treated I feel is number one in business and life," she says. Still, she balances that with pragmatism—"hard work, keeping your word, not being afraid to take chances"—and with a good measure of analytical thinking. "It is also important in this industry to stay on top of new developments in technology from several different fields, and then devise ways of integrating them to achieve the highest levels of performance and efficiency," says Freschi. "This has been one of our strong points here at North American Video."

Freschi does not deny that it may be harder for women to succeed than for men; she just doesn't let it bother her. "Gender has not been a big issue for me," she says. "Maybe because I have refused to let it, or blame my falling-shorts on it. I don't consider women at a real disadvantage; I just think we are slightly more challenged then men. My point being that I do not believe there are major obstacles for women in this industry. If you have the ambition and the knowledge, I feel woman can prove herself just as worthy as a man. If you know your product and customer needs—you'll get work. If you know your stuff better than the people sitting across the table from you—you'll gain respect. (That's what) garners business in this industry. Our reputation is what drives new business."

There is a good trend happening, and Freschi realizes it: she is not alone as a woman in the upper eschelons of gaming. "Women continue to gain management roles, from what I can tell," she says. "More and more women are showing up as department directors throughout the industry." Here, perhaps an element of her own segment of gaming takes over. "There are many women today who play prominent roles in the gaming and security and surveillance industry whose names I am not at liberty to mention," says Freschi, "but they are out there and doing a great job!"

Freschi summarizes her recipe for success as a woman in gaming with a statement that also perfectly summarizes the qualities making up who she is. "Knowledge, capabilities, integrity," she says, "plus a bit of luck and a tinge of attitude. Combine all these elements together and you are sure to make an impression and have success." And, not to forget the golden rule: "It also doesn't hurt to be surrounded by the good people here at North American Video who make me better."


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